Conqueror

Imagine my surprise when, just last year, I learned that Indiana actually has a heavy metal scene. Now granted I’ve only been into heavy metal for around 4 years now, and heavy metal was not something I associated with Indiana. In fact I never really knew of any other metalheads other than myself (at least in my area of the state). Mostly you’ll find those that are into country, rap, mallcore, etc. living here. But apparently there are more metalheads out there, and there’s actually a fairly good metal scene here. One of the bands I’ve heard so far are brutal death metal band Legion, based out of Muncie. Legion consists of Daniel Isley (bass/vocals), Jared Soutwick (guitars), Sean King (guitars), and David Dalton (drums).

So what will one find upon listening to Conqueror? Most would probably think that since Legion are a brutal death metal band, then it’ll be nothing but “senseless blasting” throughout, with hardly a break in the speed. Well you are correct in the fact that there are blast beats, however drummer David Dalton doesn’t stick to simply blasting away. Instead you also get treated to plenty of double bass, as well as varied rhythms throughout. The bass is audible throughout the album, in fact it reminds me of Alex Webster’s bass sound on most Cannibal Corpse albums. Isley’s vocals are a medium range growl, delving a little deeper here and there, but never reaching the true guttural level of some death metal vocalists (ie Jamie Bailey-vocalist of Brodequin). Guitars are fairly good, though nothing overly outstanding, but still that’s not deny the abilities of Southwick and King. Far from it, these guys do write some good memorable riffs and are certainly talented guitar players.

If you like brutal death metal, certainly check out this band. Some would say it’s nothing overly original, which may be true, but it’s still a great release.