Legions Of Doom – The Skull 3
Reviewed by: Blake Mossey
Review Score: 9
The loss of Eric Wagner in 2021 cast a long shadow over what was to be the third album by The Skull. However, guitarist Lothar Keller and bassist Ron Holzner have transformed this loss into a new beginning with LEGIONS OF DOOM. With drummer Henry Vasquez, guitarist Scott Little, and vocalists Karl Agell and Scott Reagers joining the lineup, the band honors Wagner’s legacy while moving forward in a new direction. Holzner reflects on the process, sharing that Wagner had left behind a file titled “New Skull Record,” filled with lyrics for the tracks they were working on. With the blessing of Wagner’s family, Holzner was able to complete the songs using Wagner’s words. Wagner’s vocals even feature on the track “Heaven,” ensuring his presence resonates throughout the album. But LEGIONS OF DOOM isn’t just a tribute act. They’re forging ahead with something fresh and powerful. The combined talents of Reagers and Agell, supported by a seasoned lineup, inject new energy into the band. Their debut single “All Good Things,” paired with a Deep Purple cover on the B side, (Into The Fire) hints at a future full of promise. This isn’t a mere homage—it’s the start of a new chapter.
I began listening to Trouble/The Skull back on Trouble’s debut album Psalm 9 (1984). As soon as I heard the title track from that album I was won over. They became and still are one of my favourite bands. I am not a big doom listener but this band and all their carnations has always hit home with me. And no, it’s not the religious overtones of the lyrics. Doesn’t matter if your saying Love Satan or God as long as the music hits me that’s all I need. Love most of their albums. The albums Run To The Light and Self titled albums didn’t do a lot for me but the first 2 albums I love and after the self titled came my favourite album Manic Frustration followed by Plastic Green Head. When the band switched to be named The Skull I also really enjoyed those two albums and now here we are with Legions Of Doom, and this album The Skull 3.
The album starts off with Beyond The Shadow of Doubt, a great opening track and let’s the listener know your in for the classic doom thunder this band is capable of bringing. 2nd track is the 1st single from the album All Good Things and it’s another stomper. It is the first true Legions of Doom song. Lyrics wrote by Wagner and sang by Agell and its great that this album features a lot from Wagner and makes it more special. This track is about the ability to convey hope and redemption amid pain and despair.
“And so dear friends, you have to carry on. All good things come to those who wait.”
Lost Soul is my early album favourite track. It’s a very heavy and brooding piece and gives me everything I appreciate about this band. Opening line of the song “Voices In The Darkness Of Your Mind”.
A Voice Of Reason is the shortest track but also the fastest on the album with lots of heavy thundering drums and great riffing. Slows down a little with Between Darkness and Dawn with a eerie opening and great vocal performance. As you might expect this album features a lot of dread, despair and mourning. One of the heavier tracks Insecticide picks the pace back up again with more heavy guitar riffs.
Track 7 is the most emotional song on the album as it features vocals from Eric Wagner. He was always a master of the ballad type songs and his vocals were taken from a acoustic track of Heaven. It is very hauntingly beautiful. If you really take in the situation of his passing and his input in this album it can give you chills. The album finishes off with 9 minutes of doom heaven. No pun intended.
In conclusion this is a great album. A great tribute to Wagner and will be a treat for fans of Trouble and The Skull. Definitely high on my list for favourite album of the year.