Review | Rising Steel – Legion Of The Grave

Frontiers Music S.r.l.

When French-based metallers Rising Steel drop a new album, you expect a fusion of classic heavy metal muscle with a modern melodic edge, and `Legion of The Grave’ delivers on that promise. Frontiers Music continues to back the band’s vision of potent riffing and soaring vocals. Classic ingredients by the dozen, tons of riffs and pitched vocals atop soaring melodies — the album meanders down familiar ground. `Legion of The Grave’ is stable and comfortable and will certainly please fans of US power metal as well as NWOBHM devotees.

CLASSIC APPEAL

From the gloomy opening salvo of ,,Betrayer” and its sterling riffs onward, Rising Steel prove once again they’re no strangers to precision riffing. Guitarists Tony Steel and Steff Leadmaster lock into tight harmonized leads and chugging rhythms with impressive dexterity. The dual-guitar interplay feels deliberately crafted, adding to the classic appeal. The use of galloping triplets, palm-muted rhythmic accents, and melodic phrasing reveals a band steeped in the traditions of NWOBHM and classic power metal, yet filtered through a modern production lens that ensures every note cuts through with clarity and punch.

,,King of the Universe” blends immense interplay and wonderful production, bridging classic metal eras front to back, while ,,Legion of the Grave” and ,,Night Vision” touch Judas Priest’s discography without lacking the crush of thrash metal, both vocally and instrumentally. Drummer Steel Zard’s work is tight and controlled, serving the songs with some light excess flash. The fills and double bass patterns are well-executed but never overly complex; they prioritize groove and momentum over technical fireworks, which fits the album’s straightforward approach. The foundation is solid and powerful. Stone Warrior’s bass duties are steady and consistent, providing a solid low-end foundation that keeps the riff machine well-grounded. A tad heavier, the band introduces their 80s thrash and hardcore flavour to the mix with ,,Messiah of Death”. It’s a pleasant kind of rumble propelling the album differently.

CLASSIC METAL ROOTS

Vocally, frontman Emmanuelsen delivers with a strong midrange grit that suits the metal framework and extends from their classic metal roots to their more anger-packed thrashier outings. His phrasing and melodic choices align well with the riff structures, but there are moments when the vocal melodies feel predictable, lacking surprise. Soaring accolades or a more dynamic range are needed to create truly memorable hooks that would help the material gel better. On ,,Black Martin” and ,,Nightmare”, he touches his heaviest growl underneath roaring power vocals. There are hints of Sabbath’s post-Ozzy era shining through in his delivery, yet rawer and more anger-laden.

The choruses, while anthem-ready, lean on conventional intervals and progressions, which limits their emotional impact. Stepping up for the heavier section, Emmanuelsen mans up in different scales, belting out with sincerity.

On construction, the band sticks closely to a reliable formula: intro riff, verse, chorus, guitar solo, repeat. It’s served in thick layers, making it easy to adjust yourself to. The solos, while technically proficient, favour melodic phrasing and tasteful bends over shredding or experimental scales, emphasizing feel over flash. However, this also means that while the performances are solid, the songs rarely throw curveballs or break from expected patterns. ,,Venomous” and ,,Dead Mind” are solid but lack an unexpected twist other than shifting gears.

METAL CHURCH AND NEVERMORE

This is where Rising Steel’s latest shows some limitations. Their technical skills and tightness are beyond question, yet `Legion of The Grave’ rarely ventures into unpredictable territory. And when it does, one wonders whether their heavier sound isn’t the better match. The album remains firmly planted in mid-tempo, riff-driven metal territory, and when they step beyond on ,,Trapped in a Soul’s Garden”, you hear they can blend Metal Church with Nevermore. Their safe approach keeps the energy consistent but also hinders excitement for those seeking innovation or complexity. That said, there are standout moments where the band’s chemistry shines, particularly in how the guitars weave harmonized leads over a locked-in rhythm section, creating a textured sonic landscape that rewards close listening. The production enhances this interplay well, giving each instrument space without overcrowding the mix. The power is captured perfectly, as is the musical interaction.

RISING STEEL – THE CONCLUSION

`Legion of The Grave’ is a well-executed, technical heavy metal record that will satisfy fans craving solid riffs and powerful arrangements. Rising Steel demonstrate strong musicianship and cohesive songwriting but play it safe within familiar melodic and structural confines. The album’s strengths lie in its clean execution and high production values, but it misses opportunities to surprise or challenge the listener. For those who appreciate classic melodic metal delivered with polish and precision, this record delivers exactly what you expect.

But all in all: enjoyable and well executed.

Release date: 29 August 2025