RIOTLEGION - Legion of Chaos

This might be a review that should have been done earlier in the year as I have been looking into this act for quite a while, but I deem it now over never to get a little discussion going on about the solo debut album from Michael Le Roy Coultas AKA RIOTLEGION. Based in Seattle, Washington in the USA, this man delivers some of the punchiest electro-industrial that I've ever had the pleasure of listening to.

I open my arms and give a warm welcome to this bloke as he delivers out Legion of Chaos, a nine track release featuring seven of his own as well as two remixes. A nice little EP to get the masses to know the sounds of the band. Let's have at it.

The Legion opens up the album and immediately surges out with what I'll be expecting to be his signature sound. A nice, hard and edgy bass driven sound with vocals that are calm and contained, yet lyrically angry and spiteful. For Justice sort of continues on in the same momentum, with a similar tempo flow, yet the vocals are more audible rather than not.

Serving out an instrumental with a more light hearted appeal, perhaps due to the fact that the enraged carolling is now gone, came in Don't Look At Me. Top Notch Beating gave off a second set of chords that were deeper, more cleaner, more able to be heard before the regular voice came in. Another well worn song that I'd listen to twice.

Resistor, Power Of Light, and Call To Arms (Pre-Emptive mix) each continued on the sounds of the previous songs, implementing glitchy samples and gritty and pounding tunes.

Then the track For Justice got the remix treatment by Shane Saw of W.A.S.T.E., as well as Craig Johnsen and Jared Slingerland of Knifed. What I liked about the W.A.S.T.E. remix was the fact that he took the time to let the audience know and love the song. Lovingly caressing each beat, each sound and effect, each lyric which slowly led into the main course was a splendid decision. Knifed brought along a cleaner mix of the song, using more electronic effects to a wise hold. A little wobbly which might make a few get turned off in the first place, I felt it was relatively well done.

As far as constructive criticism goes, I think the structures of the songs could use some work. The overall sound was pleasant and gruesome to the ear in one shot, but I felt as if a few of the tracks were all too straightforward, serving to lay out a simple set tone and deliver through. Which they did well. But, after listening to a sound for a little over three minutes can bore. If there were a few more surprises here and there, a twist and turn to get the excitement nice and refreshed, would do wonders.

But, other than that, I think this was a very decent package. CDs are still available, so pick one up if you want and support these guys. I think there'll be more to show in the future from them. Jul 28 2014