Legions Of Bastards cover

Legions Of Bastards

Wolf · 2011

62 min · 13 tracks · speed metal

Frenetic guitar riffs and relentless rhythms create a high-octane speed metal experience that embodies pure aggression.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Skull Crusher — The track stands out with its aggressive tempo and catchy chorus, encapsulating the raw energy that characterizes the album. Its anthemic quality makes it a fan favorite during live performances.
  • →
    Jekyll & Hyde — This song showcases dynamic shifts between melodic verses and explosive choruses, reflecting the band's ability to blend storytelling with powerful instrumentation. The lyrical theme of duality resonates throughout the track.
  • →
    Full Moon Possession — With its haunting melodies and driving rhythm, this track exemplifies Wolf's knack for atmospheric storytelling within a speed metal framework. It highlights the band's versatility while maintaining a relentless pace.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album delivers intense speed metal with strong musicianship and some memorable melodies, though it may not have wide-reaching influence.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature abrupt tempo shifts, particularly in the middle section, where 'Absinthe' slows down momentarily before ramping back up.
  • The final three tracks maintain a high energy level but introduce more melodic elements, contrasting with the earlier aggression.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • high-energy headbanging sessions
  • cathartic aggression release
  • late-night adrenaline rush
  • fast-paced driving soundtrack
  • intense riffs for workout

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer mellow, soothing sounds
  • seek slow, reflective tempos

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2011, Legions Of Bastards marked Wolf's fifth studio album, following their previous record, Ravenous. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their presence in the Swedish heavy metal scene and continued to refine their sound. This album showcased their commitment to classic speed metal while embracing modern production techniques.
Stylistic neighbors
Sabaton· DragonForce· HammerFall

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Vicious Companions 3:41
  • 2 Skull Crusher 3:47
  • 3 Full Moon Possession 4:26
  • 4 Jekyll & Hyde 5:39
  • 5 Absinthe 4:44
  • 6 Tales From the Crypt 5:55
  • 7 Nocturnal Rites 5:34
  • 8 Road to Hell 4:12
  • 9 False Preacher 3:58
  • 10 Hope to Die 4:34
  • 11 K-141 Kursk 6:02
  • 12 6 Steps 4:53
  • 13 Method to Your Madness 4:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata