Album Notes

Self-titled and self-released. This is the Demo version of material off of Legion Within's Debut album "Ayumi". Hear how these six songs were originally recorded before they were remixed or rerecorded.

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Reviewed by Kevin Filan , Starvox Magazine

Most of today's "Goth" bands are far more influenced by Depeche Mode or Flock of Seagulls than by Bauhaus or the Cure; the "Goth" bands of tomorrow seem more interested in Psytrance and Illbient than in Andrew Eldritch or Siouxie Sioux. Seattle's Legion Within may well be among the last of a dying breed: an honest-to-goodness Gothic Rock band. Their "Within" is a solid opening effort, which shows that there are still some gems to be found in that almost-forgotten genre.

Kristoffer Larsen's production is particularly impressive; Legion may well want to consider bringing Larsen on board as an official member. His reverb-heavy mix echoes (sorry, but I couldn't resist) Phil Spector's Wall of Sound.

William Wilson's crooned-spoken baritone vocals are in the grand tradition of Peter Murphy or David Bowie.

Legion Within's musical skill is evident throughout the CD. "He Moves" opens outside the standard Gothic Rock 4/4 model, and Lisa Smith's cello playing provides some interesting atmospherics throughout, particularly in "Song for the Sun (the Fluid Song)." I was also impressed by keyboard player Marcus Krieg and guitarist Shannon Cole, whose fuzzy sweet-and-sour riffs call to mind Seattle's grunge scene. They've definitely got a good foundation here.