LEGEND - ANTHOLOGY

Monster Records
Legend is one of the all-time greatest heavy metal bands. You heard me right, this band is right up there with Sabbath, Purple, Priest, Maiden and Metallica. So they may not have sold a million records, in fact, apart from a handful of hard-core underground metal fans, this band is unheard of. But, then again, great metal was never based on popularity! In my humble opinion, Legend were the reigning kings of the NWOBHM, although they never got the respect, or credibility, as bands like Motorhead, Saxon, Iron Maiden, and Def Leppard have received throughout the years. Shit, even the lesser know British metal bands of that time, such as Angelwitch, Tygers Of PanTang, Tank, Raven, Jaguar, Venom, Diamond Head, Savage, and Holocaust got loads more attention and respect than Legend ever received. One thing is for sure, Legend were truly underground!

This double CD package includes Legend's groundbreaking self-titled debut (originally released in '81) and their follow-up record "Death In The Nursery" (originally released in '82), along with the 4-track "Frontline" EP and rare demo recordings (6 songs) from 1983. The brainchild of Legend is guitarist/songwriter Pete Haworth. Pete is without question a true musical genius, his songs are immensely heavy, yet incredibly melodic and emotional. And he is quite possibly the best lyricist in heavy metal music. I'm so glad they included the lyrics in the booklet, as their debut vinyl never had a lyric sheet. Now onto the songs... Disc one opens with one of the heaviest songs ever written, "Torture" (the original vinyl had "Bad Girl" as the opener.) This song's "legendary" three and a half minute intro leads into the best metal-shuffle riff I've yet to hear. And the vocals! Mike Lezala has the most incredible voice - so melodic, and ever-so eerie. And his harmonies are absolutely flawless! (I'll quickly mention some of the other highlight tracks before this review becomes an essay!) "Hiroshima," "Buried Alive," and "Negligence" are all extremely powerful and incredibly emotional classics. Disc two features the "Death In The Nursery" album along with their '83 demo. I think I actually prefer DITN over their debut album. Two musical masterpieces, and each so uniquely different. The songs on DITN show a bit more diversity and melody with a twisted Pink Floydish aura. This album, to me, is a conceptual masterpiece, comparable to Pink Floyd's "The Wall," Queensryche's "Operation Mindcrime" and Poison's "Look What The Cat Dragged In" (yes, that's a joke.) The opener, "Why Don't You Kill Me" is one of my personal faves but truthfully sounds out of sequence (I prefer the vinyl version with "Choices" opening the disc.) "Prisoner," "Time Bomb," and the title track are just a few of my other faves, each displaying Haworth's brilliant axe-work and, again, Lezala's phenomenal vocals.

The only disappointment I have with this package (apart from certain tracks from the Frontline EP and '83 demo) is the fact that this CD was neither re-mixed nor properly re-mastered from the original vinyl version. It sounds almost as if the disc was burned directly from the vinyl recording (in fact, you can still hear the vinyl hiss.) Anthology is one of those albums (as I mentioned in the "Killing Is My Business..." review) that I always dreamed would be remixed, remastered and released on CD. Not that the production was necessarily bad, it's just that it was obviously recorded on a very low budget (as were most of the indie NWOBHM releases in the early '80s.) Just think of the impact, if Legend's self-titled debut had a modern mix bringing out the guitars and drums, this album would be more potent than the entire Metallica catalog! But as you know, dreams don't always come true and I guess I should be fortunate that the band released this double CD package as is and didn't opt to go the route of Saxon (see "Heavy Metal Thunder" review) and completely re-record all the tracks! A must buy for any music fan! - Bob Nalbandian - Shockwaves Magazine

LEGEND "ANTHOLOGY"(MONSTER) RATING: 9 (out of 10)

Legend was an 80's band that fit the NWOBHM category but was largely overlooked by the labels of the day because of their geographical location: the boys were not from the mainland, but from the Isle of Jersey. Amazing that they were able to create a band there at all, with almost no places to play and little resources. They put out two self financed vinyl albums and an EP between 1980 and 1984 but then broke up. The albums had gotten great reviews and sold well, creating a fan base that attracted continuing attention up through today, which inspired Monster Records to issue this two disc retrospective, which includes some previously unreleased material from the band's archives.

I did not know of Legend back in the 80's so it was interesting to hear their material from the perspective of a new era. Fans of bands like Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath will be as fascinated as I am with this material. I still have my Black Sabbath etc vinyl albums I will note! Considering this stuff was made and released by the band themselves, and how different technology was 20 years ago, the material stands up surpassingly well. You can hear much of the stylistic precursor of today's guitar heroes and today's metal and AOR. At the same time, there are some damn good songs on here. The band tended to write gloomy, dark lyrics against a melodic metal base. I fell in love with songs like "Buried Alive", "Song for a Soldier", "Stormers of Heaven", "Open Up the Skies", the lovely somber ballad "Sabra & Chatila", "Why Don't You Kill Me", "Warrior", "Catch a Moment" just to mention a few!

These guys were great musicians, vocalist Mike Lezala has an excellent sound, and the songwriting is damn good--it is a shame they never got a break. If they had, they'd have been huge. It is easy to see why fans still remember them. Definitely check out this two CD collection.. I think you will enjoy it both for its past, and for its current appeal. - Euphony Magazine

"LEGEND
Anthology
Monster Records
This has been a highly anticipated release by the numerous NWOBHM fanatics and will give those who don’t have the money or the record player a chance to hear this legendary band from the British isle of Jersey. Although there had been a limited CD release Retroshock 1981-1984 this is the first time the complete works of Legend have been released on the digital format. Included are the self-titled debut album from 1981, the second album from 1982 Death in the Nursery, the EP Frontline from 1982 and a rare demo from 1983. It is always difficult to describe music of this sort because it has been taken out of its historic context and, for most readers, comparisons to latter day artists only make sense. Suffice therefore to say that, musically this is top-notch British heavy metal. Not as heavy as Iron Maiden perhaps but verging more on the hard rock of that era. Legend contains the heavier material with Hiroshima and Buried alive verging on what Trouble later exemplify as doom, the 9-minute epic Song for a Soldier and practically only the uptempo Bad Girl hinting at the more up beat material that was to follow. Death in the Nursery contains more straight forward songs with more of an upbeat groove, the title track for example sounds a lot like Motorhead with the distinct exception that Legend put a lot of effort in creating a highly challenging and interesting instrumental mid-section. Stand-out track is Prisoner with its heavier and more ethereal parts as well as the psychotic psychedelic ending. Frontline shows the best production and is more accessible with most of the songs containing an incentive rhythm and hints of Rush in the guitar work. Stand-out track is the balladesque Sabra and Chatila. The 1983 demo shows a departure from the hard rock roots, with different musical influences like new wave and jazz creeping in. Blasphemic as it may be, I personally find the most pleasure in listening to these songs. Sounding like a completely different band, the demo contains some excellent radio friendly songs reminding me of The Police meets XTC with the hard rock roots only appearing during the extensive solo sections. As we have come accustomed to, the double CD comes in great packaging, with a biography and almost all the lyrics. This is very close to an essential part of a serious metal fan’s CD collection". (CR) Edge of Time

"NWOBHM heaven awaits for any soul that wishes to purchase this definitive collection from Jersey's Legend. 1981's "Legend" debut, shows a band that could deliver death defying heavy riffs and whirlwind solos and remains a much sought after classic. By 1982's "Death in the Nursery" the band have fine-honed their sound with better song-writing, better solo work and fantastic vocals and intelligent lyrics delivered by Mike Lezala. This CD also includes the "Frontline" 12" EP and a 6 track demo. With an improved sound from their "Retroshock" single CD and with a professional 16 page inlay, including archive photos and biography, this is a brilliant tribute to a very influential band". - Black Tears

Legend: Anthology
If you’re into old New Wave of British Heavy Metal then this is one of the absolute essential jems of the era. Two CD set that combines their ultra classic first and second albums as well as the ultra rare Frontline E.P. and an unreleased demo from ’83. Total killer metal with plenty of heavy-ness to the fore – some absolutely smoking geetar work etc… I dunno – you just need this if you’re into heavy shit. Total all-time greatness! - Brainticket

LEGEND - Anthology (Monster Records 2002)
Thumbs up for Monster Records, a small indie from San Antonio, Texas, who have boldly released one of the most precious NWOBHM documents ever, a true must for the real aficionados of the genre. "Anthology" is a double-CD opus containing the works of Legend, the seminal four-piece hailing from the Channel Islands that stormed the underground scene at the dawn of the 80s, and whose name is well remembered and respected to these days. This 26-track package includes the three original releases of the band (1981's self-titled LP, 1982's "Frontline" EP and 1982's "Death in the Nursery" LP) plus a very rare demo tape recorded in 1983. So we're talking prime-time NWOBHM here, and frankly speaking, Legend incarnate one of the truest and most professional expressions of the movement with an ultra-classic sound that mixes sheer power and melody in a flawless blend.

With a definite passion for historical/apocalyptyc subjects, as esemplified by the excellent "Hiroshima" (from the debut LP) and the equally moving "Sabra & Chatila" off "Frontline" - they'll also have an epic called "Pompeii" on their next album, but that's another story... - the band has its best moments creating a very emotional style of metal that thrills even the casual the listener and define a very peculiar style. In fact, it's quite astonishing how most, if not all of the tracks included in this release have stood the test of time and are still entirely listenable today. But Legend weren't - and aren't, because the guys are still alive and kicking! - just as competent at slower speeds, indeed they were just as comfortable at a faster pace, even though their abilities shone best through the most melodic stuff, like the lengthy, prog-tinted "Negligence" and the superb "Stormers of Heaven", with the unusual vocal style of Mike Lezala and the eclectic guitarwork of Pete Haworth on the forefront. With earlier material more headed towards melodic territories and later songs definitely more frantic, Legend covered a wide spectrum of the NWOBHM sound, and "Anthology", available through www.monsterrecords.com, is a great occasion to (re)discover a true gem, especially considering that the original vinyl releases of the featured records have progressively become collector's items. As said before, Legend is far from dead and gone, they have reformed after their 1984 split and are currently busy working on their upcoming album "Born in Chaos" scheduled for a February 2003 release. Judging from the advance mp3's available on their official website, they have stayed faithful to their roots, delivering the same brand of intense yet refined heavy metal. As it is proudly stated in bold characters on the back cover of "Anthology": Long Live to the NWOBHM! - Metalgods

LEGEND
Anthology
Etichetta: Monster Records
Anno: 2002 (vinili orig. 1981, 1982, 1982)
Durata: CD1 58 min; CD2 61 min
Genere: NWOBHM

L'ondata di marea della NWOBHM che travolse il Regno Unito al passaggio dai '70 agli '80 colpi' anche le isole britanniche, e altrettanto in fretta si ritrasse solo per lasciare anche li' molte vittime: quanti gruppi di valore non trovarono un'etichetta come dio comanda che li potesse lanciare e mantenere a galla in un'orgia incredibile di uscite in cui non sempre erano i gruppi in gamba a essere valorizzati? Nell'isola di Jersey un gruppo di ragazzi lotto' per affermarsi, producendo in brevissimo tempo un sacco di canzoni veramente ottime, con un buon riscontro sia in termini di critica sia di appassionati. Erano i LEGEND, capitanati dal chitarrista Peter Haworth. Questo ragazzo idealista e antimilitarista scrisse praticamente da solo tutte le canzoni della band, testi e musiche (con la sola compartecipazione in un paio di brani dell'altro chitarrista, Marco Morosino, che prese parte solo al primo LP). Un gran chitarrista: scatenato, incisivo, veloce, mai eccessivo... un nome che purtroppo la mancanza di fortuna commerciale ha lasciato nel retropalco della storia del metal.

L'altro grande personaggio dei LEGEND e' il cantante Mike Lezala, dal marcatissimo accento celtico, che da' a tutte le canzoni un marchio di fabbrica che le rendono veramente d'impatto: anche lui una rivelazione. Gli altri musicisti sono tutti di buona caratura e l'insieme tiene benissimo, come raramente mi capita di sentire oggigiorno: una vera formazione vincente che tra l'81 e l'82 sforno' DI TASCA PROPRIA ben 2 LP e 1 EP che vennero venduti come il pane e che ottennero lusinghiere recensioni dalla rivista Kerrang. Ma le isole non sono proprio dei posti facilmente accessibili, e nessuna grande etichetta ebbe la voglia di sbattersi per metterli sotto contratto. Alla fine questi ragazzi molto giovani persero uno alla volta l'entusiasmo, e mollarono il colpo. Per non lasciare che la loro Leggenda finisca nel dimenticatoio la canadese Monster Records ha ora ristampato in un doppio CD l'intera discografia di questo grande gruppo: ANTHOLOGY e' un titolo sbagliato, nel senso che per antologia si intende solitamente una selezione di materiale, mentre questa ristampa contiene tutto quanto prodotto dai Legend fino all'ultima nota. Contiene il primo LP "Legend", il secondo LP "Death in the Nursery", l'EP "Frontline", e siccome avanzava dello spazio ci hanno messo addirittura dei demo rari, presumibilmente il materiale che avrebbe dovuto costituire il terzo album mai uscito e che rimase quindi negli archivi della band. Una marea di roba quindi, con un booklet che contiene foto, la storia della band ristampata dal libro NWBOHM Encyclopedia, i testi dei 2 LP e dell'EP, una vecchia recensione di Kerrang, note varie, e le riduzioni a dimensione mini delle copertine originali dei 3 dischi realizzate anch'esse dal chitarrista Peter Haworth.

La musica ora: il primo album Legend ('81) e' fortemente influenzato dai vecchi Black Sabbath (periodo Master of Reality per intenderci), le canzoni mi piacciono praticamente tutte. In particolare l'opener "Torture", diversi minuti buoni di intro prima che parta la voce di Lazala, e' per me una buona summa di quello che mi piace di questo album: chitarra scatenata, ritmo, tutti gli strumenti in bella evidenza. I testi di questo LP sono piuttosto cupi: come detto l'influenza Sabbathiana si fa sentire non poco (ascoltate "Buried Alive" e "Taste of Life"), e le canzoni sono mediamente piuttosto lunghe, fino ai 9' della bella "Song for a Soldier". Per capire cos'e' il vero metal si alzi il volume sulla canzone "Bad Girl", tra pennate e assolo ce n'e' per tutti! E anche "Negligence" non scherza. Il secondo album "Death in the Nursery" ('82) e' molto meno dark, bello vario come piace a me; la band si lascia andare e azzecca un centro dietro l'altro: "Why Don't You Kill Me", "Lazy Woman", "Death in the Nursery" e "Prologue" sono le canzoni che mi piacciono di piu', ma come per il primo LP tutto il materiale e' di buona qualita'.

Idem per l'EP "Frontline" ('82). Quattro song, tutte molto buone, dalla orecchiabile "Stormers of Heaven", alle true metal song "Open up the Skies" e "Frontline" (che contiene un micidiale solo di Peter), per chiudere con la lenta, darkeggiante (e tipicamente NWOBHM) "Sabra and Chatila".
Nessun cedimento di qualita' neppure per le demo inedite (ben 6!) tra cui a me piacciono particolarmente "Question and Answers", "Out of Luck" (anche qui, che grande assolo finale!), "The Other Day" (100% true fuckin' metal, questa canzone :) ).
La qualita' della registrazione e' ottima, demo comprese, e la Monster ha fatto un'opera grandissima nel ristampare su CD quegli introvabili vinili in modo che gli appassionati possono ora avere a disposizione in un'unica botta tutta la discografia completa (e di piu') di questa eccellente band. Spendendo poco per di piu'. Il doppio CD lo si trova tranquillamente tramite Amazon.com , e agli appassionati della NWOBHM che lo cercano conviene darsi una mossa per non rischiare di perderlo.
Imperdibile per gli appassionati del vecchio metal in cerca di qualcosa di diverso ma di elevata qualita'. NOTA: dal sito http://www.cicd.com/legend/ pare che dopo vent'anni i Legend stiano preparando qualcosa. Li terro' d'occhio.

(Mork - Luglio 2002)
Voto: 9

LEGEND / Anthology (2CD/Monster/2002) (11tx/58'40") & (15tx/61'44")
At last, at last, at last LEGEND's entire legacy is finally available on CD, thanks to Monster Records. Of course this 2CD release was instigated by the fact that guitarist Peter Haworth had released a 14-song LEGEND compilation CD-r (Retroshock 1981 - 1984) in 1998. Monster Records may be a bit slow in getting their releases out to the public, but once they actually do, it's always a top-notch release. And Anthology is no exception to the rule, including all lyrics (except for the bonus tracks), some cool pictures, a short band history, … And of course all songs are digitally remastered, guaranteeing an even better aural enjoyment. CD 1 includes the band's 1981 debut (7tx), as well as their last official '80's release, the Frontline EP (1982).
CD 2 consists of 1982's Death In The Nursery & all 6 songs from a pre-production demo for what was once to become LEGEND's third full-length, recorded in 1983. The running order on all three original releases has been turned around a bit, but who cares, as long as all the songs are there? Jersey's LEGEND of course was one of the exponents of the heralded N.W.O.B.H.M. movement, and the reason why becomes quite obvious while listening to Anthology. They managed to come up with very versatile songs, calm & slow at times, faster & more aggressive on other occasions. Their other trademarks were Mike Lezala's special, yet terrific vocals & Peter Haworth's intriguing and excelling lead guitars. Add to this overall great songs and interesting lyrics, inspired by political topics on many occasions. Like I mentioned in D.O.I. # 2 already (check out my in-depth LEGEND interview!) both Legend & Death In The Nursery still rate among my 20 alltime fave releases. The bonus tracks are all a bit more commercial and shorter, but still in LEGEND's typical vein, including all of their trademarks. Clocking in at 2 hours of exciting music, Anthology is an essential release for those into LEGEND, the N.W.O.B.H.M., or just good heavy metal in general. Long live the N.W.O.B.H.M. indeed!!

And the even better news is that Peter & Mike are working on new material, which will surface as LEGEND's third full CD, to be entitled Born In Chaos. For updated news check out www.cicd.com/legend. For ordering details, contact Monster Records at www.monsterrecords.com. - Eddy Vermeiren "DEN OF INIQUITY"

"Since I've been into music in the late '60's, the NWOBHM ('79-'82) is probably my favourite period. I lived through it, lived it and breathed it, really, whether it was my daily job at a record store or my bi-monthly trips to New York. We used to make that 3 hour drive to Brooklyn's Zig Zag Records to try to get all the hot new metal the minute it hit these shores. It was on one of these jaunts that I had a major revelation. My friends and I were rooting through the bins one day in 1981, pulling out gems by Jaguar and Tygers when it caught my eye: a simple white cover with the word "LEGEND" in black script. The back was just as basic, a b/w photo of the band and the song titles. But those titles, like "Buried Alive", "Torture" and "Hiroshima" had me intrigued. So did the fact that side two had only 3 songs and one was 9 minutes long! I added it to my stack for the day and wondered how it would turn out. When I got home, I saved the LEGEND LP for last, as I always did with anything I'd taken a chance on. Hey, I like suspense, OK? I finally lowered the needle to the wax and by the time the record had ended, I was pulling jagged metallic shards out of my face.

This was surely early '80's British metal, but it was different. It wasn't the typical, polished Priest-like machine of the day. No, this was far more original, dark and heavy, like if Sabbath had gone to sleep in 1970 and awoken in 1981! It was ass-kicking yet doomy and the vocals were eerie and spoke of topics that were mysterious yet serious and thought-provoking. And then, there was those guitars! Possibly the most raw, wrenching, corroded spewing of 6-string lava I've ever heard and yet it was done with the deft touch of a master. It was as though Uli Roth and Mantas had somehow fused and risen up as some kind of charnal axe deity, obliterating all in sight. As the last dying strains of Side 2 of "Legend" howled to a close, I knew this was a watershed day in my musical life. My only prayer was that this would not be one of those bands who did one LP and then faded away. My prayers were answered in that Jersey's LEGEND released another full length LP "Death in the Nursery" and a 4-track EP. The tragedy was that while all their records were equally brilliant, maybe the best metal I've heard to this day, the band never gained the huge acclaim they deserved, and their records became obscure collectors pieces.

While there have been several bands called LEGEND over the years, this is the one that is most deserving of the name " - Ray Dorsey, Chaos Realm Magazine

"Legend were one of the lost treasures of the NWOBHM -- in fact, Legend is the all-time favorite band of the BNR Metal Pages. The Legend sound consists of a Sabbath guitar sound (much more so on the first album, not very much on the others), the occasional jazzy influence, and vocals which I once heard described as "folky". In my mind they were one of the most original bands that the NWOBHM movement produced. All of their stuff was basically self-financed and the production on their albums wasn't great (though the EP sounded pretty good in that respect). An absolutely brilliant, and criminally underrated, band. Years after the breakup of the band, guitarist/founder Peter Haworth put together a digitally remastered compilation CD entitled Retroshock, which of course is highly recommended. There are also plans for a 2-CD release called Anthology, due in early 2002, which will feature all Legend material. This should definitely be worth the wait! Note: there was more than one NWOBHM band called Legend -- recently a CD has been released called "AD 1980" -- this is not the same band." - Brian Russ - BNR Metal Pages

LEGEND Anthology (Monster Records) 2cd

Legend were an awesome, if obscure NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, pronounced n'wobim) band that never got a major label deal (in the liner notes, mention is made of the band watching helplessly as mediocre London bands got signed while bands like themselves from other parts of Britain are ignored -- well, maybe they should have moved to London!! ever think of that, guys?). But, their lack of success really was a bit unfair, as a listen to this double cd, containing their entire output -- two LPs, a 4 song ep, and a demo, spanning the years '81 through '83 -- shows them to be a damn fine heavy metal act indeed! Heavy, catchy stuff with much frantic axe action and folky, somewhat Ozzy-ish vox. That, plus doomy, politically themed lyrics, various songwriting eccentricities (occasional acoustic guitars, folk melodies, lengthy instrumental riff-outs, some prog-pop moves on their second LP), and a charmingly lo-fi production make 'em come across kinda like Angel Witch meets Manilla Road. In other words, pretty cool and very cult. Twenty years on, they've lived up to their name! And interestingly, in this day and age of black metal 'evilness', it's interesting to remember that metal is not necessarily PRO-war and violence (even if it's *about* war and violence). Indeed, along with bands like Megadeth, Nuclear Assault and Anthrax, Legend spoke out against the dangerous arms race and superpower militarism of the Cold War era. Now with today's worries about WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction), Legend demonstrate continued relevance. Heck, they even do a catchy little number entitled "Anthrax Attack". Aquarius Records

"Legend initially came into existence in the summer of 1980, and the group's early activities centered mainly around song-writing and rehearsing. Word got around that there was now a talented rock proposition on the Isle of Jersey, and, when they finally made their live debut towards the end of that year, it proved to be a sold-out affair which was nothing less than a resounding success for all concerned. LEGEND's eponymous debut emerged on their own Workshop label in 1981, and this ambitious slice of vinyl saw the group unveiling seven lengthy compositions in a semi-progressive, heavy style with comparisons to the likes of BLEAK HOUSE, CHASAR, OMEGA or TRIARCHY. It was an extremely capable opening gambit, and grim titles such as "Buried Alive" and "Torture" served to belie a complex and subtle range of original songs, with various individualistic and inventive aspects to LEGEND's music becoming apparent as the set progresses. The album had been pressed in modest quantities (it rapidly sold out completely), given that it was originally intended to satisfy local demand only, so it came as something of a surprise when a significant number of copies began making their way considerably further afield, with a handful even going abroad in the long term. In due course, selected tracks would be featured on the 'Friday Rock Show', and the band swiftly became something of a minor cult throughout the land. Further exposure came in the shape of a local support slot with none other than THIN LIZZY, and LEGEND's sudden rise to the status of serious contenders took practically everyone by surprise, including the protagonists themselves. 'Death In The Nursery', the second LEGEND long-player, saw the outfit making a conscious move towards shorter, more upbeat songs (it has to be said, the first album isn't exactly the most uplifting of records) in a bid to appeal to a broader fan base. This slight shift in direction was carried out with great aplomb, the resulting opus being a far more instant and accessible affair (it was still a weighty batch of compositions, mind you), with highlights including the excellent "Lazy Woman" (with some truly remarkable fretwork from Pete Haworth), "Why Don't You Kill Me?" and "Anthrax Attack". The latest record was fortunate enough to receive a considerable amount of airplay on various stations, and actually benefitted from a favorable review in 'Kerrang', with the lads being praised as much for their impassioned, atypical lyrics as their musical creativity. Not only that, an approving write-up of one of their infrequent live outings (in the local town of St. Helier) was ev! en included in an issue of 'Sounds' at around the same time, so it's fair to say that the name of LEGEND was firmly lodging itself in the nation's consciousness by this juncture. Again, the new offering sold in impressive quantities from the word go (leading to an unprecedented amount of fan mail for the bewildered musicians to deal with), and copies were soon finding their way into the collections of various dedicated rock enthusiasts around the world. Far from resting on their laurels, however, LEGEND continued the relentless vinyl assault with a limited edition EP featuring four brand-new selections, namely "Frontline", the heart-rending "Sabra & Chatila", "Stormers Of Heaven" and "Open Up The Skies". The 12" was recorded towards the end of 1982 and issued early the following year, and it was soon garnering approval from numerous sources. Again, the new release was hailed almost universally as a worthwhile effort, with 'Kerrang' giving the lads an extremely encouraging review (and, quite rightly, singling out the truly excellent "Stormers Of Heaven" for particular praise), but it was to be LEGEND's last vinyl offering".

(Excerpts reproduced with permission from “The New Wave of British Heavy Metal Encyclopedia” by Malc Macmillan, published by I.P. Verlag Jeske/Mader GbR)

Band: Legend
Album: Anthology
Spielzeit: 58:38 min/ 61:42 min
Plattenfirma/ Vertrieb: Monster Records/ US Import
Vergleichbare Bands: Praying Mantis; Jethro Tull
Wertung: 6/6

Mit LEGEND liegt eine mir bislang unbekannte Perle aus der „New Wave Of British Heavy Metal“ zur Besprechung vor. „Anthology“ präsentiert auf zwei Stunden Spielzeit das gesamte Material der Band. Im Gegensatz zu etlichen anderen Combos dieser Zeit hatte das Quartett sogar das Geld für eine anständige Produktion und das gute Remastering trägt dazu bei, dass das Material nach über zwanzig Jahren nicht „angestaubt“ klingt. Ich würde LEGEND als progressivste Verteter der NWOBHM bezeichnen. An den teilweise über sechsminütigen, im Midtempo gehaltenen Songs mit vielen Breaks des Debüts sollten sowohl Heavies als auch JETHRO TULL-Anhänger Gefallen finden. Auf dem zweiten Album „Death In Nursery“ hat man die komplexen Strukturen durch griffigere Tracks ersetzt, um ein breiteres Publikum erreichen zu können. Diese Gegensätze machen „Anthology“ spannend und unvergleichlich. Für Fans der NWOBHM unverzichtbar!
Andreas Höhn - Rock It! - Germany's leading AOR, HARD ROCK & METAL Magazine www.rock-it-magazine.de

Legend : "Legend" (1981) : There are some crual injustices in this world. Why this band has stayed in a semi-complete anonymity during 20 years ? Maybe their geographic situation, but Thin Lizzy was on an island too !
Anyway, when Pete Haworth funded Legend, he gave life to one of the most essential band of the NWOBHM. Their sense of melody, their musical capacities, their cohesion, their songs prove that in the early 80's, the intelligent heavy-metal was not dead. And Legend is maybe one of the proud musical successors of Led Zeppelin (with Diamond Head) by their ability to create intelligent epical and lyrical pieces of music.

Their first album is an iron fist in your face, a raw and brutal effort due by part to the succint production. But the sound is here, and the music is agressive, loud. The seven songs are a mixture of progressive structure with fine hard-rock sound. The unable meeting between Rush and UFO. The guitar of Pete Haworth reminds me the fusion of Jimi Hendrix for the lyrism and Jeff Beck of the originality. He can be compared with Uli Jon Roth of the early Scorpions. Mike Lezala is a fine singer : his aerial voice is the perfect complement of the the guitars. He's not a typical metal-singer à la Ian Gillan. All his talent is based of the intonations of his voice.

You add a powerful rythmic (wonderful Dave Whitley on drums, specially on "Torture"), and you've got one of the best rock band of the last twenty years. It's hard to describe the songs in details, but the alternance of heavy tempos and lyrical breaks and solos ("Torture", "Hiroshima"), the sense of melody ( these voices on "Taste Of Life"), and the progressive influence ("Song For A Soldier"), and for all songs, the intelligent anti-war lyrics which depart the band from all the cheap satanist bands of this period. All these elements give a good idea of the talent of Legend.

* Legend "Death In The Nursery" (1982) : Despite of the local success of the first album, Legend decided to record a second one. The production is obviously better. The departure of the second guitarist Marco Morosino didn't affect the sound, and on the contrary, this second album is better than the first one, if it could be possible.
The hard sound is little bit attenuated to the profit of the originality of the songs. Mike Lezala is simply emotional on the intro of "Why Don't You Kill Me", the calm before the storm of the guitar. The simili-funk "Choices" is a good example of the alternance of calm and hard passages. Pete Haworth proves that he has understand the laid-back lesson of playing of Jimi Hendrix on "Anthrax Attack" : no saturated guitar, only a riff cathedral with a fine lyrical solo. the rest of the album is simply excellent, with their full heavy songs ("Lazy Woman" and its guitar flight of fancy, "Death In The Nursery"). Special mention to the bluesy introduction of "Prisoner", which gives me shiver. of course an excellent album, with still the excellent lyrics of Mike Lezala.

Legend : "Frontline EP" (1982) : Don't stop the fight, they are alive ! After two excellent albums, Legend tried to impose them to the audience, despite the lack of gigs. If the quality of the songs of the EP are a bit under the albums, the band is still biting. The structure calm-heavy passages is kept, specially on "Open Up The Skies" and "Frontline", and the progressive structure is available on "Stormers Of Heaven" and "Sabra And Chatila". Anyway, Legend is still severe concurrent with the early Def Leppard.

Legend : "demo 83" : After two years of defending their music on vinyl, Legend gave sign of tiredness. Bass player Eggy Aubert has left the band, and brother Neil Haworth took his place. At last, Legend played on the british continent. It is their chance to be signed by a major company.
These demos were recorded to demonstrate their potential to record companies. They never earded them, and put Legend on the side of the road.

But these songs are still very good ! It's true : they are a bit under the last recordings. But the potential is here : "Catch A Moment", "Out Of Luck" or "The Other Day" reveal a more melodic sound, but what would they sound on an album, with great recording conditions ?

After four years of recordings and gigs, Legend splitted. This the end of the story. The end of the first part of the history ? - Julien Deleglise

LEGEND
Anthology

Endlich, endlich ist es da, das langerwartete Compilationalbum mit allen Songs, die jemals unter dem Banner der englischen Kanalinsel Legend erschienen sind, zwei Alben, eine EP und ein Demo, 1981 bis 1983 komplett abgedeckt. Und das kann man als eine wahre Wohltat bezeichnen, denn die Musik dieser Band ist so wunderbar, tiefsinnig, eigwillig, mystisch, auf gewisse Weise kann man ständig Melancholie verspüren, doch nicht im Sinne von resignierter Stimmung. Selbst bei den schnellen Songs ist das Schlagzeug äußerst relaxt. Die Gitarrenläufe bestehen zumeist nicht aus mehr als drei Akkorden, dennoch haben sie einen hohen Grad an Komplexität inne. Diese Band rockt mörderisch. Doomy bis progressiv, episch (nicht im Sinne von kitschigen Hymnen), völlig unkommerziell und daher alleine schon mit selten gehörter Hingabe und Leidenschaft aus den Boxen dröhnend schwingen sich die Stücke Legends hinauf zur Spitze des englischen Hardrocks der frühen Achtziger. Ihre Wurzeln liegen in den Siebzigern, graben sich vor in Bereiche, die dem Metal, unter diesem Genrebanner wurden Legend zeitlebens geführt, nur noch in Ansätzen verwandt scheinen. Wenn Pete Haworth seine Finger über das Griffbrett gleiten läßt, bilden sich eine vor Spannung knisternde Atmosphäre. Legend sind auch nach zwanzig Jahren noch eine Band, der Respekt zu zollen ist. Ich kann nicht sagen, welches der beiden Alben ich bevorzugen würde, das höllenschwere Debüt oder das ausgefeiltere "Death in the Nursery". Legend schreckten niemals davor zurück auch stellenweise die Härte rauszunehmen und Passagen einzubauen, die nicht dem gängigen Metalklischee entsprachen. Das 83er Demo, der Schwanengesang dieser Truppe zeigte dann schon eine ganz eindeutige Abkehr vom reinen Hardrock hin zu verspielten, progressiven Rockklängen, zuweilen mit jazzigem Flair beim Gitarrenspiel. Dennoch behielten Legend ihre Roots bei, verrieten niemals ihre Anfänge, sondern erbauten auf den Ruinen ihrer Geschichte ein neues musikalisches Monument. Der Weg der Entwicklung dieser Band wurde nie von unnachvollziehbaren Stilbrüchen beherrscht, auch wenn mancher Fan sicherlich darüber lamentieren mag, daß das Demo eben nicht mehr so heavy dahergewalzt kam wie noch ein Jahr zuvor die "Death in the Nursery" LP. Tja, Legend waren und sind eine Band, die man einmal hört und dann sofort aus hunderten von anderen Truppen herauserkennen kann. Technisch über jeden Zweifel erhaben, nur vom Sound her schon 1982 nicht mehr dem Standard entsprechend weil ein wenig primitiv, doch was macht das? Die vier (auf dem Debüt fünf) Musiker konnten sich eben nicht hinter einem pompösen Sound verstecken, wie es heutzutage zuviele Bands tun, deren kompositorische Geschicke zu wünschen übrig lassen (die Liste wäre endlos, ich unterlasse es, Namen zu nennen). Und hatten sie es nötig? Never! Die Magie, welche die Band auch heute noch ausstrahlt, beweist es. Legend sind GOTT!

Sir Lord Doom - Hellion Records

Reviewed for Snakepit #11/2002:
LEGEND
Anthology
Monster Records
What a great release! This double CD captures the three official releases of NWOBHM legends LEGEND. On CD one we can enjoy the first LP "Legend", which was released in 1981 already, and the "Frontline" EP of 1982. On the second CD we hear their second LP "Death In The Nursery" from 1982, and as a bonus we get to hear a six track demo of 1983.
LEGEND is always considered to be a band for the fine tasters of the NWOBHM scene. Their sound was sometimes a bit experimental and dark, and they always left some space open for longer instrumental passages. They had a touch of progressivity in their sound, which made them interesting for the people that thought that bands like TANK, VENOM and RAVEN were too heavy for them.

On their second album they change their style a bit, by writing shorter tracks. The demo songs are brilliant. Just listen to a track like "Questions And Answers". Maybe the music may not be catchy or accessible, but when you take the time to listen to it really carefully. Then you will recognise the beauty of it.

Releasing the official LEGEND stuff on a double CD was a great initiation of Monster Records. It will bring the band back in the picture again. And they're gonna need it, cause they're recording a new album right as we speak. Yes people, you've heard that right. Pete Haworth and LEGEND are back. Their "Anthology" is a must for every real NWOBHM addict out there. If you can't find it in your local CD shop, then you can order your copy from Monster Records, P.O. Box 460173 San Antonio, TX 78246-0173 USA. Or take a look at their website at www.monsterrecords.com.
(by: Toine van Poorten)

Legend - Live - St. Helier

"Sounds" - March 27th 1982

Jersey is not exactly rock'n'roll capital of the world I know, but it's home for local band Legend who were staging one of their rare gigs at the Royal Hotel. Although they have been in existence a full eighteen months and have released an independent album last year, this is only the bands fifth gig as playing to a limited crowd on the island is so restrictive.
There was an expectant and enthusiastic atmosphere and the opener "Death in the Nursery" (the title track of their forthcoming album) is a ball bustin' Motorhead workout with harmonies which show their new material is getting faster and heavier all the time.Don't let vocalist Mike Lezala's David Bellamy looks fool you as he's an energetic frontman with a truly wonderful range. Guitarist and mentor Pete Haworth plays his manic solos with plenty of sustain and tremolo arm sounding like a cross between Hendrix and Halen, but his faster than the speed of light fretboard runs are always original. They are complimented perfectly by the rhythm section. Eggy Aubert on growling bass is a quiet, almost shy character offstage who transforms into a spotlight hungry lunatic once he's got a bass in his hands. Continually climbing onto the posing platforms by the PA stacks he towers over the audience egging (geddit?) them on with fists punching the air and hair flailing. Together with the tireless drumming of Dave Whitley, he drives the music along relentlessly.
Next up was the equally devastating "Taste of Life" from the debut disc, which lulls you into a false sense of security with some slow picking guitar before hitting you over the head with a heavy Sabs riff. "Hiroshima" sees the crowd jump out of their collective skins as flashbombs fill the room with smoke and "Buried Alive" begins with a slow plodding section before going full throttle - a perfect vehicle for Pete to smash his guitar up and sacrifice it on one of the raised platforms by setting it alight. I know it's an old trick, but it was only half way through the set!The band were airing some new songs, and both "The Prisoner" and "Choices" with its stop/start pieces sounded promising.After that it was "Lazy Woman", which has some nice guitar harmonics going for it. That was followed by the pleasantly entitled "Why don't you Kill me" to end the set.It wasn't long before they had them back for more, and it was singalong time with "Badgirl", a commercial rocker with a choreographed headbanging in unison climax and even more flashbombs, but they weren't allowed to go off before doing a second encore of "Prologue".

Wayne Perkins - "SOUNDS"