As I mentioned in my 2019 review of ‘The Wizard and the Tower Keep’, Pittsburgh’s Legendry have already made a name for themselves in the epic metal underground, and yes, you can still draw comparisons to the greats of Manilla Road and Cirith Ungol. This album is their fifth release and is the second part of a trilogy of concept albums, known as the “Earthwarrior Cycle”. In this tale, the Earthwarrior finds a secret society dedicated to the preservation of knowledge and finds himself in the middle of a prophecy. Truly epic lyrics and obviously there is major focus on storytelling. The musical style I have already touched with those two bands mentioned, that kind of says it all. The added bonus is the mastering completed by Arthur Rizk, whom is known for his work with contemporaries Eternal Champion, Kreator and Sumerlands.
‘The Bard’s Tale’ is an acoustic sense of romanticism for the typical warrior on one’s quest. This kind of reminds me of Quicksand Dream or a bard’s tale from a famous German band! Musically, this has more feeling though. ‘Sigil Strider’ is much more metallic, at the start it reminds me of the US band Stonedagger (that went onto Sumerlands). There’s that epic metal feel and a heavy folk like influence from the vocals. This is a mammoth track, it would sit well with the power of a classic Manowar tune too. ‘The Prophecy’ forms the music and lighter touches of the first couple of tracks. The song goes to many places in over 8 minutes.
‘Warrior of Space and Time’ is bombastic and very fast, a real workout compared to what would be considered mid-paced predecessor tracks. Interestingly enough, this doesn’t capture all the moments in the song for me, but, it’s a nice turn of pace. ‘Chariots of Bedlam’ would sit ok to any Viking era Bathory fans, obviously a different take in terms of musical style, but the feel and the emotion runs from the same blood supply. I look to my reaction and personally think “Sharpen your sword and raise thy fist in the pit”! So, as you can imagine, the songs captivate the listener and make them part of the epic story, part of the journey. This one again to me figures like Stonedagger and the first Quicksand Dream LP. This track to close, has an amazing guitar solo. ‘The Bard’s Reverie’ is another fast tempo, the power of the vocals are lost for me in these flashes of speed as the power comes from the slower tempo.
‘Time Immortal Wept’ closes in at over 11 minutes, it takes the form of light and shade, a combination of the whole album to date. Ah, finally, the guitar galloping comes into force. I was waiting for that!
Upon first listen, I must admit, I wasn’t hooked. Maybe a victim of circumstance. But when you have this album intently in isolation, wow, the energy is great. You are captivated by the story that is unfolding, the music is what we would call “epic”, but I feel Legendry have a style to themselves, they may take influences from many famous names, but I can honestly say this album is their own and its rather enjoyable!
(8.5/10 Paul Maddison)
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