Legend

 Today in 1982 Legend released the EP Frontline

Jersey, UK Channel Islands,United Kingdom NWOBHM, Heavy Metal

Status:Active

Years active: 1980-1984, 2002-present

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 were once described as "folky", (yet fit perfectly with the music), and thought-provoking lyrics. They were one of the most original bands to originate from the NWOBHM movement, yet their location (secluded on the Channel Islands between England and France) relegated them to little-known status during their tenure. 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, and more recently the entire Legend catalog (both albums, EP, and an unreleased demo) has been released on 2 CDs, in the form of Anthology. Finally, in 2003, came the more than welcome, yet quite unexpected, comeback album, Still Screaming, reuniting Haworth with frontman Mike Lezala. Simply put, it's what a comeback album should sound like, retaining much of the classic Legend style while at the same time sounding modern and original. Hails to the band for a job quite well done! Since then, Haworth and Lezala have recruited a new lineup (including luring bassist Eggy Aubert back into the fold) with the intent to play live, as well as record later in 2003.

Workshop

Peter Haworth Guitars

Mike Lezala Vocals

David Whitley Drums

Neil Haworth Bass

Side A

1. Frontline 05:24

2. Sabra & Chatila 04:22

Side B

3. Stormers of Heaven 03:07

4. Open Up the Skies 03:36

16:29

Recorded in Sept. 1982 at the Music Workshop, Jersey, C.I.