A legendary album for the genre of Epic heavy metal is reborn, revisited and presented from a new perspective.
45 years have passed since LEGEND have released “From the Fjords” back in 1979. An album that was really way ahead of its time and is considered one of the very first albums, where Epic heavy metal music obtained substance through the Viking themed lyrical context but also with epic heavy tunes, although that was neither the band’s intention at the time, nor had the band any metal background whatsoever. That album was very rare but fortunately was re-issued by Sonic Age Records / Cult Rock Classics back on 2019 upon its 40th anniversary.
LEGEND REVISITED is a band that was formed by Raymond Edgar Frigon. He was the drummer and co-founder of LEGEND and now the sole member of the old / original line-up in the new formation. Unfortunately, Kevin Nugent, the vocalist and guitarist of LEGEND has passed away back in 1983 at a very young age.
Raymond Frigon has now collaborated with Martin Jespen Andersen who played the guitars and mixed ‘’From The Lord’’ and Janne Stark who played the bass and mastered the album.
Consequently, “From the Fjords” was re-recorded and is now re-presented as ‘’From The Lord’’ with the addition of the track ‘’Gideon’’, which replaced the track ‘’R.A.R.Z.’’ from the old track-list. Besides that, the lyrics and the track / song titles have been changed and they have taken a new religious content. Raymond Frigon is also performing as a vocalist in the new album.
Another aspect that is also very important to highlight, is that the production has, of course, been fulfilled with better equipment than 45 years ago, but the musical atmosphere of the album has not changed and has maintained its personality.
‘’From The Lord’’ has a clear sound, without sounding ‘’plastic’’ or modern in a negative way. On the contrary, all instruments sound far better than its predecessor and the vocal performance by Raymond Frigon is very expressive, whilst close and similar to that of late Kevin Nugent.
Musically the album is characterized by a brilliant proto-metal sound, that can also be described as hard-rock and progressive rock with some jazz fusion passages that has its roots back in the ‘70s and in bands like RUSH, URIAH HEEP and WISHBONE ASH.
Definitely the most heavily driven songs bring in mind legendary bands such as MANILLA ROAD, CIRITH UNGOL, HEAVY LOAD, during their very first steps, establishing what later would be known as Epic heavy metal especially with MANOWAR.
Another point that has to be emphasized, is the outstanding drumming performance of Raymond Frigon. He was and still is a very skillful drummer, with a unique style, who perhaps influenced many more drummers that he can be aware of or imagine. You’ d better have that in mind when you listen next time to the classic albums of MANILLA ROAD and the drummer Randy ‘’The Thrasher’’ Foxe.
Don’t forget also, that THE LORD WEIRD SLOUGH FEG have made a cover for a LEGEND’s song in their ‘’Twilight Of The Idols’’ album, which was called ‘’The Wizard’s Vengeance’’ (and now is called ‘’The Lord’s Vengeance’’).
Songs such as ‘’The Creator’’, ‘’The Lord’s Vengeance’’, ‘’The Golden Crown’’, ‘’Gideon’’, ‘’Against the Beast’’ stand out from the rest, for their epic gripping melodies and lyrics. Some may argue if we can really have an epic vibe and atmosphere, combined with religious lyrics.
The answer is: Absolutely!
Only the battlefield and the heroes may differ but when we are talking about lyrics that entail an eternal war between good and evil, between light and darkness, the epic element is always present and ferocious.
In general, I would say that this is a very important release, because here we are dealing with a new musical edifice that was built upon the old foundations of a masterpiece of an album and maybe have surpassed it. That, undeniably, is the listener’s own choice to decide.
‘’ From The Lord’’ was released the 21st of June 2024 by Sonic Age Records / Cult Rock Classics, on LP and CD and will be available on the 6th of September 2024 on Digital format.
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Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
