ALBUM REVIEW: Legendry – Time Immortal Wept

USA epic Heavy Metal warriors LEGENDRY recently presented their fourth full length album via No Remorse Records. Let’s venture on this conquest with them.

A mystical opening track gives us acoustic guitars and haunting vocals, starting off the journey with that adventurous spirit that USPM of old harnessed so perfectly. Blending cinematic and metallic qualities seamlessly, there is no denying that Legendry has an enchanting sound that really pulls you in. That said, they do not rely on gimmick for the hard-hitting riffs, powerful percussion and fearsome bass along with majestic lead work shows just as much strength as the atmospheric side of things. The vocals are impassioned and varied, lending more to the rich diversity of the Heavy Metal soundscape. Massive fills and cymbal work weaves with the crashing waves of guitars and vocals, certainly an interesting and unique mix bares resemblances to Cirith Ungol, Omen, Bathory, Manilla Road and Manowar but with something quite odd to it. Legendry cannot be accused of being too derivative as a result of this, which I think is going to be a divisive factor but personally I think to be a really cool one. “Time Immortal Wept” starts strong, and as my first impact from this band sells me them well. Let us hope the spirit remains as emboldened as we venture on…

The utilisation of a lot of guitar and vocal effects really heightens the weird, almost psychedelic vibes on this record while plenty of hard-hitting Heavy Metal riff-feasts remain, so as not to stray too far from what we know and love. Their use of more folkish elements harken back to the likes of Ashbury which gives such a charming, fantastical feeling to the album that few newer bands pull off so well (Iron Griffin and Parish being two rare examples). Albeit unconventionally so, Legendry seem to pull together so many archaic musical elements from Heavy Metal to far older influences but do so in a way that does not dilute their impact nor intent. Equally they also imbue extremity in their sound, as best heard on “Warrior of Space and Time” which blasts thrashing menace into the mix, again keeping the feel going strong without letting the mood be lost. In fact they feel exceedingly genuine, thusly listening to them is a spellbinding experience that is to be commended for its feats of boldness and romps across the sonic spectrum.

The sheer amount of ambition on this album is its greatest quality but also sometimes its downfall. With huge storytelling and obviously fantastic musical ability, the tracks are mostly a crushing and yet interesting array of sounds which weave a rich sonic and visual tapestry. Unfortunately some moments feel cluttered or random, but this is quite a minor criticism of a truly bold and fascinating album that on the whole is executed extremely well. Of course I have to point such things out as a part of a review, but do not be fooled into thinking this lessens to quality of the record significantly. In fact some may find it to be a huge draw, and more often than not it is. Overall, I found Legendry’s new offering to be a really pleasant and fun experience with tons to offer and discover upon hearing it.

A magical and joyous journey that blends classic Heavy Metal with progressive, psychedelic and epic elements with ease, to ensure a marvellous voyage into battle is had. From rolling pastures to bloodied blades, the medieval magnificence is archaic and yet otherworldly, blending so many key facets in a largely cohesive and exciting manner. Legendry spin a web of tales that will certainly ensnare any warrior looking for the soundtrack to their next quest.