Legend - "Cardinal Points" Review

Artist/ Band: Legend
Title: Cardinal Points
Label: NoFish Productions
Year of Release: 2011
Offical Artist/ Band Link

The Review:

In brief, Legend began back in 1988 but it wasn’t until 1991 that they recorded their debut album Light In Extension. Since then they released two more studio albums, Second Sight (1993), Triple Aspect (1996), a compilation album, Ritual Echo (2009) and a live album, Playing With Fire: Live 1992 (2010). The band has gone through several line-up changes over the years but on their latest release Cardinal Points, which was released in 2011, they has a new line-up which consists of Steve Paine (keyboards), Kerry Parker (vocals), Dave Foster (guitars), Dan Nelson (bass) and John Macklin (drums).

According to their website, Cardinal Points is a concept album that explores the four points of the compass and their relationships to the Elements of Western Mysticism; Earth, Air, Fire and Water. The album is made up of four epic length tracks; “Carved In Stone” (13:20), “Whisper On The Wind” (14:43), “Spark To A Flame“ (13:56) and “Drop In The Ocean” (17:02).

Out of the four tracks, I’m very fond of the last track, “Drop In The Ocean”. It’s the most relaxed and progressive sounding of all, which lets the listener hear all the instruments and vocals. I would recommend that the listener listens to the whole album and make up their minds on which track(s) are their favorites.

If you’re into Pagan based music, especially Progressive/Symphonic Rock then purchasing Cardinal Points is a no-brainer. Even if you’re not, you can be at ease because unlike Christian progressive rock albums, this Pagan album doesn’t bluntly preach the faith. Hopefully with this album, the band will re-release their entire catalog. Until then we can all enjoy this wonderful and beautiful album.

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on August 18th, 2011

Tracks:

01. Carved In Stone

02. Whisper In The Wind

03. Spark To A Flame

04. Drop In The Ocean