Album Notes

Cardinal Points is the fourth studio album from UK based Prog Rockers LEGEND

Cardinal Points, within which you will find a richness of true progressive symphonic Rock with lyrics that, touch your heart and soul. The title is reflective of how the songs are based on the conceptual idea that, the four points of the compass representing the four seasons and the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water.

As the album introduces us to the elements, first comes the element of Earth in the guise of "Carved in Stone.” Primal Didgeridoo and ethereal keyboards woven with pulsing percussion shaded in the softness of birth, we begin the journey of discovering that earth's creation is not a simple process and that it evokes a mystical quality of being able to withstand time and endure hardships. Musically, we are enchanted by the overlapping of folky and neo-medieval classical intricacies building through primal drums while hard edged guitars mesh with the screaming Hammond and the growl of Mellotron choirs evoking the heydays of 70’s Prog . As the track continues Legend’s distinct sound emerges and lyrics triumphantly proclaim ‘What was etched on your soul, you carved into stone and made me!’

“Whisper on the Wind", blows its way into the spirit of one's heart and soul. Lyrically, it displays the need contained within all our hearts and souls, to reach out and beyond. To question the deliverance of prayers offered, and to acknowledge that the messages sent forth are heard. Musically it is spacey nodding its head towards West Coast psychedelia and hints of the Ozric Tentacles with interweaving eastern influenced vocal verses coupled with a powerful AOR Chorus but serving as a work out for the instrumentalists the middle section being a guitar break starting sparsely and acoustic building until the lead is shredding the trance soundscape in a superb display of virtuosity. More verses and choruses follow this time with a more metal edge before breaking into a bass led instrumental that hints at jazz fusion climaxing in a soaring echoing keyboard solo.

Rolling thunder and lightning signals the element of Fire. "Spark to Flame" is a vocal tour de force leading with stacked harmonies into a huge choral section before the core of the song brings to life the all encompassing and consuming urgency of the light, the knowledge and the love, found on the journey of discovery. The piece twists and turns like the flickering flames of the fire that compels us with the forces and power of this element. Evoking the spark of the passion that glows within everyone. Fiercely protecting and urgent in is desires to reach outward. The powerful, choral sound verges of the gothic like metal of Nightwish and Within Temptation, even reminiscent of Therion in places. The song crests with a soaring guitar break that lifts the soul with joy!

The conclusion of the album brings us to the element of Water, with the song titled "Drop in the Ocean". As a single drop of rain must fall, so must we each seek a journey of finding our whole being. This perhaps is the most subtle song on the album and also the longest echo guitars and keys signifying the falling drops of water as they begin their journey to the sea. The listener is led on a journey of growth, through the ages of music. There is depth and pathos in the wonderfully emotive vocals moving over a Renaissance-esque tapestry of musical backing. There’s a beautiful acoustic interlude with guitar and flute over the sound of gently flowing water leading to an intimate Enya like vocal and keyboard section that seems to bring the song to a ebb before we are greeted with sea in the guise of symphonic strings and brass before the band build into a classic symphonic rock finale with a captivating anthemic melody bringing the album to a totally satisfying melodic conclusion.

The heart will indeed be touched, and the mind held spellbound by the spirit radiating from this album. Those who venture: North, South, East, and West with Legend, will always travel with the music that blazes its way, into their hearts and souls.

MJ Kushinsky - April 2011


If you've never listened to Legend before, then you don't know what you've been missing! - Progarchives.com