Originally formed in 1988 by keyboardist Steve Paine, the band’s lineup has shifted here and there throughout the years(see Legend website) but the music has stayed true to Legend’s intent of expanding the progressive folk-rock genre to include a thoroughly pagan perspective.
A practising Wiccan since 1982, Paine’s still very much involved in the Pagan Music scene in the UK; he played keys on the “Wytches” album by Inkubus Sukkubus, worked with Damh the Bard and The Seventh Wave, and today continues contributing to social awareness/acceptance of all things neopagan by appearing in Press and TV Media “here to spread the word that Pagans are reasonable, decent and spiritual human beings, not baby eating monsters etc.”
Indeed, Legend’s sound is well rooted in classic prog-rock, ala Yes and Rush, with intricate musical passages and multi-octave vocals, each composition weaving a fine thread of lyrical melodies across a changing sea of rhythmic emotions and engaging solos. And like those great bands, Legend delivers the whole package, song after song, with all the sanctity, gusto and delicate complexity required of thoughtful musicians who have got the chops to speak uniquely their musical minds. What sets Legend into their own realm as keepers of the flame is that they uphold pagan ideas consistently within their music and lyrics so that one receives a sonically uplifting and, pagan, musical experience.
With their long awaited new release, Cardinal Points, Legend once again lives up to their name by bringing us a riveting collection of 4 songs that correspond with the Four Elements, each song inviting us to touch upon and experience the serenity, freedom of balance and unique powers that reside within as we journey the seasons, the senses, the spirit and the soul that is Legend.
Listen to “Mordred” and hear evidence of Legend’s legacy as synched to the film “Excaliber”.