Legacy is a Melodic Metal band from Columbus, Ohio that formed back in 1987 by bassist-John Rice, guitarist-Matt Rice, and drummer-Matt Reedy. At the same time, a youth minister by the name of Eric Adams was feeling led to build and manage a band that could not only rock your face off, but share the love of God while doing so. Eric took John, Matt, and Reedy under his wing and contacted his friend-Fred Blanchard who was at the time in another band. It so happened that Fred's band had just broken up that very day. Fred and another member of his band - Doug Meacham both joined the newly formed group. The newly formed band of 5 along with manager-Eric Adams, all had a decision to make. What would be the band's official moniker? Some of the band names that were put into the hat for consideration were Xristas, Threshold, and Cross. However, before the group could choose a band name Matt Reedy up and left the group. With their drummer position vacant, Fred Blanchard quickly contacted percussionist-John Jenkins, from his previous band, as a replacement. Jenkins joined the band and with a new member came some fresh ideas for a moniker and the group settled on the name 'Legacy'.
In 1988 Legacy released their independent self-titled 6-track demo cassette EP which includes tracks 1.Salvation Is Law, 2.Live It, 3.Don't Run Away, 1.Change Of A Broken Heart, 2.You Need Love, 3. Red, White, And Blue
Legacy took their show on the road and was the opening act for some well known bands such as REZ, Shout, Sacred Warrior, Allies, along with Mylon Lefevre & Broken Heart. Legacy garnered some additional exposure when they were featured in CCM Magazine and Heaven's Metal Magazine. Some of Legacy's singles were part of various compilations like the single "Cross The Line" which was found on 1989(Pure Metal Records)-Heavy Righteous Metal Chapter II and "What A World" made it onto 1991(Star Song Records)-OH Harry, It's Brave New Music! The band also gained bragging rights by winning the 'Battle of the Bands' competition at the renowned heavy metal club Alrosa Villa in the winter of ‘89. Also worth mentioning, Legacy took second place in the new talent stage at Cornerstone 1989. XALT won the competition however, many felt that Legacy also deserved some respect for their performance.
After having garnered some fame, the next step for the band was to sign a major record deal which would never transpire for this young and very talented band. In 1992 Matt said his goodbyes and left the band to pursue some other ministries. Not too long after his departure, Fred also left the band - with the two leaving there was a huge hole that would prove to be too hard to fill. In addition, at this time the 90's Grunge scene was rolling full steam ahead crushing any band who dared to play Melodic Metal music. These two crushing blows were too much for the remaining members who disbanded and went their separate ways.
After having garnered some fame, the next step for the band was to sign a major record deal which would never transpire for this young and very talented band. In 1992 Matt said his goodbyes and left the band to pursue some other ministries. Not too long after his departure, Fred also left the band - with the two leaving there was a huge hole that would prove to be too hard to fill. In addition, at this time the 90's Grunge scene was rolling full steam ahead crushing any band who dared to play Melodic Metal music. These two crushing blows were too much for the remaining members who disbanded and went their separate ways.
When Legacy disbanded in 1992 their music remained unreleased until it came to the attention of Eonian Records some 18 years later. In 2010 Eonian Records dusted off Legacy's late 80's early 90's recordings including songs from their 1988 demo along with their single releases. These recordings were then remastered and placed on a single disc in order to form the band's first debut release. Legacy fans can now hear and enjoy this talented band from Ohio for the first time with a sound quality that is much better than the original mixes.
As one listens to this release comparisons with Angelica, Rob Rock, Dokken, and Stryper begin to emerge. From track to track their is plenty of diversity to be found with the varying vocal deliveries of frontman-Doug Meacham. At times Meacham draws comparison to vocalist-Jerome Mazza(Angelica) at other times he sounds like frontman-Michael Sweet(Stryper) then there are moments when it seems he is tag-teaming with Rob Rock. Without question, these variances in Doug's vocal delivery make for an interesting listen from beginning to end.
Some tracks that really stand out on this 2010 release are “It’s Real”, “Change Of A Broken Heart”, “Comin’ Along”, “Soldiers Unite”, “One Way Or The Other”, and “What A World”.
As one listens to this release comparisons with Angelica, Rob Rock, Dokken, and Stryper begin to emerge. From track to track their is plenty of diversity to be found with the varying vocal deliveries of frontman-Doug Meacham. At times Meacham draws comparison to vocalist-Jerome Mazza(Angelica) at other times he sounds like frontman-Michael Sweet(Stryper) then there are moments when it seems he is tag-teaming with Rob Rock. Without question, these variances in Doug's vocal delivery make for an interesting listen from beginning to end.
Some tracks that really stand out on this 2010 release are “It’s Real”, “Change Of A Broken Heart”, “Comin’ Along”, “Soldiers Unite”, “One Way Or The Other”, and “What A World”.
The album's cover art is striking yet symbolic in nature with a crown of thorns and a staircase that leads up in the direction of heaven with a doorway at the top. With the crown of thorns in the foreground the artwork suggests that if we put our faith in Jesus who suffered and died on the cross for our sins then we will one day go up or rise to heaven. In addition, the door at the top is also symbolic of Jesus as we are told in the book of John that Jesus is the door: John 10:9 "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture". In order to go up the staircase to heaven one has to pass through the door which means that one has to believe in Jesus. In John 14:6 we find: "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me."
The shred is presented from a duo approach from both Matt Rice and Fred Blanchard. On this release, Matt and Fred offer up melodic guitar play in the veins of Stryper and Angelica. Throughout the album our guitarists move between smooth 80's style noodling to energetic driving guitar play to occasional Power Metal riffs. In addition, Matt & Fred interject plenty of memorial solos which helps to hold the attention of the listener.
"Salvation Is Law"
Reaching for the sky, we hold on
Troubles come and go away
Eternal torture waits
For the one who bows too late
So see before you; there's no time to wait
Kingdoms rise, realize them all
Hypnotize while sheep do fall
Clever lies deceive on call
Wonder why doom's in sight - Salvation is law
"Cross The Line"
Distant scenes of yesterday
Are only sad reflections in a pool of tears
We need a change, oh, a better way
And Jesus is the way you can destroy all fears
"Don't Run Away"
The mirror tells all by a vision of loneliness
Reflecting through eyes that appear to be blind
The bell rings out in the steeple across the way
Assuring you love of another kind
Whose sorrow paid for all the sin?
There is tomorrow, cause freedom's now within
"Comin' Along"
Everything I had before
I count as loss for something more
Takin' my stand on the rock
Standing my ground; ain't gonna stop
Reaching for the sky, we hold on
Troubles come and go away
Eternal torture waits
For the one who bows too late
So see before you; there's no time to wait
Kingdoms rise, realize them all
Hypnotize while sheep do fall
Clever lies deceive on call
Wonder why doom's in sight - Salvation is law
"Cross The Line"
Distant scenes of yesterday
Are only sad reflections in a pool of tears
We need a change, oh, a better way
And Jesus is the way you can destroy all fears
"Don't Run Away"
The mirror tells all by a vision of loneliness
Reflecting through eyes that appear to be blind
The bell rings out in the steeple across the way
Assuring you love of another kind
Whose sorrow paid for all the sin?
There is tomorrow, cause freedom's now within
"Comin' Along"
Everything I had before
I count as loss for something more
Takin' my stand on the rock
Standing my ground; ain't gonna stop
Legacy's debut was one of those lost treasures waiting to be found and now it has been re-issued in the latest formats. If you are looking to add some more solid Melodic Metal to your collection then give Legacy a listen because this is one release that doesn't disappoint.
Musicians:
Doug Meacham – Lead Vocals
Matt Rice – Guitars
Fred Blanchard – Guitars
John Rice – Bass
“Jungle” John Jenkins - Drums
Doug Meacham – Lead Vocals
Matt Rice – Guitars
Fred Blanchard – Guitars
John Rice – Bass
“Jungle” John Jenkins - Drums