Legend

Label: Empire Records
Country: US
Released: 1979
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Exploring Legend's 'From The Fjords'

'From The Fjords', stylized as 'Fröm The Fjörds', is the only studio album by the American power trio Legend, released in 1979. The band hails from New Haven, Connecticut, and the album was produced under their own label, Empire Records, with the catalog number ER-101. Initially, only 500 copies were pressed, making it a rare find for collectors.

Recording Details

The recording took place in Connecticut, with mixing completed at Golden East Studios in New Canaan. Legend consisted of three members: Kevin Nugent on lead vocals and guitars, Fred Melillo on bass, and Raymond E. Frigon on drums and percussion. Nugent, who tragically passed away in 1983, provided the band with a distinctive sound through his guitar work and vocal style. The album's production was handled by Nugent and Raymond E. Frigon, with engineering contributions from Buddy Pollock and Don Wade.

Musical Style and Themes

'From The Fjords' is recognized for its fusion of genres, including hard rock, heavy metal, and progressive rock. The music incorporates complex time signatures and fantasy-themed lyrics, often drawing comparisons to bands like Rush and early Iron Maiden. The album features eight tracks, including the notable "The Wizard's Vengeance" and the title track, which is an 8-minute progressive epic. The lyrical themes often explore Norse mythology and fantasy, supported by intricate guitar riffs and acoustic interludes.

Artwork and Visuals

The album's artwork was designed by Ioannis Vasilopoulos, a Greek-American artist known for his contributions to the rock and metal scene. The visual presentation complements the album's thematic elements, enhancing the fantasy imagery that pervades the music.

Legacy as a Proto-Power Metal Album

Though often overlooked, 'From The Fjords' is considered a precursor to the epic metal and power metal genres that would gain prominence in the 1980s. Its combination of heavy guitar work and progressive elements set a foundation for future developments in the metal genre. This album has been influential in shaping the sound of bands that emerged in the years following its release.

Empire Records released 'From The Fjords' in 1979, marking a significant entry in the early U.S. heavy metal scene.

Tracklist

A1	The Destroyer Written-By – Nugent*	5:15
A2	The Wizard's Vengeance Written-By – NugentWritten-By – Frigon	3:21
A3	The Golden Bell Written-By – NugentWritten-By – Frigon	7:10
A4	The Confrontation Written-By – NugentWritten-By – Frigon	3:23
B1	R.A.R.Z. Written-By – NugentWritten-By – Frigon	5:12
B2	Against The Gods Written-By – NugentWritten-By – Frigon	3:43
B3	The Iron Horse Written-By – NugentWritten-By – Frigon	6:29
B4	From The Fjords Written-By – Nugent*	8:01

Credits

Bass [Freted And Fretless, Octave And Flanged] – Fred Melillo
Design [Album Design & Logos] – Ioannis
Drums, Cymbal [Cymbals], Gong [Gongs], Percussion [Tuned And Untuned], Vocals – Raymond E. Frigon
Electric Guitar [6 String], Twelve-String Guitar [Electric], Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals – Kevin Nugent
Engineer – Buddy Pollock
Engineer – Don Wade
Engineer – Kevin Nugent
Producer – Kevin Nugent
Producer – Ray Frigon*