Cyber Cauldron

Release date 21-04-2011

Cardinal Points is a concept album exploring the 4 points of the compass and their relationships to the Elements of Western Mysticism; Earth, Air, Fire and Water. The CD contains 4 epic tracks and a running time of just a shade under an hour and features Legend’s brand new line up!

Line up:Vocals: Kerry Parker Keyboards: Steve Paine Guitars: Dave Foster Bass: Dan Nelson Drums: John Macklin

I have been given a copy of Cardinal points by Legend their latest album and asked if I would review it. So who are Legend? Well in their own words

“An archetypical progressive / symphonic rock band or if you prefer a dinosaur. Legend are not ‘fashionable’, ‘chic’ or ‘in vogue’ they are unusual and unique and they are here to stay. So if you like Rush, Jethro Tull, Nightwish, Within Temptation, Yes, Solstice, Steeleye Span, Renaissance… the list goes on…” http://www.stevepaine.org/page2.html

I would like to describe them as a band that plays deep and meaningful pagan music based on their latest Album “Cardinal Points” now I must say that until my friend gave me a copy of the album I had not heard of them which is pretty bad as my friend is the lead singer well I knew she was a singer but never could remember band name.

Well I have played the album quite a few times since receiving it and I found my mind wandering off to far of distant lands following the beat and the words and lyrical imagery that are created.

The Album “Cardinal points” as you can imagine is themed to the four elements. The element flow into one another creating a perfect 60mins of music.

The four tracks on the album are “Carved in stone”, “Whisper on the wind”, “Spark to a flame” and “Drop in the Ocean”

The Track “Carved in Stone” had me visualising Australia, Mountains and heavy banging of tools and dark and moody images while swaying away to a great beat and a wonderful voice leading me on a lyrical journey. A wonderful track that got me swaying in the same way a guns and roses track would have me swaying.

As we move through seamless into the next track the mood changes a much darker emotion descended. “Whisper on the wind” as a feel of need and desire as I visualised travelling at a fast pace over desserts the great guitar section (almost a guitar solo) had an inspiring feeling you can almost see the notes being created and dancing on the wind. Again I sway swaying and slightly head banging.

Now the next track “Spark to a flame” well and track that start with a clap of thunder has your attention this track had a feel of Kate Bush a very lyrically splendid track. Unlike the other track where I felt the element almost instantly I had to search for the heat and fire in this one. Although the track had great passion and built heat has it went along it was very controlled if not a little subdued for fire.

And for the final tack “Drop in the Ocean” a very fluid track filled with ebbs and flows and a very dreamy feel I felt that I was being carried along with the song and the musical notes where leading me.

Now I would have to say that this is a very good album not just because you can sway and gently head bang to it but you can also use it for meditation and raising energy.

Now you can get a copy of “Cardinal Points” and other Legend Albums from http://www.stevepaine.org/

A big thanks you to Kerry Parker and Steve Paine for the opportunity to hear such a wonderful album.