LEGACY [Eonian Records] – Hello, New World (comeback album 2024) *HQ*

Ohio based melodic metal / hard rock band LEGACY started in 1987, and dropped a high-quality cassette on in 1988. Released at a time when the scene was full of self-released tapes of various recording qualities, Legacy hit us with one that contained six songs of very high quality, both in recording and songwriting. With big harmonies, and dual guitar attack, comparisons to huge bands like Stryper are not misplaced.
They were poised for a recording contract but changes in life direction for some member caused the band to simply pull the plug and fade away. Or so it seemed… Jump forward to 2010 when Eonian Records approached Legacy with the idea of reissuing their early material on CD for the first time.
LEGACY members remained friends and played sporadic gigs, but now 2024 they are back with the original line up and a new album titled ”Hello, New World”, also released by Eonian Records.
”Hello, New World” does not stray too far from the original musical direction and style of the early material, but there is a definite maturity in the sound all these years later. This is US melodic metal with late ’80s feeling. You kind of know what you are in for when you look at the artwork, an arcade video-game with Van Halen’s famous stripes.

With big backing vocals, tons of melodic harmonies, sing-along and anthemic rockers in the vein of Stryper, The Brave, Dokken and other similar masters, the band continue their ‘legacy’ with another batch of strong rockers with a clear Christian message as always, but lyrically not intrusive.
Opening track “These Five Words” is a mid-paced rocker laced with harmonies and guitar grit, modernized in sound but still Eighties in nature. Up next is a track that appeared on the original 1988 tape, “Change of a Broken Heart,” one of the band’s best songs from those early days, so we appreciate it showing up here. They didn’t really change much the song, it is just an updated recording for the most part, so still a great track.
“Sidewalk Space” immediately brings to mind Guardian early years, quite anthemic and with a huge chorus. ”21” rocks with sharp guitar work, the lyrics recounting how traumatic the events of the year 2020 were.

“Take My Breath Away” is a favorite from this new release. It’s metallic but with a hard rock groove and a killer chorus, with a very good ‘gang style’ arrangement with all members contributing.
“Forever In Your Arms”, while not on the original 1988 tape, was one of the songs the band recorded not too long after that, and was included on the 2010 reissue. One thing you will note; the original version sounds so much like the sound & style Stryper had at that time that could have appeared on To Hell With The Devil with no problem. But this newly 2024 recorded addition, while still hearkening back at times to that, it now feels and sounds different enough to stand independently as a ‘new song’ from this band.

“With a Shout” opens with a killer little guitar solo riff before dropping into a chorus exhorting you to “Lift your voice and praise with a shout” intertwined with more blazing solos. Rocking worship at its finest. And closing out the release is “Chains on My Heart,” with a start that makes you think you’re in for a slower, power ballad type track – but nope, it breaks into the rocking style of the rest, rounding out this release as a solid rocker all-around.

Overall, ”Hello, New World” is a very enjoyable musical trip for us melodic hard rock and metal fans. Plus, we’re always thrilled to see an original line up from so long ago get back to do new music. In the past decade we’ve seen so many bands of yesteryear come back with strong material – add Legacy to that list.
Highly Recommended

01 – These Five Words
02 – Change Of A Broken Heart (2024 version)
03 – Sidewalk Space
04 – 21
05 – Take My Breath Away
06 – Forever In Your Arms
07 – With A Shout
08 – Chains On My Heart

Doug Meacham – Lead Vocals
Matthew Rice – Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals
Fred Blanchard – Guitar, Keyboards, & Backing Vocals
John D. Rice – Bass & Backing Vocals
John Jenkins – Drums

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eonianrecords.com/new-products/legacy-hello-new-world