| Legend | ||
|---|---|---|
 | ||
| Studio album by Witchcraft | ||
| Released | September 21 2012 | |
| Recorded | May - June 2012 at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden | |
| Genre | Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, Alternative Rock | |
| Length | 51:31 | |
| Label | Nuclear Blast Records | |
| Producer | Jens Bogren, Witchcraft | |
| Witchcraft chronology | ||
| The Sword / Witchcraft (2007) |
Legend (2012) |
Nucleus (2016) |
Legend is the fourth studio album by the Swedish hard rock band Witchcraft.
Recorded and released in 2012, Legend would mark many significant changes for the band. Along with Legend being the band's debut on Nuclear Blast Records, it would also be the only studio album to see the band as a quintet, with bandleader Magnus Pelander strictly on vocals and notably the last studio album to feature longtime bassist Ola Henriksson.[1] Notably the band's sound drastically changed from the retro doom rock of earlier records to a much cleaner and modern hard rock sound, with elements of progressive rock.[2][3] Despite some fans being divided about the band's new direction, Legend would largely receive critical acclaim.
Background[]
Following extensive touring of the critically acclaimed third album The Alchemist, Witchcraft would go on a hiatus for a couple years. In 2012 the band would reveal a new five-piece lineup, namely new members Simon Solomon (guitar), Tom Jondelius (guitar), and Oscar Johansson (drums). Ola Henriksson would remain on bass and Magnus Pelander would perform strictly on vocals, only recording some guitar for the album itself. Bassist Ola Henriksson noted that "Magnus has been wanting to drop the guitar for a couple of years now, and just focus on the vocals. When we found two new guitar players, it was an easy decision for him to do that.". Ola would also state that many of the songs had been written in the same sessions as Firewood and The Alchemist. [4] The band would record with engineer Jens Bogren (Kreator, Amon Amarth, Opeth) in the Summer of 2012, working with more modern production as compared to the prior three albums. The album art would be revealed that July, along with further details.[5]
A single in "It's Not Because Of You" would see release on 30 July 2012 via iTunes, with a 7" single later on 17 August. This single would contain a b-side in "Take Me With You When You Die". Legend would ultimately see release on 21 September 2012 with the band touring Europe and performing at many festivals in support. However by the time of recording for the next album only guitarist/vocalist Magnus Pelander would remain.
Legend, while noted for it's more modern and commercial sound, would still receive critical praise. The Obelisk would note the major shift in sound but praise many of the songs and close out stating "The change is going to be a lot for some to swallow, but for the potential Legend presents, Witchcraft may yet come out on top in deliberately working against what they once were.".[6] Pop Matters would also note the drastic sound change but ultimately praise the album, stating: "For past fans of Witchcraft, sure it’s acceptable to be infuriated with this record, and because of such initial disappointment dismiss it entirely, but if you can manage to peer over the monumental summit of The Alchemist, and overlook Legend’s modern approach and occasional missteps, Witchcraft’s assured song-writing will eventually win you over. This is a record worth spending time with.".[7] Fast n' Bulbous,[8] Metal Reviews[9] and Decibel Magazine[10] would also notably elicit high praise to Legend, the latter two both awarding 9/10 scores.
Legend would rank at #5 on The Obelisk's Reader Poll[11] and #4 on Decibel Magazine's Top 40 Albums of 2012.[12]
Tracklist[]
All songs written by Witchcraft. Track 10 is a digipak and vinyl exclusive.
- 1. Deconstruction (5:09)
- 2. Flag of Fate (4:35)
- 3. It's Not Because of You (4:13)
- 4. An Alternative to Freedom (5:17)
- 5. Ghosts House (4:17)
- 6. White Light Suicide (5:16)
- 7. Democracy (3:48)
- 8. Dystopia (6:46)
- 9. Dead End (12:10)
- 10. By Your Definition (5:11)
Personnel[]
- Magnus Pelander - Vocals, Guitar, Lyrics, Songwriting
- Ola Henriksson - Bass, Songwriting
- Tom Jondelius - Guitar (Rhythm)
- Simon Solomon - Guitar (Lead), Backing Vocals
- Oscar Johansson - Drums, Percussion
- Anton Sundell - Space Echo
- Jens Bogren - Mixing, Producer
- Tony Lindgren - Mastering
- Andreas Norrefjord - Cover Art, Design
- Johan Örnborg - Assistant Engineer
- Erik Normark - Photography
External Links[]
References[]
- ↑ About.com
- ↑ AllMusic
- ↑ About.com
- ↑ Metal Assault
- ↑ Nuclear Blast Records Official
- ↑ The Obelisk
- ↑ Pop Matters
- ↑ Fast n' Bulbous
- ↑ Metal Reviews
- ↑ [Green, Nick (November 2012). "Witchcraft, Legend". Decibel Magazine (97): 83–84.]
- ↑ The Obelisk
- ↑ Stereogum
| V·T·E Witchcraft | |
|---|---|
| Selected Members, Present and Past | Magnus Pelander • Ola Henriksson • Jens Henriksson • John Hoyles • Mats Arnesén • Jonas Arnesén • Fredrik Jansson |
| Studio Albums | Witchcraft • Firewood • The Alchemist • Legend • Nucleus • Black Metal |
| Other Releases | No Angel Or Demon • The Sword / Witchcraft |
| Magnus Pelander Solo Releases | A Sinner's Child • Time |
| Selected Associated Bands, Etc. | Norrsken • Troubled Horse • Graveyard • Count Raven • Abramis Brama • Truckfighters • Angel Witch |