LEGACY formed on September 1987, in Reynoldsburg, Ohio by Eric Adams, a youth minister, whom felt called to build and manage a band that could not only rock your face off, but also share the love of God while doing so. With bassist John D.
and guitarist Matthew Rice already on board, Eric reached out to guitarist Fred Blanchard, the younger brother of a friend of his, wondering if he knew of any singers seeking work. As divine providence would have it, Fred’s band had just broken up that day, so he and singer Doug Meacham were both available to join.
With a melodic metal style like a creoss between Stryper and Dokken as primary influences, LEGACY launched themselves into the live circuit, releasing their first EP in 1988. Legacy’s star seemed to be on a meteoric rise. They were featured in CCM Magazine and Heaven’s Metal Magazine. Their singles appeared on compilations from Pure Metal and Star Song Records.
They were on the brink of being signed by a major Christian label, but then it all unraveled. Matt left the band to pursue other interests; Fred departed soon after. Within a year, the band experienced a string of personnel pains, and before a new incarnation could be solidified, grunge steam-rolled onto the scene and the radical shift in the musical winds shattered any chance Legacy might have had at wider success. By the spring of ‘92, Legacy was no more.
“Legacy“, released by Eonian Records en 2010, compiled for the first time most 1988-1992 LEGACY all studio professional recordings fully remastered. The CD sold out, so at the end of 2024, alongside a new comeback LEGACY album, the label is reissuing “Legacy” with a new 2024 remastering, including as bonus 3 previously unreleased tracks and refreshed artwork.
LEGACY was a really good band with enormous potential, with strong songs and skilled playing. Their brand of US melodic metal indeed brings to mind Stryper, with clean vocals and sharp riffs.
Highly Recommended
01 – Salvation Is Law
02 – It’s Real
03 – Cross The Line
04 – Forever In Your Arms
05 – You Need Love (Previously Unreleased)
06 – Don’t Run Away
07 – Red, White, And Blue
08 – Change Of A Broken Heart
09 – Comin’ Along
10 – Soldiers Unite
11 – One Way Or The Other
12 – Live It
13 – What A World
14 – Model Citizen
15 – Vision Of Perfection
16 – Fear Of The Unknown [demo] (Previously Unreleased)
17 – All The Pain And Tears [demo] (Previously Unreleased)
Doug Meacham – Lead Vocals
Matthew Rice – Guitar & Backing Vocals
Fred Blanchard – Guitar & Backing Vocals
John D. Rice – Bass & Backing Vocals
“Jungle” John Jenkins – Drums & Other Rude Noises