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The U.K.'s Legend never broke out of the confines of the NWOBHM the way Iron Maiden, Saxon and even Raven did, but back in the early 80s they were a pretty big deal within the movement. Their second album, Death in the Nursery is considered a minor classic. The band only soldiered on for a short time after that album, breaking up around 1984. Like many of their peers, Legend realized the time for Heavy Metal had returned by the early 21st century and are back with their second album since reforming in 2002, The Dark Place.

The Dark Place is a solid mix of the old and the new. Production-wise, the album sounds smooth and spacious with plenty of room for all the instruments to be heard. The songwriting blends old favorites, ranging from the twin-guitars of Iron Maiden, to the quirky vocal lines of Thin Lizzy, to the gritty riffs of Rush's first album. There's also a modern feel, something that is akin to what I think of when I hear the term "Adult Contemporary." There are plenty of soft, acoustic passages interspersed with the down and dirty riffing and the lyrical themes seem much more mature, for lack of a better word. There are quite a few tales dealing with the passage of time, such as "Too Late to Be a Hero" and "Questions and Answers." There are no killer tracks, something that hasn't changed much for Legend since the early 80s, but there aren't any real weak spots either.

Overall, The Dark Place is pretty good release from one of the pioneers of the NWOBHM. Legend has done a nice job of balancing the old and the new. Well done, if not truly essential.