'Eclipse' is the second and final album from Finnish gothic metal band Legenda, formed by ex-Impaled Nazarene member Kimmo "Sir" Luttinen (Mika's brother). Well, the eclipse came fast for the band, for sure! And just when things began to sound more professional...

My review for the 1997 debut album ended like this: "'Autumnal' is above all a rather original-sounding album. Unlike the band's sophomore one..." That includes a piece of truth there, but 'Eclipse' definitely does not sound like a bulk product, no. Mr. Luttinen widened the aural spectrum here, and at times went and revisited his past. Yes, the album blasts off (no kidding) in vein of Impaled Nazarene! Malicious 'The Night Has Drawn Night' does not include Legenda's gothic elements, and 'Cohorts of Demons' is another more aggressive piece. The title track, which ends the album, is another one featuring blast beating, but the style is closer to old Rotting Christ for example, as the majestic keyboards play a big part in the song; I cannot call the moods here anything like violently malicious, but maybe ominous.

Then we get 10 songs with gothic and majestic black metal mixed into... Legenda. They (bass player Niko Karppinen was the another guy) had a rather identifiable sound, especially on the debut album. Now it had became bigger in many ways, but it's still "autumnal" here and there. Then again, it does sound more like big-league this time around. The contrast between black metal mayhem and gothic metal gloominess is huge. Sweeping synthesizer work is an important part of the band, bringing in the melodiousness. Very Finnish aural landscapes are conjured with that electronic magic box. The compositions tend to include one or two main traits, and do not branch out much. Still, things get mostly delivered.

The backbone is strong in the mix: The bass guitar and drums dominate the soundscape. Black metal style vocalization, which is groaning, barking and hissing throat voice with strong reverb, together with simplistic, strumming guitars which present power chords and notes, are still audible yet somehow ethereal compared to the rhythm section's power. The guitars and bass are often doing same things. The atmospheres are more varied on this album, and some of the debut's gloominess had to give room for things like horror (not too far from Norwegian Morgul) and other more malign vibes, as well as more positive feels à la 'Springrealm'. This feels a bit angrier album than 'Autumnal'.

'Sister Shadow Sister (Blooddance-Mix)' features wicked guest vocals by Sami Huotari (Machina, ex-Myon), that highly reminds me of Marco Hietala of Tarot (ex-Nightwish). Just go and give it a try, I promise it is hard not to get confused over who's singing! Maybe the song is a tad too long, but is still a fine addition and change for other things on this 50-minute album.

The packaging is rather lame, as the 6-panel digipak doesn't come with a booklet. There's only the title track's lyrics printed. But that was Holy Records' way sometimes. Or then the band didn't want publish them lyrics, who knows.

Maybe Mr. Luttinen had his hands full when he joined The Black League as a drummer in 1998, and decided to ditch Legenda for good. Anyway, this is perfect listening for autumn and winter times, just like the debut album. Go try these two Legenda albums; while not legendary, still worth your dismal time, especially if you like Finnish synth-driven black/gothic metal of the 1990s.

Rating: 7½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
11/30/2023 13:24