Masterminded by multi-instrumentalist Frank Us, LEGACY PILOTS is one of the most original melodic progressive bands from the current scene, delivering a musical palette ranging from rock&pop, AOR to classic rock not forgetting its roots of prog rock.
We were pleasantly surprised by LEGACY PILOTS previous albums featured at 0dayrox, now the German combo is releasing their new album titled “Thru The Lens“.
As usual we see a superb cast of musicians participating in this record; guitarists Steven Rothery (Marillion) and Steve Morse (ex Deep Purple), drummers Todd Sucherman (Styx) and Marco Minnemann (Steven Wilson, Mike Keneally), vocalists John Mitchell (Arena, Frost*, Lonely Robot), Jake Livgren (nephew of Kansas’ icon Kerry), and several others.
From ballads and pop/rock tunes to elaborated progressive, these top musicians once again showcase their skills. If you’re new to LEGACY PILOTS you better check out this now, musically a mix between Alan Parsons, Saga, Mr. Mister, World Trade, etc.
In addition to the already mentioned and praised musical craftsmanship, there is something else that stands out above all: the formidable vocals. Frank Us uses some excellent vocalists too. Just listen to ‘The Matter’ feat. John Mitchell. But bassist Lars Slowak is also an accomplished singer, as demonstrated on ‘Don’t Chase the Rainbows’, accompanied by Todd Sucherman’s thunderous drumming.
But for me, Jake Livgren steals the show. The talented nephew of Kansas icon Kerry has a voice that is a cross between Joseph Wiliams (Toto), Steve Walsh (Kansas) and Bobby Kimball (Toto). It’s no coincidence that the latter two are also his favorites and sources of inspiration. Great singer this man, which he already showed with Proto-Kaw.
But it’s not all pop-rock sensibility – far from it. Closing track “The Professor and Me” is a 10 minute composition divided into 6 dynamic parts. Progressive rock in the best tradition of the genre with Todd Sucherman (Styx) terrific drumming and great keyboard runs, with a certain Emerson, Lake & Palmer touch.
Legacy Pilots “Thru The Lens” feels like a triptych, one part consists of a number of catchy melodic rock&pop songs, another part is formed by the epic middle part and the closing section is especially wonderfully proggy. Frank Us and his fellow (test) pilots have once again delivered a pretty impressive job, which will undoubtedly appeal to many melodic prog / melodic rock / rock&pop fans.
Highly Recommended
Tracklist:
01. Where the Pilots Meet
02. Nemesis
03. Don't Chase the Rainbows
04. The Matter
05. The Inner Fire
06. Cosmic Sea (I) Prologue
07. Cosmic Sea (II) A Poisoned Wasteland
08. Cosmic Sea (III) Approaching Another World
09. Cosmic Sea (IV) A Toxic Result, Coordinates & Epilogue
10. Fooled Again
11. The Professor & Me (I) An Interesting Project
12. The Professor & Me (II) In the Laboratory
13. The Professor & Me (III) A Question of Chemistry
14. The Professor & Me (IV) Where East Meets West
15. The Professor & Me (V) We're Cooking Something Up
16. The Professor & Me (VI) Great Finale
Line Up:
- Frank Us / keyboards, guitars, vocals, bass
With:
- Todd Sucherman / drums
-Marco Minnemann/drums
- Lars Slowak / bass
-John Mitchell/vocals
- Finally George / vocals
- Jake Livgren / vocals
- Liza Livgren/vocals
- Steven Rothery / guitars
- Steve Morse / guitars
- Ricky Garcia / guitars
Legacy Pilots – Thru The Lens (2024)
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