Barely a minute into the opening and I love it already!

Now in all honesty, Bob Catley, for me, isn't one of those names that right away struck me as anyone special. Anyone I should've known. But maybe I should have.

With "Legends," the former lead man from Magnum and more recently of Hard Rain, points his quill toward further self-fulfillment by way of his latest solo effort, which if you take everything into consideration, is anything but.

Catley does a terrific job on vocals, laying down a melodic framework that converges with superb backing harmonies, falling like a refreshing light mist amidst what otherwise is a stormy performance built around myths and legends.

"The Pain" was written around one Elvis Aaron Presley and tells the not so glamorous story of the fallen idol who for many, still remains a hero in their hearts, an undying influence on the music of countless numbers.

"Shelter from the Night" based on Bram Stoker's "Dracula" is among the top two or three tracks of the ten-and speaking of Ten, the entire album was written and produced by Gary Hughes, who also does the keyboard placement, perhaps an effect never more meaningful for its purpose than here-well he can be heard quite clearly backing up Mr. Catley, and as well, fans of that band will hear the influence surrounding the bombast that encompasses this epic journey following the spirits of many a lost soul. Scroll further through the pages of written history by way of "Carpe Diem" which touches upon the a piece of Shakespeare's "Henry V," while "Medusa" is derived from the Homer classic "Iliad and The Odyssey."

Sandwiched between the two, a stirring tribute can be heard in the form of "Tender is the Night," which takes a saddened glimpse into the tragic life of Marilyn Monroe.

"Legends" is a one of a kind tribute that insightfully documents and defines the masterwork of the many memorable figures from our past, housing itself within tasteful arrangements, and a pleasant balance of heavy rock and classical brilliance presented by a virtuous team of true artistic talents.

Released By Frontiers Records

Review By Vinnie Apicella