The Legacy

The Legacy is a vivid debut that, while grounded in Bay Area thrash’s speed and aggression, holds precise, technical guitar work and striking melody. Chuck Billy’s thick, powerful voice gives the songs a sure weight, and Alex Skolnick and Eric Peterson’s guitars intertwine sharply and tightly. A record that showed outstanding playing technique — not merely speed — already from the debut. From the overwhelming drive of the speeding opening classic “Over the Wall” and the aggression of “Burnt Offerings” to the drama of “The Haunting,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “First Strike Is Deadly” and “Raging Waters” convey the work’s fullness. In particular, “Over the Wall” became an enduring anthem representing the band’s early era. A record that powerfully announced to the world the arrival of new talent in Bay Area thrash, alongside Metallica and Exodus. Skolnick’s outstanding melodic lead guitar gave off a distinct character in the thrash scene of the time. A powerful debut on which the origin of the brilliant career of a band that would later grow into a scene-representing band is inscribed — a record showing the band’s high ability.