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Mists of Time is the debut album from Pittsburgh's epic metal band Legendry. It was originally put out in 2016 but is getting a re-release via High Roller Records and that's a good thing because you can hear what this band is capable of on this album. They've always gone in for a late '70s/early '80s style when hard rock and heavy metal weren't as distinct as they would shortly become, but they are definitely on the heavy metal side with the songs on Mists of Time. There's clearly a huge nod in the direction of Manilla Road in the epic atmospheres and Howardian lyrics not to mention Legendry are a trio, matching Manilla Road's original lineup (the cover of "Necropolis" salts the comparisons away for good). The guitars have a great tone with plenty of bite and the drums have a refreshing warm, analog sound. Singer Vidarr is nowhere near as powerful or distinctive as Mark Shelton, but no one is, so can't fault him there. He carries the songs well enough, especially on my favorite track, "Phoenix on the Blade." This one has great riffs and catchy vocal hooks strewn throughout its eight and a half minute length. Legendry give "Attack of the Necromancer" a tribal drum intro before settling into a more trad metal, guitar-driven melody, which adds a unique touch to the song.

Legendry's follow-up albums, Dungeon Crawler and The Wizard and the Tower Keep, were good but not as good as Mists of Time. I'm not sure what led to this one being Legendry's best so far, but if you like Manilla Road and modern epic metal bands such as Eternal Champion, Warrior Path and Megaton Sword, you need to add Mists of Time to your collection.