Legend is a duo combined by two very good friends and brilliant musicians from Iceland. Krummi Björgvinsson the poster child of rock and roll in Iceland is best known from his rock band Minus and also his country/blues band Esja. Halldór Björnsson the other half of Legend and its keyboard artist is a producer and composer of various bands in the music industry. The outcome of their cooperation is, as they describe it, industrial electronic music. They certainly deliver a great interesting sound together and with their vast experience in the music industry and rock solid live performance they cannot do much wrong.
Check them out here: http://soundcloud.com/legend-band
Tell us about the idea behind Legend? How did all start?
-It all started many years ago when I was a teenager and got into some of the industrial bands at the time like Ministry, Skinny Puppy etc. Always has been a dream of mine to have a project that is musical and visual. I´ve never been into happy music so the darkness and drama is more charming to me. The band was formed officially 2 years ago. Me and Dóri (the other half of Legend) were playing around with the idea of forming such a band so we wrote a few songs and talked about the concept. We just knew right away that this was something we were going to do with a full on ambition.
Why did you guys decide to work together on this? And how is the collaboration going?
-We have been friends since 1999 and I used to play drums in Dóri´s electronic band at the time, but that was short lived because I was so busy with my band Mínus.
But we knew that we were going to do something special together when the time was right. We work so well together that we sometimes don´t even need to talk we just somehow use telepathic messages! We have a similar writing style and like the same sounds. We have done soundtracks together and he plays piano in my country band Esja. We collaborate on lots of other things. We are blessed to have found each other.
Why the name Legend?
It´s strong and sounds epic and we love the 80´s fantasy film Legend. But mainly it´s because it sounds great and fits the music and visuals. Looks good too!
How would you describe your sound for Legend? And do you have any specific inspirations for it?
-Like pounding sounds from a factory together with fantasy melodies that lies between glacial synth work and gloomy industrial 80s era. We are inspired by all things ominous.
And religion, death, war, love and sex has been a helpful muse for us.
You have been doing quite different music in the past, did you just get this sudden desire to do something different?
-I have always done different things and try my hardest to evolve as an artist and challenge myself to the fullest. This band is one of many projects I´m doing right now, but Legend is the closest to my heart at the moment.
What is the most important thing to keep in mind as a musician?
-Create with sincerity and conviction. Play every show like it´s your last.
The cover from your new album Fearless is very interesting, who´s idea was that?
-My friend Siggi Odds bass player for Mínus got the idea. He´s a very talented artist and graphic designer. We wanted the album to look confusing and interesting at the same time but timeless as well. I call it face blind.
Does Legend have plans to play live outside of Iceland any time soon?
-We just signed to a Canadian label called Artoffact and they are going to distribute the album in Canada, North America and Europe. We are already talking to booking agents so we will be touring next year.
What can we expect from Legend in the coming months?
-We will release a new video which I shot and directed for the song City. That will be out next month. We are now currently working on a bonus song which will be on the American version. Playing loads of shows and spreading the gospel. Join the cult!
Words: Kristín Larsdóttir Dahl