Album Review: Venger - Times of Legend (2026, Silver Lining Music)
- Stuart Ball
- 11 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Written: 3rd January 2026
Venger – named after the one-horned sorcerer from Dungeons and Dragons - may be a new name on the rock and metal scene but its foundations are strong. Guitarist Doug Scarratt, renowned for his work with Saxon, joins forces with multi-instrumentalist James Fogarty, whose diverse background spans black and progressive metal through projects such as In The Woods and Old Forest. Their paths crossed unexpectedly in 2024 at a bar in Brighton where a chance introduction led to a creative partnership. What began as a casual conversation soon developed into a shared vision built on mutual passions for metal, cinema and the art of storytelling. The duo are joined by drummer Sven Rother, who has worked with Fogarty in Nattehimmel, and Roadwolf vocalist Franz Bauer.
Times of Legend is structured to be a collection of adventurous stories. “I like the idea that Times Of Legend could be like a heavy metal version of those 1950s schoolboy books where every chapter was a different story” says James Fogarty. “Each song is its own individual story and listening to the whole album is giving people a collection of tales.” Doug Scarrett adds, “We’re both fans of cinema so you’ve got all the classic horror movies in there as well as some historical elements too. I’ve always loved anything connected with fantasy and movies; we’re surrounded by enough reality for me. When it comes to entertainment, I want some escape!”
In terms of Scarratt’s wish for pure entertainment, Times of Legend does not disappoint. As you might imagine given his involvement, the heart of this album beats with pure old school heavy metal and melodic hard rock. Opening track From Worlds Unknown sets the scene with a pulsating, driving pace that blends irresistible riffs, soaring solos and pounding drums. From Worlds Unknown will have you tapping your foot within moments and as with many tracks on the album, the chorus will stick in your mind after only a couple of listens. Speaking about the lyrical content, Fogarty comments, “The song engages a subject Doug and I have a shared interest in which is Ufology. It was written from the perspective of imagining that you were down by Stonehenge once and this UFO turned up but there’s no one else there to witness it. And does that really matter? Ultimately, I don’t think it does.” An extremely solid start to the album, it shows that Venger know exactly what sort of band they want to be and they play to their strengths from the very first note.
Diving into the midst of time, Pharoah’s Curse begins with heavy stone being moved and the start of a tomb being looted. Egyptian style motifs and guitar solo give the track its own identity. It maintains the high tempo established on From Worlds Unknown but increases the heaviness. Razor sharp riffs and a compelling insistence from the rhythm section propel the groove with muscular focus while Bauer’s galvanising vocals unveil the narrative.
The occasional use of sound effects continues as a creaking door leads us into Navigate The Labyrinth where the mythical and adventurous elements of the band’s storytelling really take off. There is no mistaking that Venger are revelling in the sheer joy of playing these songs and it is impossible not to be swept up in the excitement – from the continual energy to the quest-driven lyrics that pay homage to classic adventure tales. To be slain by the horn'ed one / I was cast into this maze / You must fight your way / Through subterranean night / Navigate the Labyrinth / And find your way back to the light. The video for Navigate the Labyrinth is based on an imaginary console game from the world of Venger - a place where according to the press notes, “classic Heavy Metal thrives and 16-bit gaming is the pinnacle of home entertainment.” Forgarty explains, “The video tells the story of when the band received a mysterious package from the 1980's; it contained an imaginary computer game detailing the story of Theseus. To complete your journey back to the light, you must find and battle the mighty Minotaur. Get ready for the fight of your life!"
Crystal Gazer arrives at a perfectly judged moment in the tracklist, introducing a welcome shift in tempo as its slower yet grand development reshapes the atmosphere. An arresting surge of chugging riffs underlines the band’s attention to craft and their ability to sustain the sense of engagement established by the earlier tracks. The guitar solo unfurls with a sense of drama and precision, weaving fluid melodic lines into the track’s framework. Regarding solos, Scarratt states, “James writes great harmonies and melodies but doesn’t solo. I love improvising solos. I like to just listen to the track and see what happens. I’ve always loved that. Some of the solos start with melody parts, harmonies, and then go into some free fall, but I like the free fall because I love the randomness of guitar.”
The Legend Still Remains dives into the world of King Arthur and the music is full of the aura of valiant deeds and a fight for justice. Adding further diversity to the band’s approach, a slower central section unfolds, first guided by shimmering synths before giving way to a majestic guitar solo that crowns the passage with grandeur. Spoken word cries of, “Guided by power of Merlin” and “And so, he rests in eternal sleep,” add to the sense of drama and narrative sweep, enriching the track with a theatrical flourish. Séance delivers the greatest breadth of ideas in a single piece – a memorable chorus, elegant acoustic passages and further spoken-word interludes, all culminating in a wicked mwah-ha-ha laugh. It wraps up everything we have heard so far into one audacious package, crowned by a rip-snorting solo that makes this a serious contender for the album’s standout track among some formidable rivals.
Both Throw the Switch and Impaler of Souls stride forward with a fiery aggression that proves Venger are far from losing momentum as the album nears its close. Franz Bauer’s vocal performance throughout Times of Legend is exceptional, and on Throw The Switch in particular, he delivers with imperious power, leaving no doubt about his range and authority. Final track Tower Of Babel – the only one to exceed five minutes - features vocals from Matt Mitchell and ends the album in epic style with a nod to the biblical tower that symbolised human ambition. Before we realise it, the album has reached its final notes – a testament to how tightly written and engaging it is.
Times of Legend is not just a collection of songs; it is a journey through different worlds where metal becomes a vehicle for grand adventures. Every track feels like opening a new chapter, each with its own tone and setting, yet all bound together by a sense of momentum that never falters. The album thrives on contrast – moments of sheer force giving way to passages of atmosphere and melody – yet nothing feels wasted or out of place. The result feels less like a new collaboration and more like old friends finding common ground - an atmosphere of warmth and authenticity that permeates their music. For listeners who cherish the drama and colour of classic hard rock and heavy metal and for those who crave melody without losing weight and impact, this is a release that delivers in full. It is a celebration of imagination and sound that reminds us why this music endures.
Times of Legend is released on 9th January.
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