When Legends Rise (song) explained

When Legends Rise
Type:single
Artist:Godsmack
Album:When Legends Rise
Recorded:2017–2018
Label:BMG
Prev Title:Bulletproof
Prev Year:2018
Next Title:Under Your Scars
Next Year:2018

"When Legends Rise" is a song by American rock band Godsmack. It was the second single off of their seventh studio album When Legends Rise.

Background and inspiration

In an interview with Billboard, Sully Erna told the magazine that "When Legends Rise" came from a sense of rebirth and reinvention on both personal and musical levels.[1] In another interview, Erna provided further insight into what inspired him to write the song:

Erna went on to clarify that the "Legends" part of the title was not referring to Godsmack, but rather, it was "metaphorical" and "hopefully inspirational", concluding with "I'm certainly not saying that we're the legends!"

Track listing

Digital single

Music video

The music video for "When Legends Rise" was released on Jan 11, 2019.[2] The clip, directed by Sully Erna in conjunction with Paris Visone, alternates between footage of the band performing live and highlights of pivotal moments in recent football history, concluding with a shot of the New England Patriots Super Bowl trophy.[2] In a statement released by the band, it was revealed the clip was the result of Erna collaborating directly with the NFL for three months.[3]

Appearances

The song is featured in the musical video game Rock Band 4 as a downloadable content.[4] Also, it was used as a preview song to promote UFC 226.[5] Moreover, WWE utilized the song as the official theme song for its 2018, 2019 and 2020 pay-per-view events WWE Greatest Royal Rumble, Crown Jewel and Super ShowDown that were held in Saudi Arabia.[6]

Live performance

Godsmack debuted "When Legends Rise" on April 27, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. Since then, the song is regularly performed at the band's concerts.[7]

Reception

Critical

Reviews for "When Legends Rise" were mostly positive. Blabbermouths reviewer Jay Gorania praised Shannon Larkin's performance on the track but noted that the chorus was "perfunctory at best."[8] Chad Childers of Loudwire described the song as "pulsing with vitality."[9] AllMusic's reviewer Neil Yeung described the song as a "rousing avalanche of drums and guitar" and praised Erna's vocal delivery.[10]

Commercial

Upon its release, "When Legends Rise" entered multiple charts, including the Billboard Mainstream Rock. Like the previous single from the album, it peaked at number one where it remained for five consecutive weeks,[11] giving Godsmack their ninth number one single on that chart.[12]

Personnel

Godsmack

Charts

Year-end charts

Chart (2019)Position
US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs (Billboard)[13] 77
US Rock Airplay (Billboard)[14] 50

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Graff . Gary . Godsmack Returns With 'When Legends Rise' Title Track: Premiere . Billboard . Billboard . 28 October 2020 . 13 April 2018.
  2. Web site: GODSMACK Releases Music Video For 'When Legends Rise' Title Track . BLABBERMOUTH.NET . 28 October 2020 . 11 January 2019.
  3. Web site: Scott . Munro . Godsmack celebrate the NFL playoffs in When Legends Rise video . Classic Rock Magazine . 28 October 2020 . en . 14 Jan 2019.
  4. Web site: 'When Legends Rise' - Godsmack . store.playstation.com . 28 October 2020.
  5. Web site: UFC 226 Miocic vs Cormier The Superfight Live on Main Event July 8 . 28 October 2020 . en-us.
  6. Web site: Middleton . Marc . WWE NXT Referee Hypes Current Era, WWE Looks At 27 Dolph Ziggler Vs. Kofi Kingston Matches, SSD . Wrestling Inc. . 28 October 2020 . en . 6 June 2019.
  7. Web site: Godsmack Setlist at Metropolitan Park, Jacksonville, FL, USA . 28 October 2020 . en-us.
  8. CD Reviews - When Legends Rise Godsmack - Blabbermouth.net. 19 July 2019 . Gorania. Jay. Blabbermouth.net.
  9. Web site: Childers . Chad . Godsmack 'When Legends Rise' - Album Review . Loudwire . 28 October 2020 . en . 27 April 2018.
  10. Web site: Yeung . Neil . When Legends Rise - Godsmack . 28 October 2020 . en-us.
  11. Web site: Rutherford . Kevin . 'Unforgettable' Achievement: Godsmack Scores Fourth Mainstream Rock No. 1 From 'When Legends Rise' Album . Billboard . 30 October 2020 . en . 15 May 2020.
  12. Godsmack Achieves Career First With Three No. 1 Singles From Same Album - Blabbermouth.net. 27 October 2020. 22 July 2019. Blabbermouth.net.
  13. Web site: Hot Rock Songs – Year-End 2019. Billboard.
  14. Web site: Rock Airplay Songs - Year-End 2019. Billboard.