Originally forming in New York City, Legionary has evolved into a studio project helmed by mastermind Frank D’Erasmo. While D’Erasmo handles rhythm guitars, drums, and bass, he has enlisted some heavy hitters to complete the lineup. Vocal duties are handled by Chris Clancy (As I Lay Dying, Mutiny Within), with lead guitar work provided by Tony Barhoum (Condition Critical).
-Interview- (2/7/26)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound?
My dad was always a big classic rock fan, and his favorite band is Journey, so I was hearing lots of music, even at an early age. I guess the first time I heard music and was like "that's something I wanna do!", was when I was like 13-14 years old, and heard Rob Zombie and Korn for the first time. My love for metal then expended into the death/thrash metal territory when I first heard Sepultura. I developed my sound through just experimenting with different chord shapes on the guitar. I like the sound of big chords, and if you listen to Legionary, lots of the riffs are rarely just power chord. There's lots of different chord shapes within Legionary riffs.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
I just want people to listen, and go "wow, this is different" and/or "wow, they put a lot of effort into this". I never wanted to sound like a copy of another band.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
I would say it's mostly in the death/thrash metal territory, but with elements of prog, and melodic death metal. I'd also say that it's not anything that's breaking any new ground, but you're getting a sound that's uniquely Legionary.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
If I ever tour again, my dream would be to tour with Kreator, Death (which is now Death to All), and Sepultura (if they ever reunited with the original lineup).
5. What's your thoughts on AI generated music?
Lame. Why anyone would wanna release AI music, and claim it as their own, is beyond me. The joy of creating music is to say, "wow, I created this". Where's the joy in putting in some prompts, and creating music that way?
6. What’s your take on the current state of Death/Thrash Metal?
It's OK. There's probably never been a time, that I can remember, with so many talented musicians, but my issue is that there isn't much originality anymore. It just sounds like metal is in a state copying the past, with not much originality. I rarely listen to something new nowadays and go "that was different!". It's ok to have your influences (I do myself!), but very few bands stick out these days. Just my opinion.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in New York?
I'm actually out in south Jersey now, but there's not much of a scene around here. From what I hear in New York, it's definitely changed over there as well. Big bands still do well, but local ones, not so much.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
It's a joke. Bands should be getting paid more.. WAY MORE!
9. What’s next for Legionary?
We're gonna see how this new album is received, and if people like it, and there's a noticeable growth in listenership, I will start writing more music next year. Gonna take 2026 off. I need it haha.
10. Any shoutouts?
Anyone that takes the time to listen to Legionary music, and give it a fair listen. You people are truly appreciated!
