INGLORIOUS has released their fifth studio album “V”. In the new incarnation of this group, singer and sole constant member Nathan James (ICONIC, ex-TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, ex-ULI JON ROTH) has joined forces once again with original bassist and co-songwriter Colin Parkinson, who also produced the material. The Hardrock they deliver is melodic and has a light breeze of Bluesrock sweeping past, as well as a touch of Heavy Metal, a sound they have pretty much always had and the fans love it.
The gang has been called a young DEEP PURPLE and has also been very influenced by WHITESNAKE. I agree that it can be heard, but INGLORIOUS has long since found their own style. Most of the band’s songs are structured in a varied way, so it never becomes monotonous. It is easy to absorb their music, which is both straightforward, personal and genuine. What often characterizes this group is intensity in the verses and big choruses, which are easy to sing along to. Harmony is found in both voice and music.
The British band was formed in 2014. The debut record from 2016 is to me and many others a masterpiece. Here are classics like “Holy Water” and “High Flying Gypsy” among others. The sequel “II” (2017) contains really great Rock songs, such as “Black Magic” and “No Good For You”. After the third and also very good material “Ride To Nowhere” (2019) was recorded, everyone left the group, except for frontman James and drummer Phil Beaver. The lineup was renewed with three members, who participated on the previous and fourth album “We Will Ride” (2021). The wonderful melody loops were interspersed with a slightly heavier sound than before. There was a bigger touch of Heavy Metal in their Hard Rock at times. The combination was a successful concept, which is something I hear they have continued with on the new production.
After 2021 the band took an indefinite break, mostly because of other projects. During that time, Phil decided to leave the group. The three newcomers also dropped out. Summer 2023, Nathan sent a message to the original bassist Parkinson and asked him if he wanted to come for a pint. A few meetings and writing sessions later, they had more than an album’s worth of great material. They both enjoyed every second of creating this new record together. Joining the group on guitar was Richard Shaw, formerly of Extreme Metal band CRADLE OF FILTH, and drummer Henry Rogers, who is a close friend of Nathan James and has played with bands including TOUCHSTONE, MOSTLY AUTUMN and MIA KLOSE.
A powerful bass line kicks off the album and the first track “Testify”. James’s characteristic voice sounds as amazing as usual. We also hear a lovely guitar solo. “Eat You Alive” and “Devil Inside” have a bit more Heavy Metal in them, with rough guitar tones and a hard pounding on the bass drum. In the latter song we find a nice, pulsating drum sound in the middle part. The bassist also does an extraordinary job. The chorus opens up in a bit more melodic tone sequences.
Acoustic and electric guitar alternate in “Believe”, which is also characteristic of INGLORIOUS’ sound. It is a calmer track, but full of lovely dynamics. The bridge up to the chorus has a wonderful rush in the music. The song is fantastic. It is emotional, but also full of power and strength. The very good “In Your Eyes” has a pulsating tempo, almost galloping, which is recognizable from at least one of the pieces on the previous disc. This new work has a vibrating energy in the verses and a floating feeling with a 70s touch on the sound in the chorus’ melody.
“Silent” both begins and ends with acoustic guitar. In between, we find, among other things, a wonderfully powerful bassline with warm tones and an electric guitar solo. My body rocks to the song’s relaxed rhythm. It becomes silent for a second or so after the middle of the track, which is a short but intense effect. A short pause can also be heard during the intro to “Power Of Truth”, when we get to enjoy acoustic guitar playing again. Nathan begins to sing, slowly and emotional. Then he increases with more strength and the music starts powerfully with a heavier sound. After half the piece, the tempo slows down and the song gently ebbs out. The frontman is a very skilled singer. His vocals is unmistakable. It is strong and he masters the entire scale without any problems. I really love his clear and velvety tones. The man behind the microphone also impresses in “End Of The Road”, where he pushes his voice a little extra and offers lovely raspy Hard Rock edges. The track also contains a strong and very good bass playing, as well as a fantastic and exuberant guitar solo.
It really sounds INGLORIOUS, especially through the way Nathan James sings, but also the whole sound. Here we find quite a lot of swinging, energetic Hard Rock with melodious singing and a positive atmosphere, which we like and are used to. The drumming has depth and volume. Together with the string instruments, the tones are woven together into a rich and full sound. The band has always had good quality on their material, but “V” is among the best. Once again, the guys deliver a timeless work, which just gets better and better every time you listen to it. The album is simply fantastic! (Anna)
Bewertung:
9 / 10
Anzahl der Songs: 10
Spielzeit: 39:04
Label: Frontiers Music s.r.l.
Veröffentlichungstermin: 06.06.2025
