The way some listen to bands these days 2022 might seem like such a long time ago, but that was the last we heard from Inglorious as a band. But they’re back and original bassist Colin Parkinson is back too. Album number five is sounding pretty dan fine to these ears…
‘Testify’ that opens the long awaited (and not so cunningly titled) fifth album ‘V’ is a cool, retro rocker full of bluster and huge guitar along with statuesque vocals proclaiming that Nathan is back and better than ever. There’s a little Cornell in with the Coverdale style vocals and it’s all sounding rather wonderful. ‘Eat You Alive’ that follows it is a real stomper that really hits the spot and it keeps on coming with ‘Devil Inside’ which has a nice metallic edge to the guitars, a driving bass and some great melodies in the chorus that lighten this slightly heavier fare. It’s another belter!
There’s an almost punky edge to the next track ‘Say What You Wanna Say’ that may or may not be a dig at ex-members of the band, or just naysayers in general, at the very least it’s a statement if intent. In an album that is beautifully paced we take the mood down with the acoustic ballad ‘Believe’ that builds and builds into a moody mid-tempo standout track. It also means that at the halfway point we’re looking at a record that could well be up there with Inglorious’ best!
The second half gets underway with the bass-driven ‘Stand’ that struts and stutters along to arrive at a satisfyingly smooth chorus that will stick with you. ‘ In Your Eyes’ adds a ‘nice slap in the face’ riff and develops into a great ‘blue skies’ rocker. There’s another change of pace with the dreamy ‘Silent’ which builds moodily, yet never quite gains the power you feel it could muster given a little more time. It’s another great songs but you can’t help feeling it could have been a epic especially when you hear Nathan’s Paul Rodgers-like closing vocals.
As we get towards the end it’s ‘End Of The Road’ that really fires things up with a cool opening riff and energized bass and drums. It’s another showcase for some great vocals and has a distinct Whitesnake ’87 tang. The final word goes to ‘Power Of Truth’ though, and it’s a song that leads us out on an acoustic note, with light acoustic passages adorned with delicate vocals until it busts into life at the two minute mark to meld Zeppelin with Soundgarden. It’s quite something and the sort of song that bodes well for the next phase of Inglorious. After all these years of listening to Inglorious, this album might just be my favourite yet…
8/10
And from the press release…
Joining Nathan and Colin is renowned guitarist Richard Shaw, best known for his work with English extreme metal band Cradle Of Filth, as well as NG26, Emperor Chung, and Plague Of Angels. Richard brings exceptional musicality and a fresh energy to the band’s sound.
On drums, longtime friend of Nathan, Henry Rogers, completes the line up. A celebrated musician, Henry has played with Touchstone, Mostly Autumn, Mia Klose, and Mark Kelly’s Marathon and has earned accolades such as “Drummer Of The Year” in Classic Rock Prog Magazine and Rhythm Magazine’s list of influential progressive drummers.
Produced by Colin Parkinson, ‘V’ was mixed by Tony Draper, who also worked on ‘Inglorious II’ and ‘Ride To Nowhere’, ensuring the album retains the band’s signature sound while exploring new heights.
Pre-Order “V” HERE
‘V’ Tracklist:
1. Testify
2. Eat You Alive
3. Devil Inside
4. Say What You Wanna Say
5. Believe
6. Stand
7. In Your Eyes
8. Silent
9. End Of The Road
10. Power Of Truth
Line Up:
Nathan James – Vocals, backing vocals
Colin Parkinson – Bass guitar, /acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keys, percussion
Richard Shaw – Electric guitars
Henry Rogers – Drums, percussion
