There’s a new kid strutting around on the
block. You know, the one who always had the latest trainers, newest toys, wanted
to steal your girlfriend, aka ‘a cocky little fucker’. We all know one, right? Well,
this new kid, is Inglorious. These young guns have been around for almost 2 yrs
now (formed in Feb 2014). Fronted by the very hairy Nathan James (he has leant
his considerable pipes to Trans Siberian Orchestra and Uli Jon Roth – just
don’t mention The Voice!). He was on the look out for like-minded musicians
that desired to make cracking rock music in a very honest fashion. He also
wanted an ‘organic’ sound. You know, like in the good old days when albums were
recorded ‘live’ and in studios as a group, and not just an mp3 file on an email
being sent to opposite ends of the World. Because of this, the debut album is
all about the feel, vibe, sound, energy and performance that a band can give
you, with no auto-tune! Like all good rock bands in the 21st
Century, Inglorious have a Swede on board in Andreas Eriksson and is tuned in
to the ‘classic rock’ vibe being targeted here.
What I can definitely say, is that there’s
a ‘Deep-Snake-Bow’ feeling to proceedings. If you grew up on the rock classics
(Purple, Rainbow, Whitesnake), then you’ll get a lot out of this album. Opener
‘Until I Die’ makes straight for the Deep Purple tribute and the opening salvo
is a different take on Highway Star – Hammond on full tilt, building to Couple
this with some lung-busting vocals, expecting Gillan to burst in, only it’s a
big dirty riff. James really goes for it and makes a huge difference to what
could be just another rock band going thru the numbers. The voice is huge and
he obviously doesn’t do things by halves!!!
‘Breakaway’ comes at you like a freight train
whilst being tied to the tracks., a relentless song! It’s also a very
Whitesnake (old and new) song, with nods to the classic Moody/Marsden and Aldrich/Beach
styles. ‘High Flying Gypsy’ starts off a little drab, but has picked up pace by
the bridge and chorus. So far so good!
Holy Water takes its lead from a 70s
classic rock sound – it particularly has the ingredients of Coverdale, Rodgers
with a vibe that would fit comfortably with some of the aforementioned gents
best works. ‘Warning’ explodes with James’ vocals (this bloke can rip 10 coats
of paint from timber at 50 paces), especially the end bit. The overall
interplay especially with Eriksson and Taylor gives Inglorious a huge, fat
sound.
‘Bleed For You’ is a tad more sedate (only
just!). When you think that some gentle vocals are on the horizon, James comes
galloping over the horizon with a lungful of noise. ‘Girl Got a Gun’ starts off
all moody then has this very melodic and catchy chorus. The title track
‘Inglorious’ is a little belter. Its eastern in sound with a riff to suit, and
is easily their ‘Valley Of The Kings’ or ‘Gates Of Babylon.’ The ONLY real time
that the whole noise is toned down is for the (sedate in comparison) ‘Wake’. So
much so, you would think it’s a different singer. And whilst on that subject……
……my only gripe, and it is such a small one
that I shouldn’t really mention it, is that James wants to sing at Max Power
for every song. As someone once said, ‘if you’ve got it, flaunt it’, and James
certainly has it to flaunt. Not every note has to have a load of welly behind
it and I’d like to hear more variety. Small gripe, but that doesn’t stop the
enjoyment to be had here.
That said, Inglorious’ debut is one to
behold in 2016. It’s a welcome departure from a lot of mediocrity, and to see
Frontiers steer away from the usual melodic rock brigade
One of the definitions of Inglorious is
‘not famous or renowned’. Well give it a month or two and certainly amongst the
rock community, they will certainly be ‘famous’. Well done fellas!
Score 90/100
Inglorious are
Nathan James - (loud) Vocals
Will Taylor – Guitar
Andreas Eriksson – Guitar
Colin Parkinson – Bass
Phil Beaver – Drums
Tracklisting
Until I Die
Breakaway
High Flying Gypsy
Holy Water
Warning
Bleed For You
Girl Got A Gun
You’re Mine
Inglorious
Wake
Unaware
