INGLORIOUS – Inglorious II (2017)
It’s been shortly over a year since INGLORIOUS steamrolled onto the Rock scene with their monumental self-titled album. The immediate impact they made guaranteed them regular air play and several high profile gigs, and now the band are ready for the release of the second effort, simply titled “Inglorious II“, tomorrow Friday 12 via Frontiers Records.
The first album earned them praise from such legends as Brian May or legendary producer Kevin Shirley (Journey, Iron Maiden, Rush, Led Zeppelin). Shirley went on to work with the band on this new album “II”, recorded in one go at Parr Street Studios Liverpool, and mixed by Shirley at his Caveman Studios.
The major selling point of that debut album was the always stunning, at times nothing short of astonishing vocals of Nathan James, who just when you think he must have nothing left takes it up another notch.
If anything he has outdone himself on this second release, with a performance that is bordering on ridiculous, as he reaches notes other far more experienced singers can only dream of.
From opener ‘I Don’t Need Your Loving’ which sets the tone with a strong Whitesnake vibe, through ‘Read All About It’ and ‘Hell or High Water’ this is an album that draws deeply on the band’s classic hard rock influences.
‘Taking the Blame’ flies along like a rabbit at a dog track, with some excellent work by drummer Phil Beaver. ‘Tell Me Why’ allows lead guitarist Andreas Eriksson his time in the spotlight with a solo that stands out a mile.
The groove of ‘Change is Coming’ combines Colin Parkinson’s bass with strong riffs and the vocal that you’d think you’d get used to, but is so outstanding that somehow you never do.
‘Faraway’ is another opportunity for Nathan to show off his vocal chops as the acoustic intro allows his voice to take centre stage. It’s almost lullaby-like until the rest of the band joins in and takes things up a notch or ten. Riffs abound.
Closer ‘High Class Woman’ completes an album of absolute quality with its catchy upbeat lyrics, high pitched vocals and wailing guitar. The percussion is fantastic, as is the vocal finale; it went straight on repeat and left me wanting more of the same.
“Inglorious II” is classic rock / hard rock in the veritable British tradition. Also, throughout there are hints of DIO, Gary Moore or to mention something more contemporary; Jorn, but be in no doubt this is a completely original piece of work.
The ‘second album’ can sometimes be a let down for a band after a brilliant debut, but it seems Inglorious are just getting into their stride, and if this is the kind of music they can produce then long may they continue.
HIGHLY Recommended
1. I Don’t Need Your Loving
2. Taking the Blame
3. Tell Me Why
4. Read All About It
5. Change is Coming
6. Making Me Pay
7. Hell or High Water
8. No Good for You
9. I Got a Feeling
10. Black Magic
11. Faraway
12. High Class Woman
Nathan James – Lead Vocals
Andreas Eriksson – Lead guitar
Drew Lowe – Rhythm guitar
Colin Parkinson – Bass
Phil Beaver – Drums
Pre Order:
www.amazon.de/Inglorious-II/dp/B01N9YP7PE
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