To those who say rock is dead clearly haven’t given Hard Rock outfit INGLORIOUS a spin. Over the past couple of years, their presence has become well known amongst the music sphere. They have quite rightly been hailed the future of British Rock by Classic Rock Magazine and the belters on their latest album Ride To Nowhere provide concrete evidence of this statement.
The band spent most of 2018 locked away creating and recording the album. It was mixed by Kevin Shirley. With credits such as LED ZEPPELIN and AEROSMITH on his portfolio, the album could not have been in better hands in terms of mixing. It’s clear from listening to the record that the band are a strong team, you can hear the music working well together which is what is great to listen to.
It starts off with a great number in the form of Where Are You Now? One of the elements that strikes you first is the clean, crisp vocal work that also packs a punch. Alongside the slick riffs and infectious rhythm, this makes for an excellent album opening. To be honest, to say this ‘sets up a tone for the rest of the album’ would be a cliché but in this case this cliché rings true. It’s the opening act that paves the way for an excellent portfolio of Hard Rock mayhem.
Another given cliché that applies to this record is that no song sounds the same. Each song has a story to tell and will suit different moods.
The second track Freak Show demonstrates that instantly. This track packs a punch and will encourage you to let out that inner doppelganger. That side of you that you wish to show but can’t.
The beginning of the track Liar shows an interesting guitar riff. It sounds messy, but it’s done on purpose so in this case it works. Given that lying creates mess and destruction to people’s lives, that guitar technique is perfect. The lyrical content provides an inciteful layer, particularly the ending of the chorus about the truth setting you free. This pumping track will get audiences going at live shows.
Even the ballads I Don’t Know You and Glory Days contain the same amount of passion and sass as previous, faster tracks. The first song that comes to mind is ALTER BRIDGE’s Blackbird. It contains the same impact and power. It’s a sweeping track that is deep and profound.
It ends on a beautiful note with Glory Days. It’s been stated before that tracks stripped of the distortion and heaviness showcase the vocals at their best. In this case that is certainly true. The prominent vocal work was a highlight of this record. It’s worth waiting for the ending track to hear these at their best. You can hear the full range.
If this album is anything to go by, it’s no wonder Inglorious have earnt a sterling reputation over the past couple of years. It’s an eclectic portfolio of songs that will bring forth a range of emotions. For Hard Rock fans, this is a gem you ought to find and never let go.
Rating: 8/10
Ride To Nowhere is out now via Frontier Records.
Find INGLORIOUS on Facebook, Twitter and their official website.
