Album Review: Inglorious - V (Frontiers Music)

Written: 1st June 2025

Inglorious, the hard rock band founded by vocalist Nathan James in 2014, has returned with a renewed sense of purpose and a revitalised line-up. After four albums and seven years of relentless touring, the band announced a hiatus in 2022. In the summer of 2023, Nathan reached out to original bassist and co-writer Colin Parkinson, leading to a series of writing sessions and a creative reconnection. “I sent a message to Colin and asked him if he wanted to come for a pint. A few meetings and writing sessions later, we had more than an album’s worth of great material and I can honestly say I've enjoyed every second of creating this album with him and the new line up,” comments James. Colin Parkinson is similarly positive, “Writing and recording with Nathan again has been the easiest it’s ever been; it all flowed so well. We’ve all played and sang our asses off on these songs and I know the new album will not disappoint!” says Colin.

Joining Nathan and Colin are two accomplished musicians bringing fresh energy to the band’s sound. Guitarist Richard Shaw, known for his work with Cradle Of Filth and other acts, adds a dynamic edge with his exceptional playing. On drums is Henry Rogers, a long-time friend of Nathan and a respected figure in the progressive rock scene, having played with acts such as Touchstone, Mostly Autumn and Mark Kelly’s Marathon.

V opens with one of the already released singles, Testify. Parkinson announces his return to the band with a throbbing bass riff as synths swell in the background. Richard Shaw’s infectious riffs and Henry Roger’s percussion join and the song breaks open into a stomping rhythm as Nathan James sings his first lines of the album. Here I stand all broken hearted lonely / Going down wishing someone coulda told me. Lyrically, the song finds the protagonist reflecting on a failed relationship, acknowledging his past mistake and offering a heart felt confession. With a memorable chorus, it sticks in the mind after just a few listens. In occasional moments, keyboards have a Deep Purple like quality; Parkinson’s vibrant sound is all over the track and Shaw delivers a dynamic solo. As an introduction to the new line-up and opening track for the album, it is extremely successful. In James’s words, “Testify is one of those songs that, when Colin played me his original demo, I started humming a chorus straight away. It starts with Colin’s awesome bass sound that the fans will notice from the early Inglorious albums. It was a lot of fun to record.”

Eat You Alive continues in the same pulsating vein and as the album progresses, it is clear that the production values of V are absolutely on the money. Every instrument is consistently audible and the mix is such that the meaty groove inherent in the band’s music is as potent as it has ever been. With another catchy chorus and restless rhythms, it forms an excellent one two with Testify, signalling that Inglorious are back. Keeping up the tempo, third track Devil Inside delves into themes of guilt, temptation and unresolved regret. Head high but you’re feeling the shame / Your pride has you walking away / Can’t you see that life’s a lie / Life’s a lie / There's a thing you can’t deny. It is one of the heavier tracks on the album with crunching riffs, particularly during the verses, which roll and crash like powerful waves on jagged rocks.

Probably the most straightforward and standard rocker on V,  Say What You Wanna Say finds Nathan James delivering the verses as if addressing a crowd through a loudhailer. The lyrics carry a bold defiance, asserting self-belief in the face of judgement and rejecting the power of others’ opinion to wound us. Parkinson’s bass attacks once more and the hard hitting beat combines delightfully with Shaw’s edgy guitar. He plays for the song and never just for himself as demonstrated by the short but burning and passionate solo.

As the first half of the album draws to a close, the atmosphere completely changes as delicate acoustic guitars introduce Believe. James’s varied vocal approach is highlighted here with a delightful, gentle opening verse. The track crescendos towards a slightly louder chorus and this dual approach continues after a short, quiet central segment where all the instruments temporarily fall away. Subsequently, during the last two minutes, Believe keeps the volume high and the atmosphere intense with some moody riffs and drums. In some ways, it reminds me of songs by Whitesnake that begin with more restrained sections only for the track to become something else by its conclusion. Believe is well-positioned and ensures there is some variety during the opening five songs.

Sixth track Stand is full of swagger and drive, making it one of the most compelling tracks so far. As with Devil Inside, there is heaviness within Stand that brings a fierce momentum and edge, further showcasing the renewed vigour within the band. Parkinson’s bass does not stop for a moment and his new partnership with Henry Rogers shows a feeling of confidence. The lyrics confront fear, guilt, and inner demons with raw honesty, building from despair to a defiant urge for self-redemption. Stand in the mirror / See what I mean / Mind’s been racing / And I keep going over / Life ain’t for living / When will ya see / Time’s been wasting / My life, life wasted on me.

In Your Eyes begins with a riff that has all the attributes of an Iron Maiden gallop melded with Inglorious’s familiar energy. It is a feeling that is maintained throughout most of the track. Both this and the more relaxed opening to Silent are further evidence that there is an array of styles across V.

Penultimate track End of the Road begins with a grittier and grimier riff that while reoccurring during the song, it would have been good to hear more of. Richard Shaw contributes one of his most soaring solos on the album, while Jones has the opportunity to display the amazing range of his voice. With some wonderful harmonies and yet more sterling work on the bass from Colin Parkinson, this mid-paced rocker has all the classic elements that Inglorious fans will love.

V finishes with Power of Truth which starts with a gorgeous acoustic guitar section as James shows he is just as adept at singing tenderly as he is belting out an anthemic chorus. Just before the two minute mark, the track ignites, unleashing a blaze of emotion. A journey from aching fragility to thunderous force, only to retreat once more into calm, Power of Truth combines everything that makes Inglorious such a listenable band.

Photo credit: Nathersson

V marks a solid and focused return for Inglorious, balancing the band’s hard rock roots with renewed energy and tight musicianship. Nathan James and Colin Parkinson’s songwriting feels fresh yet familiar, while Richard Shaw and Henry Rogers bring a steady, capable presence that adds depth. Clean and balanced production lets the songs breathe while delivering the punch that fans expect. There is a tangible sense of the band enjoying the process again, bringing a natural confidence to the performances. V re-establishes Inglorious on the right path; a confident comeback that promises stability and a strong foundation for what is to come.

V is released on 6th June 2025

Follow INGLORIOUS:

Facebook

Instagram

X

Website

YouTube