Gig review: INGLORIOUS – Gibson Guitar Studios, London, 19 November 2015

An increasing buzz seems to be building around Inglorious as a significant new force on the UK rock scene. Though 2016 will see their official bow with a debut album, tour with The Winery Dogs and headline shows, this was a showcase for the industry to check the fuss out for themselves, not to mention a valuable dry run for the band.

Six months ago, they made their debut in similar circumstances at the Hippodrome but the contrast in venue could not be greater -to be greeted in the hallway by a metallic sculpture of thousands of guitars gives off more of a rock n roll vibe than curious tourists playing casino games.

Down in the studio basement, not only was the stage significantly smaller, but the six piece band (including a live keyboardist in Liam Holmes) are much tighter and disciplined than when I saw them then.

Indeed other than some nifty lead guitar work from Andreas Eriksson well-drilled teamwork was definitely the order of the day, even if with wildly diverging images you could not say the band has a distinct visual identity.

The cover versions that initially gained them attention and featured at the Hippodrome were also gone, at least for now, in a seven song, 30 minute showcase for their eponymous debut due early next year. The music was also significantly heavier than I expected, not least from a band signed to melodic rock specialist Frontiers.

There was no fluffiness in sight but a muscular and almost retro sound, epitomised by opener ‘Until I Die’ where the riffs were at time almost Sabbath-esque. It is Nathan James’ powerful roar that forms the focal point of their sound and ‘Breakaway’ came over as a missing song from Coverdale-era Deep Purple. It also helps that his blonde mane and leather jacket give him the right look.

‘High Flying Gypsy’, ‘Warning’ and ‘Girl Got A Gun’ all had the heaviness that would appeal to all lovers of the old school pioneers of hard rock, while ‘Holy Water’ dropped the pace being a slow smouldering bluesier number, without losing any of the heaviness. Indeed as if to prove their credentials the closing number ‘Unaware’ drew comparisons with Dio.

On this evidence Inglorious are making major strides forward and should hit the ground running in 2016. If any new band can capture the imagination of fans reared on classic hard rock and metal and make a big breakthrough, they stand as good a chance as any.

Review by Andy Nathan
Photos by John Bull and Laurence Harvey

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)