By David O’Neill
After a hiatus since the last album release and tour in 2022 which has seen Nathan James and Inglorious take on other projects, including an extended run for James in Jeff Wayne’s ‘War Of The Worlds, original members James and Colin Parkinson are reunited on this latest release.
Inglorious’s fifth studio album, eponymously called ‘V’, stands as a testament to the band’s resilience, creative reinvigoration, and their ongoing quest to blend classic British hard rock with modern sensibilities. The return of founding bassist Parkinson, the addition of guitarist Richard Shaw, (Cradle of Filth), Henry Rogers (Touchstone) and the powerhouse vocals of Nathan James mark this record as a pivotal chapter in the band’s evolution.
The reunion of James and Parkinson brings a palpable chemistry back to Inglorious, while Shaw’s technical prowess and Rogers’ dynamic drumming infuse the album with fresh energy. Produced by Parkinson and mixed by Tony Draper (who previously worked on ‘Inglorious II’ and ‘Ride To Nowhere’), the album achieves a balance between raw grit and polished clarity, allowing each instrument—and especially James’s vocals—to shine without overproduction.
Nathan James’s vocal delivery is nothing short of spectacular. His range, control, and emotive power anchor the album, moving effortlessly from soulful introspection to full-throttle rock wails. Tracks like ‘Eat You Alive,’ ‘Silent,’ and ‘Stand’ showcase his ability to command attention and convey deep emotion, making his performance a standout feature of the record.
‘V’ is tightly structured, with each of its ten tracks serving a clear purpose. The album opens with ‘Testify,’ a gospel-tinged anthem that sets a high-energy tone, followed by the swaggering, riff-driven ‘Eat You Alive’ and the hard-hitting ‘Devil Inside.’ The sequencing feels intentional, with ballads like ‘Believe’ and ‘In Your Eyes’ providing dynamic contrast without losing momentum.
The band’s songwriting demonstrates a renewed sense of confidence and maturity. Tracks such as ‘Say What You Wanna Say’ and ‘Stand’ exhibit a robust and assertive quality, while the closing track, ‘Power Of Truth,’ featuring an acoustic guitar, provides a cinematic and emotionally resonant conclusion. This track opens with a softer vocal performance that builds to a crescendo and then returns in the outro, leaving a lasting impression after the final note.
Richard Shaw’s guitar work adds both elegance and fire, with inventive solos and heavy riffing that elevate the band’s sound. Parkinson’s bass is more prominent in the mix, providing a driving force that underpins the album’s heavier moments. Henry Rogers’ drumming is precise yet dynamic, contributing to the album’s sense of urgency and groove.
While ‘V’ is to be lauded for its consistency and lack of filler, some listeners may find that the band’s adherence to their established formula leaves little room for surprise. The album’s strengths—tight arrangements, powerful vocals, and melodic hooks—are also its limitations, as they sometimes play it safe within the boundaries of modern hard rock.
‘V’ is a triumphant return for Inglorious—passionate, powerful, and executed with precision. The band sounds tighter and more purposeful than ever, with Nathan James delivering one of his finest vocal performances to date. While it may not radically reinvent the genre, V reaffirms Inglorious’s place among the UK’s premier rock acts and offers a compelling blend of classic and contemporary hard rock. For fans and newcomers alike, this is an essential listen and arguably the band’s strongest record yet. There is not a filler track on the album, each brings its own raison d’être.
If you liked the previous four albums, this will demand you add it to your collection and get out to see the return of the powerhouse. Inglorious are undertaking a short tour throughout June and July and I will definitely be at two of these shows!
- ‘V’ will be released on Friday (6 June).
- Inglorious play four dates in June:
They also return to the Steelhouse festival on Sunday 27 July.