ALBUM REVIEW: Legacy – Ihlo

You would be forgiven to have assumed that progressive metal outfit IHLO had fallen into the category of ‘one and done’ as they seemingly dissipated into the ether following on from their enigmatic debut release Union back in 2019. Thankfully, this was not the case when they cheekily sprung some fresh singles upon us earlier this year. What we now know to be the highly awaited follow-up entitled Legacy. Will this effort live up to expectations?

Wraith provides a particularly dramatic arrangement as emphatic drum work builds the tension alongside an enthralling vocal narrative. Alluring synth work and crunchy guitar tones join the fray in addition to an effective solo segment. Replica follows suit with similar moodiness. Emotive melodies join forces with snappy drum rhythms and enticing grooves. Source delves deeper into the synth-laden experimentation offering up a captivating flow scattered with bursts of heaviness.

Empire injects colour and vibrancy into the mix with its inviting buoyancy. This track possesses distinct hallmarks of blossoming into a great live performance. Slick vocal deliveries ensure your focus. Storm is somewhat brief in comparison to its sprawling colleagues but is still equipped with an evocative prose. Mute is a contemplative piece that opts for a leisurely, sentimental pace. Soothing yet sombre in its construction, a gentle pocket of escapism. Cenotaph is considerably livelier, boisterous instrumentation and djent-laden sensibilities take a firm grip of proceedings as IHLO allow their charming eccentricities to shine.

Haar blends light and dark layers to comprise an immersive soundscape packed with intriguing atmospherics and punchy bass lines. Emphatic riffing adds a further point of exclamation. Legacy chooses to side with subtlety as a calming demeanour washes over. Layers are cleverly added along the way. Glistening synth work glides over the arrangement. Signals brings a clean, peaceful approach accompanied by comforting, warm tonality.

It is pleasing to see that IHLO have not lost any of their creative spark or drive during the gap between releases. In a generation where everything is ruthlessly clipped into digestible little portions for the sake of mass consumption, the extensive runtime of Legacy may be too much to swallow for some audiences, but those who enjoy indulgent progressive voyages will gladly feast upon the wealth of fascinating artistry on display. Those who persist will be rewarded by one of the most well-rounded efforts experienced this year.

Rating: 8/10

Legacy is set for release on August 29th via Kscope.

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