ALBUM REVIEW: Union (Remastered) – Ihlo
The United Kingdom has long been a cradle for progressive rock, and in recent years, the country has produced a wealth of modern progressive metal bands. Among them, IHLO stands out, determined to carve their own path with a distinct and refreshing sound. Their 2019 debut album Union established them as one of the most exciting new prospects in the scene, blending progressive metal, electronic experimentation, and even subtle pop sensibilities into a unique sound that earned them accolades across the prog world. Fast forward to 2024, and IHLO is ready to release a remastered version of Union, enhancing what was already a remarkable debut.
While Union does pay homage to its genre’s melodic heavyweights, it quickly becomes apparent that IHLO are no mere imitators. Their mastery of both songwriting and technical skill is on full display, with the band seamlessly moving between crushing riffs and ambient electronic passages. The album, at its core, is a progressive journey through myriad sonic landscapes, demonstrating the quintet’s knack for balancing complex, layered compositions with accessibility.
The 2024 remaster refines and sharpens the original album’s production, offering a clearer, more cohesive listening experience. The opening title track kicks things off with eerie, clanging synths that lead into a massive djent riff and shifting rhythms. A soaring, hook-laden chorus ties it all together, introducing listeners to IHLO’s signature sound. Union is a sonic smörgåsbord, deftly switching between dreamy, ethereal moments and heavy, rhythmically intricate sections that pack a punch. Tracks like Reanimate showcase this balance perfectly, blending syncopated time signatures with melodic clean guitars, ultimately erupting into a dynamic chorus and a TesseracT-like vocal bridge.
The band’s lineup—Andy Robison (vocals), Phil Monro (guitar), Rob Mair (guitar), Clark McMenemy (drums), and Michael Roberts (bass)—works together like a well-oiled machine. Robison’s powerful and emotive vocals, often drawing comparisons to Jeff Buckley and Cedric Bixler-Zavala, soar above the band’s complex arrangements. His lyrics are equally engaging, drawing inspiration from surrealism, nature, and transcendence, adding layers of depth to the music. Monro’s guitar work stands out in tracks like the epic 15-minute Coalescence and the ethereal Starseeker, exchanging complex harmonics and rhythms that drive the songs forward.
Despite the relentless energy of much of the album, IHLO knows when to take a step back. The track Hollow provides a more intimate, atmospheric break from the pounding rhythms, allowing Robison’s vocal prowess to shine as he belts out, “Controlling, confined, and cold again…” The song builds to a powerful crescendo, demonstrating IHLO’s ability to shift between moods and dynamics with ease.
Tracks like Triumph further highlight the band’s range, featuring shifting rhythms, expansive choruses, and a thunderous rhythm section. Meanwhile, Parhelion begins with an ambient intro before exploding into a heavy, tension-filled soundscape of guitars, bass, and keyboards, creating an interplay between these instruments that remains unresolved until the track’s conclusion. This tension is one of IHLO‘s hallmarks, keeping listeners engaged throughout the album’s twists and turns.
The remastered edition of Union also includes two live tracks, In Stasis/Starseeker and Hollow, both recorded at the 2023 ProgPower Europe festival. These performances offer a glimpse into IHLO’s live prowess, showcasing the band’s tightness and ability to replicate their studio work on stage.
Ultimately, Union remains a captivating and forward-thinking album, even five years after its initial release. Its combination of prog metal, electronic experimentation, and pop sensibilities makes for an immersive listening experience, and the 2024 remaster only serves to heighten the album’s impact. IHLO has solidified their place as one of the most intriguing and promising bands in the progressive metal scene, and Union serves as a powerful showcase to their talent and creativity.
Rating: 9/10
The remastered version of Union is set for the release on October 11th.
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