What we call Hard Rock has deep roots in the 70s, but bands in the 80s used some elements from Glam Metal and AOR to gain a broader public, as WHITESNAKE did on "Whitesnake '87". This accessibility can bring some great works to the fans, even now when the genre is not the great success it used to be on the 80s. The quintet INGLORIOUS knows exactly what to do to hook the fans of the genre, as we can hear on their new album, "II". Their musical style is heavy and accessible in both ways at the same time, with very good melodies and very good choruses (that same old and good way that hooks the fans by the ears, that one when you hear once, you'll sing along on the second hearing), with a good technical level and a touch of nasty and outrageous aggressiveness. Yes, it's very good, and will catch those who listen to the band.

The band produced the album, and the sound quality that they have chosen for "II" is really very good. Everything is sounding clear and heavy, with an organic feeling. Maybe it's a contribution from the mixing done by Kevin Shirley (it's the first time I some work that he did that satisfy me), but the mastering done by Tony Draper made everything shining. Their 12 songs are all good, with a feeling that combines the good melodies from Hard Rock names as WHITESNAKE and the commercial accessibility from Glam Metal/AOR (besides the focus is on the guitars and not on keyboards). Their best moments are heard on the heavy and melodic "I Don't Need Your Loving" (very good guitar parts and excellent vocals, along with a charming chorus), the nasty Rock 'n' Roll essence that permeates "Taking the Blame", the bluesy and heavy bitter scent of "Tell Me Why" (very good work from bass guitar and drums is presented on this song), the provocative melodies of "Read All About It" and of "Change is Coming" (a great and excellent exhibition of the vocals), the excellent mix of musical weight and melodies shown on "Hell or High Water" and on the nasty "No Good for You", the old Hard Rock with southern Rock influences of "I Got a Feeling", the acoustic parts of the beautiful "Faraway", and the raw and accessible catching energy of "High Class Woman".

It's a great album that we all will hear time and time again...and again...and again...