‘Down In Flames’ is the new single from Forlorn Hope and is based on the real life story of Flight Lieutenant James Brindley Nicolson during the Battle of Britain in World War II.
Accompanied by a visually striking lyric video that you can check out here at RAMzine, the song features on the group’s upcoming EP, Valour – Part I, to be released on 30th August. As can be assumed from its title, the EP is itself part of a larger work, and that’s Valour, the second full-length album from the band.
Valour tells the stories of fifteen Victoria Cross winning actions from Crimea to the Second World War; stories of sacrifice, determination and derring do on land, sea and in the air. It is a saga that’s equal parts thrilling, horrific and heart-breaking; exploring not just the exploits of these extraordinary men, but the myriad and diverse conflicts in which they fought.
‘Down In Flames’ is a blazing, full-throttle anthem that tells the story of Nicolson’s actions during the Battle of Britain, earning him the only Victoria Cross awarded to Fighter Command during the Second World War. On 16th August 1940, at the height of the Battle of Britain, the flight lieutenant refused to abandon his burning Hawker Hurricane until he had shot down the Messerschmitt below him.
The stories featured on the upcoming EP and covered by the Valour project overall, are incredibly moving stories. Stories that immediately captured the attention and passion of dedicated band researcher, vocalist lyricist and rhythm guitarist Chris Simpson, and the band – featuring composer and lead guitarist Alexander Bishop, bass guitarist John Roughley, and drummer Danny Kelly – sought to tell them as faithfully as possible, in their own unique way, so as to give these incredible tales of bravery the full attention they deserve.
From lesser known actions to some of the most iconic actions in the history of the award, Forlorn Hope wanted to bring these tales into the public consciousness. From tragic sacrifice, selfless bravery and bold derring-do, on land, at sea and in the air; the scope of the ‘Valour’ project covers more than a century of conflict spanning the globe and brings the lesser known stories to light, whilst approaching already well known tales with a fresh angle.
Valour – Part I was recorded and produced at Whitewood Studios in Liverpool, by engineer Daniel Woodward, and was mixed and mastered by producer and guitarist (Sellsword) James Stephenson. The album artwork was created by the band’s longtime collaborator, artist Mitchell Nolte. The band’s new logo was designed by graphic designer, Mark Sutcliffe and the ‘Down In Flames’ lyric video was produced by Very Metal Art.
Valour – Part I features the following tracks: ’The Fusilier, ‘Down In Flames’, ‘Ulysses, 1915’, ‘Greater Love Hath No Man’, and ‘The Last Ride’.
For more information click here and to join the band’s crowdfunding campaign click here.
