Five years in the making, Ihlo’s new album, Legacy, will be released on 29th August through Kscope. Out now, is new single ‘Replica’.
“Written only months after the completion of the debut album, ‘Replica’ became an instant fan favourite at live shows,” said the band. “Finessed through energetic performances on the road and with some final additions in the studio, ‘Replica’ represents the versatility and sudden dynamic shifts found on the album.
“The main themes are evocative and atmospheric, and the breakdown showcases an aggression previously unheard from the band. Knowing how well it was received in its debut on the In Stasis live EP, we’re very excited to present it in its final intended form
‘Replica’ can be streamed/downloaded here and you can check out the video, produced by JWA Productions, below.
The album itself is s said to mark a major step forward for the British outfit, capturing their growth from rising newcomers to a confident force in the UK modern prog scene.
Written collaboratively by band members Andy Robison, Phil Monro, and Clark McMenemy, Legacy is a fascinating and worthy successor to 2019’s Union – An acclaimed debut that topped Bandcamp’s Progressive Metal chart and won Ihlo praise across the prog world.
The first single from the new album, ‘Empire’, is out now with the band commenting: “’Empire’ was the song that really kickstarted the album writing process and helped guide us towards the finished product. Underneath the deceptively bouncy rhythms and uplifting harmonies, there hides a dark and brooding atmosphere that became integral to the feel of the entire record.
“This track showcases the shift into a more natural sound for the band, while retaining the attention to detail in every single element, and the modern production quality we love. Our first studio output in 6 years, this track contains a little bit of everything you want in an Ihlo song, and we’re so excited to finally be able to show it off to the world!”
Stream/download ‘Empire’ here check out the video below.
Recorded in part at The Arch Studios in Southport – a stunning space housed within a 140-year-old restored church – Legacy benefits from the studio’s breathtaking acoustics, which lend the drums an organic immediacy. The album presents ten new tracks that drift between shimmering ambience and tightly wound rhythmic propulsion. Where Union hinted at Ihlo’s influences, Legacy speaks in their own voice.
Lyrically, the album casts a wary eye on the near-future – one in which technological advancement feels increasingly hollow, its progress governed by profit rather than purpose.
Tracks featured are ‘Wraith’, ‘Replica’, ‘Source’, ’Empire’, ‘Storm’, ‘Mute’, ‘Cenotaph’, ‘Haar’, Legacy’ and ‘Signals’.
Ihlo recently finished a UK tour, capped off by a standout appearance at Munich’s Prog Metal Mania festival. More shows are in the works for 2025, keep up to date here.
