IHLO: Legacy

In the same vein as modern progressive metal heavyweights like Earthside, Leprous, and Nospūn, British band IHLO return with their sophomore effort, Legacy, an album that confirms their place among the genre’s most promising new forces.

At first glance, Legacy might sound like another exercise in modern melodic prog-metal polish, with a tight production, emotive vocals, and plenty of dynamic range. But as the record unfolds, that first impression quickly evolves into admiration. The band’s remarkable ability to balance aggression with atmosphere, melancholy with hope, and weight with melody makes this a deeply engaging listen from start to finish.

Built on rich layers of synths, powerful riffing, and Andy Robison’s evocative vocals, Legacy feels both meticulously constructed and emotionally genuine. Lyrically, the album explores themes of human endurance, connection, and self-discovery in an increasingly artificial world… the “legacy� we leave behind as technology, emotion, and identity blur into one.

The opening trio of “Wraith,� “Replica,� and “Source� establishes the tone: heavy yet accessible, cinematic yet human. The centerpiece, however, arrives with the masterful run of “Empire,� “Storm,� and “Mute,� where IHLO reach their creative peak, weaving introspective lyricism and precise musicianship into something genuinely memorable.

As the album progresses, darker shades emerge in the haunting “Cenotaph� and “Haar,� before closing with two remarkable moments: the title track “Legacy� and the grand, emotional closer “Signals.� Together, they encapsulate the record’s essence of reflection, longing, and renewal wrapped in breathtaking arrangements.

I haven’t yet delved into their 2019 debut Union, but Legacy has certainly made that a priority before the year ends. IHLO deserve the growing attention they’re receiving, and let’s just hope we don’t have to wait another six years for their next musical journey… cheers!

Track Listing:
1. Wraith (7:30)
2. Replica (5:12)
3. Source (5:03)
4. Empire (7:15)
5. Storm (2:25)
6. Mute (8:27)
7. Cenotaph (8:03)
8. Haar (5:48)
9. Legacy (8:45)
10. Signals (10:00)

Added: October 14th 2025
Reviewer: Jose Antonio Marmol
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 187
Language: english

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