Written: 22nd August 2024
Formed seven years ago in Liverpool, Forlorn Hope combine the dramatic flair of power metal and the enduring strength or traditional heavy metal. They meld this musical approach with a passion for military history, recounting some of the past’s most captivating military moments with dramatic scope. Valour (Part I) is the first part of the quartet’s second full-length album, a collection of stories about recipients of the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest military honour.
Forlorn Hope open the EP with The Fusilier, a tribute to Sergeant Luke O’Connor, the first soldier in the British Army to win the Victoria Cross. Taking place during the Crimean War, the track opens with military style percussion before diving headlong into pulsing, adrenaline fuelled riffs and rhythms. Raging in nature, it captures the non-stop pressure of battle and the lyrically takes the listener into the heart of the action. Over the vineyards / And through frigid water / Fix bayonets / On they charge in disorder. For the uninitiated, it is the perfect introduction to the band.
Raising the tempo, Down In Flames - which takes place during the Battle of Britain - exudes more of the power metal aspects of the band’s sound, while also rattling along to an Iron Maiden-esque gallop. Coming again, the air raid siren / The hurricane and spitfire pilots / Rallying / They are gathering. Twin guitars from Chris Simpson and Alexander Bishop battle for supremacy like two fighter planes engaged in a dogfight. There can be no denying Forlorn Hope’s desire to inject their songs with energy and despite a slightly cheesy key change, Danny Kelly’s drums and John Roughley’s bass ensure the exuberance and vigour of the track is never threatened.
For the third track, Ulysses 1915, Forlorn Hope turn their attention to the beach landings at Gallipoli during the First World War. Darker and grander in feel than the previous two songs, it is also the track with the most interesting lyrics to be found on the EP. In the wake of the barrage they made their approach / The Wooden Horse, invasion force, strike from the sea / In a hurricane of bullets plans turn to ash / Blood stains the land, the sea and sand, Gallipoli. Chris Simpson - whose voice straddles the line between hard rock and heavy metal - delivers the narrative with a clear love of the source material and an intrinsic enthusiastic fervour.
Although still vibrant and spirited, Greater Love Hath No Man allows Forlorn Hope the chance to display some of the diversity of which they are capable. It tells the tragic tale of William 'Billy' McFadzean, a soldier in the First World War who bravely sacrificed himself to save the lives of many by diving onto a box of accidentally dropped live grenades. Part lament and part strident, rampant tribute, it draws on Celtic influences, segments that adopt a slower pace and others driven by orchestral synths. As an instrumental, it allows the listener to reflect on the narrative in their own way.
Concluding the EP is The Last Ride, which has already found a home in the live environment during the past five years and is well known by fans. Driven, once again, by an unbridled gallop, and describing the events at Isandlwana during the Anglo Zulu War, it is no surprise that it is so popular with followers of the band. Featuring a slower section with more military drum rhythms, a guitar solo full of melancholy and a mournful finale, The Last Ride is not shy in addressing the mistakes and overconfidence of the British (1879, Bodies falling like leaves / The British Empire paid the price / For its arrogance and greed), while commemorating the commitment of those soldiers who actually braved the front lines, in this case Lieutenants Nevill Coghill and Teignmouth Melvill of the 24th Regiment. (He does not hesitate / In spite of his wounds / He goes back for his brother / The colour he cannot defend / Deny it the foe / Cast it into the river).
On Valour (Part I), Forlorn Hope reaffirm their devotion to historical accuracy within their lyrics and on a well produced EP, they openly lay out their metal influences for all to see. Although well played and narratively fascinating, musically, the band do not break much new ground; nevertheless, their steadfastness and belief in their sound is to be commended. Honest, powerful and catchy as hell. Listeners who are interested in the lyrics – which are a crucial part of Forlorn Hope’s appeal - and enjoy the racing character of the music, plus the oft used military drumming patterns, will come away the most satisfied. Furthermore, there is enough variety here (particularly evident on Ulysses 1915 - my personal favourite - and Greater Love Hath No Man) to appeal to fans of Iron Maiden, Helloween, Judas Priest, Saxon, Dio and Sabaton. Dive into history here…
Valour (Part I) is released on 30th August 2024.
Connect with Forlorn Hope:
Official Website: https://www.forlornhope.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ForlornHopeBand
X (Twitter): https://x.com/ForlornHopeBand
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