Every so often, an album emerges that completely captivates with its musicianship and creative vision. It’s even more exciting when that album comes from a newcomer on the progressive metal scene. Brisbane’s Gladiolus (read the interview with the band here), with their full-length debut Inertia, delivers exactly that—a remarkable release that’s destined to leave a mark on the genre and serve as a defining moment for the band.
Gladiolus’ journey may have been short so far, but it has been consistently upward. Their debut single “Chrysalis,” released in 2022, gave listeners a powerful first impression, blending technical precision with songwriting finesse while maintaining the heavy grooves and dynamic shifts that are synonymous with progressive metal. Their follow-up single “The Wanderer” took a more minimalist approach, demonstrating the band’s willingness to experiment with different sonic textures. From the outset, it was clear that Gladiolus had struck upon a winning formula. They could have easily refined that approach and coasted on their talent, but instead, they chose a bolder path.
With Inertia, Gladiolus decided to go all in, embracing a “go big or go home” mindset. The album is packed with new ideas and reimagined elements, all in the spirit of artistic exploration. Up close, Inertia is a whirlwind of knotty details and finely tuned elements working together in perfect synchronization. Take a step back, and those details coalesce into a cohesive whole—a rich, dynamic piece of art that is as much about emotional depth as it is about technical prowess. Every angle of this album offers something compelling: it’s valiant, unrelenting, and packed with energy.
Instrumentally, Gladiolus have crafted an album that is nothing short of an avant-garde feast. Each track is a meticulously arranged mix of diverse vocal styles—from deep growls to piercing shrieks to mesmerizing cleans—accompanied by guitars that are both disciplined and free-flowing, and drumming that oscillates between precision and chaos. The guitar work is particularly stunning, with each riff and melody acting as the connective tissue that ties together the album’s numerous ideas. Despite the complexity, everything is structured in a way that feels cohesive and purposeful. Inertia isn’t a puzzle to be solved, but more like a piece of art that reveals itself gradually over time. It’s not difficult to understand, but its subtleties reward deeper listening—a surprising feat for an album that often feels so ferociously aggressive.
The album pulses with intensity, drawing the listener in with gripping melodies and an underlying sense of urgency that refuses to let go until the perfect dramatic moment. Maintaining coherence amid so many sudden shifts in tone, vocal styles, and influences is a challenge that many bands fail to meet, but Gladiolus excel here. The album never feels disjointed; instead, it’s a singular vision composed of many elements working in harmony.
One of the album’s standout moments is “Flicker,” a track that exemplifies Gladiolus at their most powerful. It’s a magnum opus of sorts, with its explosive guitar work, diverse vocal performances, and atmospheric flourishes blending seamlessly with moments of crushing heaviness. The song starts off delicately, only to evolve into a full-blown prog-death assault, driven by a sense of melodic drama that ties the various sections together. The vocals convey a raw emotional intensity, while the earsplitting drumming adds a sense of impending doom, making the track feel both cinematic and visceral. The interplay between the instruments is commanding, creating a tension that builds to an exhilarating release.
Inertia is an album that has a full potential to dominate year-end lists, and for good reason. It’s a monumental achievement from a band that’s still in its early stages. Gladiolus prove that progressive metal has endless potential for innovation, and they show that they’re not afraid to break confines. By blending sheer technical skill with raw emotion, they’ve created an album that is accessible, but also very layered. It’s that balance—between the universal and the unique—that Inertia strikes so well. With nothing to lose, Gladiolus may just be on the verge of becoming one of the most exciting names in progressive metal.
F*ck it, here comes the rating!
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Inertia is an album that has a full potential to dominate year-end lists, and for good reason. It’s a monumental achievement from a band that’s still in its early stages. Gladiolus prove that progressive metal has endless potential for innovation, and they show that they’re not afraid to break confines.
