Words by Emily Hollitt
Gladiolus first started making waves in Australian prog in mid 2022 with their debut single Chrysalis. The single ebbed and flowed naturally, transitioning throughout each section in a way that elevated its storytelling, a masterful introduction of the band to the world. They caught the attention of fellow bands Kodiak Empire, Thoraway and, most recently, Osaka Punch, supporting the groups on their respective tours. With interest in the band quickly growing, they couldn’t have dropped their debut record at a better time.
‘Inertia’ marks the bands’ first full release – skipping the usual debut EP and heading straight to the full-length concept album. In classic prog fashion, the over 1 hour long epic features the best aspects of the groups’ influences; they modelled their sound off the likes of Karnivool, Opeth, Devin Townsend, Periphery, Caligula’s Horse, The Ocean and The Contortionist, and transformed this sound into something that is totally their own. Bringing the listener on an “emotional journey through life, death and everything in between”, the record is an exciting introduction to what the ground-breaking group have to offer.
Ocean sounds open the record with Myopic, instantly drawing the listener in. Heavily reverberated, atmospheric guitar enters before the drums and bass hit, tying everything together. The song starts in a slow burn; you’re never entirely sure which direction it will take next. The track grows heavier around the midway point, with tones reminiscent of early 2000s rock. Lead vocalist Dan Hendrex’s voice enters with a long, guttural scream. Tonally, the record shifts with March, with consistent, repetitive and heavily overdriven guitar chugs as Dan shifts between gutturals, whispers and melodic singing, demonstrating his range and aiding with the storytelling of the track.
The energy picks up with Disintegrator as the drums play cymbal hits under repetitive guitar chugs, growing louder as the bass creeps in the drum part grows fuller. “We saw this coming. We knew the price we paid. It wasn’t easy to learn this the hard way. So many miles wandered. Wasting away. I’ve reached the breaking point now. Disintegrate,” sings Hendrex each chorus, adding more vocal layers each time. Hendrex shows off his incredible vocal range towards the end of the track, belting in his higher range as the instruments grow with him.
Any fan of Gladiolus would be already familiar with Chrysalis, the band’s first single and one of the strongest tracks on the record. The track shows the soundest elements of the band’s ability to write longform tracks with engaging stories. It exemplifies the talents of every single member of the band, with some of the most interesting arrangement on the album, catchy, memorably hooks, and each member’s ability to shine in a way that never overpowers.
Precipice is the first track on the record where the guitar takes centre stage melodically, opening with an intricate, earworm guitar solo, played by lead guitarist Zak Muller. As the track grows, the guitar plays counter-melodically under Dan’s vocals, complimenting each other masterfully. Joe Shirley’s drums are heavy-handed and driving, perfectly slotting into the rhythms of the guitars. The drums take centre-stage at around the midway point, as the instruments die down and the toms creep in under Hendrex’s vocals. Heavy, chugging guitars open Tremors, instantly drawing the listener in. The time signature is janky and uneven, giving the song an interesting edge. Dan’s note choices are dissonant, clashing with the guitars in a way that gives the song an unsettling texture. The instrumentation disappears in the track’s mid-point, allowing Hendrex’s voice to shine through. The ending is theatrical and large. Vocally, this track showcases the most of Dan’s incredibly diverse vocal range, solidifying him as one of the best in Brisbane.
Hypergiant Destiny follows, a 2-minute-long intermission. It’s dark and it’s messy, adding the perfect reset for the album right at its midway point. Flicker starts a lot softer than the rest of the record; ambient noise and finger-picked guitars opening the track. More guitar layers are slowly added as the track grows. Quickly, the instrumentation kicks up a notch, with Zak Muller’s lead guitar taking centre stage. Hendrex’s voice is softer in its delivery, masterfully layering it with harmonies. “How’d it take so long to know we need this pain to grow?”. “Let your anger go” he repeats as the song ends.
Anson Nesci’s recognisable bassline opens The Wanderer, consistently driving the song and complimenting Muller’s guitar. The song grows much softer as the song draws closer to its close. “If we could start it all again, knowing this road will lead me here. Our lambent glow would never dim. I’d give it all to see you dear…I love you. I miss you. I only wanted to give you the world”.
Punchy guitars open Asymptotes. Hendrex’s vocals are sparse; sparingly scattered throughout the track, allowing for the guitar to take the main melodic lead. Muller’s guitar is spacey and reverberated, aiding to the overall atmosphere of the track. Dan scatters light harmonies throughout, playing alongside synthetic string pads. The song ends with isolated piano and dark synths, completely contrasting the tone the song.
Album title track Inertia continues with this darker tone. Dan’s vocals are passionate and emotional, a highlight vocal performance on the record. The track is one of the most lyrically focused on the album, detailing a betrayal over its’ 10-minute run time. “I lost my soul chasing your goals. Misdirected inertia.”. The guitars, bass and drums all complement each other beautifully in the epic build up in closing track Downtrodden. Hendrex’s vocals enter, layered with harmonies as he sings softly over the quickly intensifying instrumentation. A high-pitched keys melody plays beneath the instruments, adding texture and supporting the emotion of the overall production. Atmospheric synths close the album, panning from headphone to headphone, ending the record on an eerie note.
With their highly anticipated debut, Gladiolus have solidified their place as one of the most exciting new groups in Progressive Rock. With expert storytelling and intelligent production, the album overall will excite both seasoned prog-heads and anyone newer to the genre. If you haven’t done it already, pop on some headphones, and let ‘Inertia’ blow you away.
