EP Review: Forlorn Hope – Valour – Part I (Self Released)

Formed in 2017 by five Liverpool metal stalwarts, Forlorn Hope deliver an invigorating battle metal experience unique to the UK scene. ‘Valour – Part I’ is the first part of Forlorn Hope’s second full length album ‘Valour’, a collection of stories about recipients of the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest military honour, awarded for extreme acts of bravery and gallantry in the face of the enemy. ‘Valour – Part I’ will be released on August 30th, 2024.

A lot of words come to mind in an attempt to sum up this release, but none can do them justice. Not because of Forlorn Hope’s metal approach, after all that is very familiar and comforting, but because of the stories being told. Tragic tales, stories of selflessness, sacrifice and unwavering bravery centred around six men: Luke O’Connor (‘The Fusilier’), James Brindley-Nicholson (‘Down in Flames’), Edward Unwin (‘Ulysses, 1915’), William ‘Billy’ McFadzean (‘Greater Love Hath No Man’), as well as Nevill Coghill and Teignmouth Melville (‘The Last Ride’).

Forlorn Hope don’t just pay tribute to these great people, but honour their sacrifices through meticulous story-telling. No hyperbole is needed, the tales are incredible enough on their own. So, it’s up to the band to deliver rousing and heartfelt music that lives up to them. Which they certainly achieve via anthemic metal power across the five tracks of this release.

The Fusilier opens proceedings with a sense of grandeur (the drumbeat is so clever) encouraging the listener to find their own voice and sing along loudly. Followed then by the thrilling and energised Down in Flames, a heart-racing effort, and Ulysses, 1915, a track that really feels like a power metal track (the big orchestral sounds are immense). Before Greater Love Hath No Man changes the tone by being an instrumental. It has big harmonies, feels like more of a ballad, but transforms into a lively piece that lets the guitars shine. Then, to wrap things up, it’s The Last Ride and one hell of a fist-pumping, chest-thumping, and head-banging finale.

Forlorn Hope deliver on the promise of massive anthems that honour recipients of the Victoria Cross. Part I is a banger, roll on Part II.

Forlorn Hope – Valour – Part I Track Listing:

1. The Fusilier
2. Down In Flames
3. Ulysses, 1915
4. Greater Love Hath No Man
5. The Last Ride

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