When it comes to modern progressive metal, few bands have captured the imagination quite like London’s IHLO. Emerging with their 2019 debut Union, the band immediately carved out a reputation for forward-thinking soundscapes that balance heavy riffs with expansive textures. Fast forward to 2025, and IHLO have returned with their long-awaited sophomore album, Legacy — a record that feels both urgent and timeless.
I had the absolute pleasure of catching up with Andy and Phil from IHLO to dive deep into the creative process behind Legacy, the evolution of their songwriting, and the concepts that fuel their music.
The Evolution from Union to Legacy
The first thing Andy and Phil shared was how different their mindset was this time around. With Union, they were still finding their feet — experimenting, discovering their sound. But with Legacy, the band went in with a clear vision and a willingness to take their time. Andy summed it up perfectly: “We just wanted to spend more time on this one.” That patience paid off, allowing the songs to fully breathe and develop into something cohesive yet daring.
Phil explained how their collaboration works remotely, with ideas bouncing back and forth between him and Andy. Both serve as “quality control,” making sure every part fits the IHLO sound before moving forward. That process really shone through on Empire, a pivotal track that set the tone for the entire record after a stretch of creative uncertainty.
Textures, Dynamics, and That “Vibe Check”
One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation was how the band balances their heavier, rhythm-driven riffs with the more ambient, atmospheric side of their sound. Phil talked about layering guitars, synths, and effects until the arrangement felt “natural” — or as he put it, “until it passes the vibe check.”
The recording itself added another layer of uniqueness. Tracked in an art studio inside an old church, the sessions carried incredible acoustics and a professional energy, even when technical gremlins reared their heads. The clash between Phil’s meticulous home-recording style and Clark’s free-form drumming gave Legacy an unpredictable yet organic feel that keeps the listener hooked.
Lyrics, Vocals, and a World Gone Digital
On the lyrical side, Andy opened up about recording vocals in Belgium, at first unsure whether he had enough material to justify the trip. But once there, he leaned into a process that prioritizes melody and phrasing before words. The result? Vocals that soar, twist, and anchor the music’s narrative weight.
Thematically, Legacy isn’t afraid to stare into the abyss of our modern world. With threads of capitalism, consumerism, and technology running through its veins, the album builds around a concept of a character implanted with a brain chip who begins to hallucinate — blurring reality and illusion. By the end, that character swims away from the grip of technology, a metaphor Andy admitted reflected his own desire to disconnect after years of pandemic-induced isolation.
A Prog Album Meant to Be Interpreted
Of course, no prog album worth its salt spoon-feeds answers. Songs like “Cenotaph” and “Mute” invite interpretation, weaving vague, poetic imagery that lets listeners project their own meaning. Andy smiled at the idea, noting that ambiguity is exactly the point: “A good record should let people get lost in it and come away with their own story.”
And from where I sit, that’s what makes Legacy such an engaging listen — it doesn’t just play in your headphones, it lingers in your mind long after.
What Comes Next for IHLO
IHLO aren’t just a studio project — they’re bringing Legacy to the stage. At the time of our chat, the band had a sold-out London show locked in for September 20th and were gearing up for Euroblast in Germany on September 27th. As Andy and Phil pointed out, organizing shows is no easy feat when your members are spread across geographies and costs are sky-high, but the energy of live performance makes it all worth it.
And for fans? That means now is the perfect time to dive into Legacy, grab a vinyl, and support IHLO however you can. Because bands like this — who take risks, build worlds, and push the boundaries of prog — deserve to be championed.
Final Thoughts
Talking with Andy and Phil left me buzzing. Legacy isn’t just another album in the prog metal landscape — it’s a statement. It’s the sound of a band who know exactly who they are, what they want to say, and how they want to say it. It balances meticulous craft with raw energy, intellect with heart.
IHLO’s Legacy feels destined to stand as one of the defining prog releases of 2025. And I, for one, can’t wait to see where they go next.
🎧 Order Legacy here: IHLO Legacy Official Store
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