Glory Road (Gillan album)

Glory Road is the fourth studio album by the British rock band Gillan, released in 1980. It was Gillan's breakthrough album, reaching number 3 in the UK charts.

The album is notable for featuring two distinct versions: a standard album release and a limited edition double album. The standard release featured the core tracks intended for the album, while the limited edition included a bonus disc titled For Gillan Fans Only. This bonus disc contained B-sides, rarities, and previously unreleased material, effectively catering to the band's dedicated fanbase.

Musically, Glory Road showcased Gillan's signature blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and progressive elements. Ian Gillan's powerful vocals, combined with the band's instrumental prowess (particularly the guitar work of Bernie Tormé and the keyboards of Colin Towns), resulted in a dynamic and energetic sound. Key tracks from the album include "Unchain Your Brain," "Sleeping on the Job," and the title track, "Glory Road."

The album's cover art features a surreal and slightly unsettling image depicting a road leading into a dark, unknown destination, reflecting the album's themes of ambition, struggle, and the pursuit of success.

Glory Road is considered a classic album of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) era and remains a popular and influential release in Gillan's discography.