GLORIOUS WOLF – interview

Introduce your band, and describe your latest release:
Glorious Wolf is a studio project founded by me (Ruud Dielen) in 2016, and in 2017 the first entirely instrumental album, ‘Aquarius’, saw the light of day. This album was released digitally only on Bandcamp. In 2019, ‘Zodiac’ was released, and in 2023 ‘Mysterious Traveler’, both as physical albums and digitally on all streaming platforms under OOB Records. On June 7, 2026, ‘Elements Of Hope’, our 3rd physical and 4th digital album, was released, also under OOB Records. I do not consider GW’s music to be Metal, but rather Prog Rock with a nod to the heavy side and a touch of psychedelia and plenty of room for instrumental and experimental passages. The following musicians participated in EoH:
Ruud Dielen: Guitar (electric & Acoustic), Bass (Fretless & fretted), Synths, Mellotron & sound FX
Kike Paglia: Drums, Tim Ros: Jazzbass, Harrie Knapen: Hammond Organ/Leslie & Yamaha CP70 piano, Frank van der Borg: Vocals, Jyoti Verhoeff: Vocals, Ties van Diesen: Backing vocals, Reg Parham: Saxophone, Thomas Zunk †: Theremin & Mellotron.

What’s the hardest part about being a band in this day and age?
It is difficult to stand out among the vast array of bands across various genres. On streaming platforms, music must meet strict criteria before you receive any payment, and these are very difficult for lesser-known bands and artists to meet. Due to the internet, streaming services, and Artificial Intelligence, the music industry is changing rapidly.

When did you realise that your project had the potential to be much more than just a fun idea?
After the release of the first album (entirely composed, recorded, and produced by myself), the reactions were so positive, and very positive reviews appeared, that it prompted me to follow up. The second album contains both vocals and instrumental songs, and that too was very well received. It is such a beautiful process—writing, recording, mixing, etc., your own music. Moreover, I am bursting with creative musical ideas that we have now released four albums. Isn’t that great!

Tell us about your latest release, why should we check it out?
It has more or less become a concept album about the life of a growing child in the chaotic world we all know today. Growing up in the current, chaotic world demands enormous flexibility from children. They are confronted daily with an abundance of stimuli, rapidly changing technology, and societal unrest. I have used this as a theme for the nine songs on ‘Elements Of Hope’, while keeping it hopeful. The first 5 songs form the epic ‘Elements Of Hope’, which lasts over 24 minutes, where the songs flow into one another and the story I described earlier is experienced. The title says it all; the album offers hope, and that is exactly what we need in these chaotic times. Add to that the beautiful artwork and professional recording, which are a joy to hear and see, so check it out please.

How does a song typically come together for you?
It is a growth process. It could be a melody, a chord progression, or a specific sound that inspires me to create a catchy riff. I record it and continue building on it. Often, I can already hear in my head where it needs to go, but that isn’t there yet, and that is precisely the beauty of creating music yourself. It is like a twig being carried along by the current, but not knowing where it will end up.

How would you describe your sound to an unfamiliar reader?
Progressive rock with experimental twists and turns, with plenty of room for instrumental pieces and solos, but always melodious and well-arranged.

What do you want listeners to take away from listening to your band?
That they are left with a satisfied and peaceful feeling after the last song has finished, and invites them to listen again and again, whereby they discover something new with every listen.

Where would you really like to tour that you haven’t done so yet, and why?
Because Glorious Wolf is a studio project, we are not touring (yet), but who says that will actually happen. In that case, I would love to be on Cruise to the Edge with a full band and precede that with a tour.

How would you say that the sound of your band has progressed over the years?
As mentioned earlier, I produced the first GW album entirely on my own. For every subsequent album, I have invited more guest musicians, and that gives the music something extra—tighter and more compact. In addition, I have invested heavily in recording technique, hiring increasingly better equipment and professionals from the field, so that the music is pleasing to the ear and pleasant to listen to, yet still hits you in the face.

How excited are you for 2026, and what can fans expect from you?
The release date of EoH was just a month ago, so I am still thoroughly enjoying it. In addition, I am currently working on a few side projects (recording guitar parts) and live gigs with another band I also play in. Otherwise, taking it easy for a bit and making room for new creative ideas, and before I know it, I will be back in my studio working on new GW material.

Thanks for your nice questions, I enjoyed it!

https://oob-records.com/product/glorious-wolf-elements-of-hope/
https://gloriouswolf.bandcamp.com/music
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rWv60w8fm7hT5lEeDIrLP
https://thebandwagonusa.com/products/glorious-wolf-elements-of-hope-cd-new-artist-pre-order
https://www.youtube.com/@gloriouswolf2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVEchFbASuQ