Review | Jared James Nichols – Louder Than Fate

Frontiers Music srl

Guitarist/singer Jared James Nichols has been around for a bit more than a decade. His first CD (‘Old Glory And The Wild Revival’) came out in 2015, his second (‘Black Magic’) in 2017, his third (self-titled) in early 2023. On May 30th of 2026 ‘Louder Than Fate’ will see the light of day, produced by Jay Ruston. ‘Louder Than Fate’ is his most balanced release, that is for sure.

GUITAR SLINGER

Seen as a bluesy guitar slinger the now 37-year old Nichols surely has not lost his touch on the six strings, nor an ounce of energy either. But the ten songs on this record show next to the wild and hard rocking guitarist/singer also some more sophisticated and contemporary moments. Those moments give his fourth full CD a bit more meaning, color and variation. Although the bulk of the songs are energetic and the guitar parts wild and steaming (listen to opener ,,Let’s Go’’ or ,,Runnin’ Hot’’), Nichols (maybe pushed by Ruston) shows more different sides of himself as singer, composer and guitarist. Tracks such as the more sophisticated sounding ,,Killing Time’’ (with orchestral parts), ,,Bending Or Breaking’’ and ,,Show Me’’ are somehow different compared to his old stuff.

BETTER BALANCE

Mind you, Nichols has not become any softer or laid back as the overall energy is still there. There is just a better balance between melody and his rougher and tougher material. Also, as vocalist the man has improved. Not that he is a real super talent behind the microphone but he gets it across very satisfactory.

JARED JAMES NICHOLS – THE CONCLUSION

Until this moment in his career Nichols has always been the opening act. In the last couple of years, he opened in Europe for Mr. Big, Glenn Hughes and The Winery Dogs. Possibly by getting on board with Frontiers and a more contemporary approach to his music he could become a headliner himself. All of his albums have been pretty good in my book but with ‘Louder Than Fate’ he seems to have an instrument in hand that can bring him under the attention of a larger audience.

It will be interesting to see how he fares in the future, as his talent is unmistakable for all to see and hear. But sometimes you need just a bit more to make that next step. ‘Louder Than Fate’ could be that bit more for Jared James Nichols, who certainly has not sold out nor repeated himself. He only added some extra ingredients to his sound and repertoire without losing his identity. Nothing wrong with that!

Release date: 30 May 2026