Indie Distribution (2011)

Descriptions often clash with actual sounds emanating from my speakers. Hailing from Norway, Hollow has this 10 song metal release that many classify online in the thrash/groove metal category. Based on my run through songs like “The Worst Is Still To Come”, the bluesy “Until We Meet Again” or fist pumping “Burning Hearts Of Metal”, this is classic, 80’s influenced traditional metal with darker, Savatage meets Candlemass overtones.

Vocalist Magnus Mikkelsen Hoel resonates with this lower timbre that sends shivers down my spine much like Messiah Marcolin – it doesn’t matter whether the song is all out doom like “Close Your Eyes” or slightly faster with epic tendencies like the 6 minute plus title track, his melodies envelope the sonic landscape. Guitarist Marius Melleby delivers an array of riffs with that down tuned comfort coming from the masters before him- be it Tipton, Iommi, Criss Oliva- and when he solos it’s not with the purpose of self-serving spotlights, but emotional, thought provoking note enhancement. His work in “Maximum Destruction” should be required text for all future musicians who want to be impressive in a band context.

The three piece use two session drummers (Sondre Svendsen and Pål Gundersen) but I hope Hollow moves into becoming a full fledged live entity, as these gentlemen have a great foundation to build upon. The grooves are in the old school mold, the riffing and melodies endearing and probable to evoke loud thunderous applause. Given the 3 years Hollow spent on writing and recording “Between The Lines”, it’s an investment worthwhile if you miss a lot of the traditional spirit with classical doom nuances.

www.myspace.com/hollownorway
www.indiedist.no

Rating: 4.5 / 6

Composed by Matt Coe