Hollow--Architect of the Mind (1999/Nuclear Blast)
Rating--9.5
Transcending Sorrow--RealAudio Walls of Confusion--RealAudio
Total, undiluted power. Hollow sets before you a platter containing neck-cranking, distortion-nasty, riff-laden tracks, built
upon foundations of churning bliss. There aren't enough adjectives to really describe how complete the boys make their metal
here. Nasty European power to the hilt, with shades of Iced Earth, a little
Wicked Maraya, and any number of other standard heavy-hitters you can think of from the play-to-kill genre. Vocally, Andreas
Stoltz finds a sweet and unique spot somewhere between Bruce Dickinson and Geddy Lee.
Hopefully the album of the year,
because if one comes out that is better, my stereo will never get a rest...
The heavy and bumping "Transcending Sorrow" breaks ground first, and is followed in succession by 10 more songs that never
let up. Fast neck runs highlight "Rain," "Shadow God" is rapid and intense, and all three of "Walls of Confusion," "Deified," and
"Alone in Darkness" are driving forces.
Soaring vocals accentuate "Shutdown" and "Father," as every musical aspect seems
to be well represented on this disc---thick and nasty guitar work, with brutal rhythms countering sharp leads; intricate and timely drumwork;
and fluid (and simply no-nonsense) songwriting. Several tracks were not specifically mentioned in the review, but all are highlights.
If anyone tells you metal is dead, slap them in the face---then let them borrow your Hollow disc.
HOT CHOPS: "Walls of Confusion" drives along nicely, but becomes otherworldly around the 1:55 mark. A pure, ripping mid-section...
let it ride!
TRACK LIST: Transcending Sorrow/Cogito/Rain/Shadow God/Secluded Dreams/Walls of Confusion/Binary Creed/Deified/Alone
In Darkness/Shutdown/Father
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