HOLLOW – Dark Thoughts

Norway’s Metal/Hard Rock bands always had associations with the American Metal style, however, up until now, Hollow made the cut to be recognized as a total US Metal oriented band.

The Heavy Metal band Hollow is what every US Metal fan would want to hear, might it be old school or “nu school”. Dark Thoughts is Hollow’s debut, through their small label Fairplay Entertainment, and their first shot to the world.

Dark Thoughts is Pantera, Metal Church, Mötley Crüe, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Ozzy and the list goes on. Essentially, these guys are not stuck with one sub-genre only. Of course, some will say that this band has no true identity as they pass on between musical styles, however, this diversity is the source of their power. Dark Thoughts is rather intelligent, interesting and has numerous things to look for aside from heavy riffages and breaking moments. Hollow made a baseline for a meeting of multi-flavored Metalheads.

At first it would seem that there is true complexity within the album, yet, this is not that accurate. Because they are diverse, Hollow adjusted their passages to fit the sub-genre they are playing, they did try to make a sort of complex sound, yet, this is not Progressive Metal. You can take a song as the Hard Rockin’ “Goodbye” and compare it to the most diverse song of the album, which is “Dark Thoughts”. The latter is a dark, intricate tune with various riffages and spirit while the former is an easy living 80s oriented tune of sheer American heritage. The other tracks between the two help emphasize why there is a lot to look on this number.

Nevertheless, not everything is crystal on the album. Aside from the fact the lead vocalist, who is a derived version of Ozzy/Marcolin, seemed to be heartless at times, the music has its sticky moments and not always delivers the full capacity of interest. Nonetheless, Dark Thoughts is an impressive debut and a wonderful way to mix old with new all under the same banner of US Metal.

As a US Metal fan, especially the old school scene, it is great to know that there is yet another band that performs the old school ways of a once powerful scene among the various types in the Metal world. Dark Thoughts is a great addition to collectors and true Metal fans. Take a dive and enjoy!

Highlights marked on the tracklist

1. Dark Thoughts
   
2. Psychic Strain
   
3. All Turns To Black
4. The Eternity
5. Changed
   
6. Empty Space
7. Devil’s Feet
   
8. Goodbye

Lineup

Magnus Mikkelsen Hoel – Vocals
Marius Melleby – Guitar
Ove Mikkelsen Hoel – Bass
Sondre Svendsen – Drums