Hollowtone
Dead Man’s End ()
Wydane przez Self-financedRok wydania Kraj BelgiumNapisał Wouter8
Belgian studio project Hollowtone is the answer to what is currently being passed in mainstream metal consciousness as melodic Swedish death metal. Inspired by the genre’s formative acts “Dead Man’s End” the eleven tracks on this record are varied, well-structured and groove laden death metal with top notch solos/leads to top it all off. The duo of multi-instrumentalist Kristof Vandebeek (guitars, bass, vocals, drum programming) and vocalist Bart Goffinghs might very well have delivered their watershed release with this album. Influences come from the likes of Dark Tranquillity (“Skydancer”), At the Gates (“Terminal Spirit Disease”) and Eucharist, whom they cover with ‘Wounded and Alone’. The guitar work is nothing short of fantastic with those typical short Swedish riffs, harmonies and melodic hooks, so sorely missed in music these days. The drum programming is functional although it leaves a bit to be desired, as its patterns are written from a guitarist’s point of view. Vocally, Goffinghs doesn’t use the trademarked Swedish shrieks instead opting for a genre typical growl. His grunts are emotive and expressive, although they lack in interesting dynamics. Also, Hollowtone nod to the past of its members by covering the Last Funeral/the Quiescent track ‘Come Die with Me’. Recorded in the band’s homestudio The Cabin “Dead Man’s End” comes with the expected high quality production. Comparisons could be made to At the Gates’ seminal “Terminal Spirit Disease”, although this album is a lot smoother produced all around. Artwork, design and lay-out by Harbinger Design are outstanding although the printing quality isn’t the way it should be. Hollowtone is an exemplary case of Swedish melodic death metal done the way it should be. Be sure to check this album out. Their second album “Misery Loves Company” is expected in 2008.
www.hollowtone.be
