HOLLOW HAZE

Hollow Haze (Italy): Memories of an Ancient Time (Scarlet Records)

Have you noticed the good metal albums coming out of Italy in recent years? Take a look at Hollow Haze! Hollow Haze formed in 2003 and this is the sixth album. From the beginning the album sounds like an “epic power metal” concept album; the vibe is very good. I can tell you that if you like the feel of the Avantasia metal operas or the Rhapsody epic albums, you know, albums that sound huge, that show that the band wants to create something truly great for power metal audiences to love forever, then please consider this latest Hollow Haze album. This album features guest singers Mats Levén (from Candlemass), Rick Altzi (from Masterplan) and Amanda Somerville (AINA, Avantasia, Kiske/Somerville, and others) and it appears that Mats is the main singer on the album. Anyway, I don’t know much about the album, but it looks and sounds like a concept work. Whenever someone says “concept” or “opera” album, I wonder whether it’s going to be a bunch of slow and boring songs. Thankfully, this album is a good balance and the overall mood is rocking. I still feel like I will find more aspects and components with more listens, but the overall result is clear: the albums sounds wonderful for those that enjoy European epic power metal and metal operas of big choruses and sing-along tunes of glory. Recommended big time for power metal loyalists!

www.facebook.com/hollowhaze.music www.hollowhaze.com www.scarletrecords.it

Hollow Haze - Out In The Darkness & Rain Of Fire Lights (with lyrics)