Hollenthon – Opus Magnum

Releasedate: 30-05-2008; Label: Napalm Records
By: Elvira Visser

The beginning of Hollenthon dates back to 1994, when a project known as VUZEM started. When it released its debut “Domus Mundi” it was done under the name “Hollenthon”.

There was a time when Martin Schirenc has put his attention more to the newly formed “Pungent Stench”, he kept writing new material for Hollenthon but not recording it. It took some time, but in the beginning of 2008 the recording of the new CD “Opus Magnum” was finished. Schirenc took the opportunity to find a permanent line up for “Hollenthon”. Martin found guitarist Martin Arzberger and Gregor Marboe for the bass whom he knew from Pungent Stench.

With this new CD “Opus Magnum” they delivered quite a good CD. They have found a way to combine classical music with metal, like many other bands but this sounds like there is more depth and more layers of different styles in a song. Combining the classical with the energy of metal. You can hear choirs and opera melodies on the background of many tracks. Contributing to this album is Elena Schirenc. She creates an Arabic sound to the track “Misterium Babel”

“Son of Perdition” has a video clip and I think this track will do very good live. It is one of those songs that you have to scream along with, while listening. It has rough singing from Martin and angelic females vocals, which creates a nice contrast. “Dying Embers” is the song that follows and starts quite contrary with one guitar and some bells, softly sang melody. This does not last very long and a wall of metal drums greets you as well as the classic instruments and choir. It makes me think of the bombastic choir like the one that is singing Carl Orff. It has something that drags you along with it. You have to listen to it. Together it creates the sound of “Hollenthon”. But is not at all that brutal and bombastic, there is time for calmer parts.

Line Up:
Martin Schirenc – vocals, guitars
Martin Arzberger – guitars
Gregor Marboe – bass
Mike Gröger – drums

Links:
Hollenthon MySpace
Hollenthon Official