Hollenthon - With Vilest of Worms to Dwell
Napalm Records - 9091 - July 31, 2001
By Adam McAuley
Pungent Stench frontman Martin Shirenc brings us the second platter of epic stylings from his side project Hollenthon. Weaving a magical web of classical orchestration combined with traditional heavy metal aspects, With Vilest of Worms to Dwell is a fully realized masterpiece of pompous majesty. The album is similar to Therion's symphonic outings, but far surpasses them in terms of depth, scope, and quality of arrangements. Instruments such as violins, trumpets, and choirs are seamlessly melded with catchy riffs, while the sufficient number of time changes create an overwhelming musical tapestry.
Really, the album is worth hear for the mesmerizing "Fire Upon the Blade" alone, but other songs like "Y Draig Och" are equally enamouring. Often growled vocals fit naturally with the rest of the music, and don't interfere with it, contrary to a band like Cradle of Filth. The release is structured in a fashion that makes it somewhat accessible, but complex and daring enough to be a truly deep listening experience.
Could the album be better? Certainly. Some of the tracks don't quite hold up to the rest, and there are less interesting moments that bring the overall experience down, preventing With Vilest of Worms to Dwell from achieving absolute perfection. Still, a stellar release that has a varied enough sound to appeal to a variety of different fans including those of Opeth, Green Carnation, the aforementioned Therion and those of the more symphonic black metal groups (Emperor, Dimmu Borgir, etc...).
9/10
Official Hollenthon Website
Official Napalm records Website
Napalm Records - 9091 - July 31, 2001
By Adam McAuley
Pungent Stench frontman Martin Shirenc brings us the second platter of epic stylings from his side project Hollenthon. Weaving a magical web of classical orchestration combined with traditional heavy metal aspects, With Vilest of Worms to Dwell is a fully realized masterpiece of pompous majesty. The album is similar to Therion's symphonic outings, but far surpasses them in terms of depth, scope, and quality of arrangements. Instruments such as violins, trumpets, and choirs are seamlessly melded with catchy riffs, while the sufficient number of time changes create an overwhelming musical tapestry.
Really, the album is worth hear for the mesmerizing "Fire Upon the Blade" alone, but other songs like "Y Draig Och" are equally enamouring. Often growled vocals fit naturally with the rest of the music, and don't interfere with it, contrary to a band like Cradle of Filth. The release is structured in a fashion that makes it somewhat accessible, but complex and daring enough to be a truly deep listening experience.
Could the album be better? Certainly. Some of the tracks don't quite hold up to the rest, and there are less interesting moments that bring the overall experience down, preventing With Vilest of Worms to Dwell from achieving absolute perfection. Still, a stellar release that has a varied enough sound to appeal to a variety of different fans including those of Opeth, Green Carnation, the aforementioned Therion and those of the more symphonic black metal groups (Emperor, Dimmu Borgir, etc...).
9/10
Official Hollenthon Website
Official Napalm records Website
