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Hollow > Architect of the Mind > Reviews
Hollow - Architect of the Mind

Smart, classy melodicism - 93%

Empyreal, October 2nd, 2021
Written based on this version: 1999, CD, Nuclear Blast

I’d heard the name Hollow thrown around here and there in an almost hushed manner. I just knew this would be another cult thing I’d just eat up and I was right. Hollow is a band that sounds like your Tad Morose and Morgana Lefay, coutnrymen of theirs, though Hollow was actually around before Tad Morose adopted that sound anyway. So it’s just something in the water over there, I guess, that keeps them churning out this heavy, rhythmic, epic melodic metal.

Architect of the Mind is just a pulverizing listen full of chunky, badass riffs that don’t try too hard to sound retro or anything – it just rocks out with a big, fat guitar tone and a lot of propulsive, kinetic melody. It’s not too proggy or dense, but there is a cleverness to the arrangements, a snappiness and cohesion that really satisfies on repeat listens. It’s just the economical, no-bullshit way the songs are written, and how, even though there’s not a lot of variety on here, the songs end up distinguishing themselves and weaving into a whole that is enjoyable as fuck.

The vocals are probably the main sticking point. He’s got this high, Buddy Lackey-style whine that sometimes evokes a better Ozzy Osbourne. I think he’s got a lot of charisma and a great feel for hooky choruses, though he is a bit one note, really only having the ‘sing high and forceful’ approach for all of these songs. He’s good enough for it not to affect my enjoyment, though a singer with more dynamics might make this even better than it already is. But I understand this guy is the main driver of the band, so eh, I can’t fault him for wanting to do it his own way. And the DIY ethos makes this cooler, anyway.

The first few tracks are the most accessible, and “Cogito” is especially a first-rate fucking song, with one of the best choruses you’ll hear and a monster, groovy riff-set. “Rain” is excellent, too, a more sensitive song that lets the album breathe a bit. Later songs like “Deified” and “Shutdown” are denser and need some more time to sink in. The whole thing seems like it’s influenced by 80s greats like Queensryche and Crimson Glory. It doesn’t sound like them, but you can hear a similar exquisite sense of melody and care in how the songs are arranged, so it’s more in the songwriting ethos and spirit, which are more important to the overall substance of the work.

Architect of the Mind is a badass album of smart, no-nonsense power metal, so get this instead of whatever dreck Sabaton put out and get some class in your listening roster. These guys have a new one out this year, too, so that'll be fun to look out for.

An Unappreciated Gem - 92%

drewnm156, March 12th, 2006

Power metal of the mid 90’s to now is my least favorite metal genre by far. It was too often dominated by fruity bands like Rhapsody and Hammerfall rather than bands that emphasized the “power” in power metal. One exception to that trend was this rather unknown band from Sweden.

Architect of the Mind was the product of one man’s vision to create truly memorable heavy metal that was neither goofy nor lightweight. The album’s sound is dominated by a really heavy and up front guitar sound. It almost at times it seems even a bit too overdriven. But with songs this strong it’s never a distraction. Most songs are mid paced, yet never ponderous. “Shadow God” is by far the fastest song of the eleven. If you’re looking for a band to blow by you with generic riffing and silly keyboard runs, this probably isn’t your cup of tea.

Guitarist Andreas Stoltz is the man of the hour. Andreas handles lead vocals, lead guitar and all of the songwriting credits. He writes memorable guitar riffs that never sound recycled or generic. His vocals are in the high range, similar to the power metal style, but his melody choices are catchy and avoid the tired clichés of most bands in this style. He also never seems to scream just for the sake of screaming. Similar to Iron Maiden most often the most rich and emotional vocals are during the verses. Not to say the choruses are weak, this just isn’t music where you have to wait for the chorus for melodic payoff.

Some album highlights: The introduction of distorted guitars after the slow build up in “Rain” is exciting and peaks with the line “I am much more than you…” Next track “Shadow God” is my favorite of the album and opens with fast guitar melody and has the catchiest chorus on the album. The vocals during the chorus on closer “Father” are probably some of the best on this impressive album.

The first five tracks on this album are all exceptional and unique. There never seems to be a moment where ideas are forced or repetitious. All of the remaining songs offer something memorable and enjoyable.

One of the best secrets in metal this ranks as one of the best power metal albums since the early 90’s.