Demo Title: Natio
Band Members: Baron Landru Von Merrick - vocals; Colvin - guitar; Ava Valoria - bass; Nilock Lang - Drums
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada
Rating: 3 Skulls
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Band Name: The Hollow
Demo Title: Natio Band Members: Baron Landru Von Merrick - vocals; Colvin - guitar; Ava Valoria - bass; Nilock Lang - Drums Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Rating: 3 Skulls
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Goatwhore's Review:
I'd rather not listen to a demo and instantly know that it's a demo, but hey, I suppose the format exists for a band's clear purpose of developing and refining its sound and for seeking external feedback. The Hollow, though a "demo" band, are a bunch of upstarts who are worth taking note of.Their sound lies in that enjoyable space in between metal and hard rock, one that is often logged under the broadly defined heavy music category. Natio is a release that has mass appeal that can very easily tap into various markets as distinct as hardcore, metal, hard rock, alternative-rock and even nu-metal.
Unfortunately, the vocalist sounds far too much like Maynard of Tool and A Perfect Circle, but, as the case often is, the student isn't as proficient as the master, and this is evident in vocalist Baron Landru Von Merrick's comparatively limited vocal range. Yet the vocals do provide an undeniable charm and sense of passion that permeates Natio.
In spite of the heavy music categorization, these guys have an obvious affinity for metal, and it's quite obvious that they were raised on the metal gods of yesteryear. Yet, unlike the band's website indicates, this is NOT a prog-metal band by any stretch of the imagination.
The musicianship is solid, well showcased, and appropriately flexed as needed to accommodate the development of the songs. Of special note, drummer Nilock Lang is modest yet undeniably adept at his craft.
The band unfortunately doesn't capitalize enough on its ability to pen catchy hooks. When it does so, the results are powerful and memorable. I'll be humming the verse for "Sorrow" for weeks!
Collectively, these guys have done well to differentiate the, count them, 17 songs on hand, all the while obtaining a relatively unique sound and style from which to launch future material of quality . . . hopefully. They have a good style, but it is in demo phase and they're going to need to hone it and trim their (limited) fat where necessary. And for a band that works off of a clear hard-rock/metal base with smooth, clean vocals, a beefed up, more clear and professional production job would truly do the band justice.
We'll just have to wait and see if they've progressed on their second release, Vita, which was just released through Swarm Theory Music this May. And to reiterate: Baron, Maynard is a great singer, but please do your best to carve your own niche so that you'll become a name worth measuring others against.
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