Hollow Haze formed in 2003 by Nick Savio with the idea to put together a new original Hard & Heavy sound that takes from the best of old school metal and pushes it into your face at brain melting velocity. In 2006 the band released a self titled album with My Graveyard Productions and by 2008 they had signed with Crash & Burn records, the second album The Hanged Man got a great response from the media and deservedly too! In 2011 a new album End of a dark Era was also held in high regards whilst under new management. In February of 2013 Fabio Lione joined the band as the new singer. At the same time Hollow Haze announced the collaboration with Nightbreeder and the Wintermoon Orchestra for their new album Countdown to Revenge. In 2014 the band parted ways with singer Fabio Lione, and shortly after announced that Mats Leven (Yngwie Malmsteen, Therion, Candlemass), Rick Altzi (Masterplan, At Vance), Amanda Somerville (Avantasia, Epica, Kamelot, Edguy, After Forever), Ivan Giannini (Derdian) and Claudia Layline (Serenade) took part in the recording sessions as very special guest singers.
The album Memories of an Ancient Time was recorded at at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland. Mastered by mastered by Mika Jussila (Nightwish, Apocalyptica, Children Of Bodom) and mixed by Nick Savio at Remaster Studio. It is a great to hear influences from past and modern heavy metal mixed into something special and with a host of guest singers including; Mats Leven, Ivan Giannini, Amanda Somerville, Claudua Layline and Rick Altzi.
“‘Memories Of An Ancient Time’ offers a wide range of musical landscapes, mixing heavy guitar riffs and pounding rhythms with inspiring and emotional lead vocals and choruses.” – Hollow Haze
‘Created to Live’ gives a interesting twist on life with a faced paced beat and killer riffs that resemble an almost viking metal track. ‘Night is calling’ is the most atmospheric track on the album and delivers at every hook. ‘Lance of Destiny’ sounds like a collaboration of Iron Maiden and Metalica enjoying some time in Arabia, I can imaging hearing this during the old 1939 film Gunga Din. The track ‘Demon’ is reminiscence of Megadeath and would fit perfectly in a horror movie. It mixes a hard riff with very melodic and catchy vocals. Closing the album is a 6min track by the name of ‘Gate To The Eternity’ that starts off with epic drums and then enters the acoustics and soon a finger tapping-ly fantastic riff! Memories should not be underestimated.
All in all – Hollow Haze, Memories of an Ancient Time left me feeling like there is definitely not a lack of old school metal bands instead, a gap for new-old school metal bands that can bring something new, yet, done before and leave you wanting more!
