Reviewed by Kostya Aronberg
Artist: Hollow Haze
Album: POISON IN BLACK (2012)
Record Label: Bakerteam Records
Tracklist:
1. Rise Above (intro)
2. Tears Of Pain
3. Never Turn Back
4. Haunting The Sinner
5. Lords Of World
6. Hit In Time
7. Chained
8. Pray For You
9. Remorse
10. Voodoo Rites
11. Snowblind
12. Headless Cross
http://www.hollowhaze.com
When I first heard about Hollow Haze it was 2011. My friend Alexey from the power metal band Desert said that their new album was produced by Nick Savio from Hollow Haze, whose name I had heard of before. I remembered that it was from his old band – WHITE SKULL. So, time passed and I got my hands on the band third album END OF A DARK ERA and then suddenly in 2012, Hollow Haze came to Israel where I lived and played 2 amazing gigs with Desert and Metal Scent. I remembered that Alex (Vocals) came to me and gave me a perfect gift – the bands new album POISON IN BLACK. So, when I was asked by Metal Shock Finland magazine, if I would like to review these guys, I agreed.
With a great Intro, the band starts the album with the song “Tears Of Pain” which is a great beginning for a great album from a great band. I must say that in this song Alex’s voice really reminds me of the legendary Tim Ripper Owens. He is not only a great vocalist but also a great guy. Nick’s guitars, Dave’s bass and of course Camillo’s drum solos were amazing.
Immediately after this great opening came the song “Never Turn Back” which is my favorite on the album. It has great lyrics, guitar solos, drums, keyboards and rhythm. I flew to the sky with it! “Haunting The Sinner” demonstrates more great sides of the band and this is one of the best bands I have heard in a long time. Not only of bands I’ve just reviewed, but the best band ever from Italy. Alex sometimes sounds in this album like Rob Halford and sometimes like Tim Ripper – the perfect fusion.
Songs such as “Lords Of World” and “Chained” has many great keyboards solos and of course great music and lyrics.
Another very interesting part of the album is the famous Black Sabbath song “Headless Cross”. Alex execited the vocals perfectly and indeed Nick and Dave were amazing! It sounds even better then the old version! I think that if Tony Iommi wanted to get Black Sabbath back to the Tony Martin era he could take Alex. He would not regret it!
The perfect album, perfect sound, perfect vocalist, perfect lyrics… everything is perfect!
I can name this album “The best metal album from Italy in 2012”! I think you really should buy this album (yes, yes BUY and not download it). It is one TRUE masterpiece.