Search - Hollenthon :: Opus Magnum

Symphonic Black Prog Metal at its finest

Pauly Paranthropus | Phoenix, AZ | 01/22/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Hollenthon



The CD cover to Hollenthon's "Magnum Opus" depicts a creature with hundreds of arms reaching towards the sky. It's an appropriate image to convey the over-the-top complexity that forms Hollenthon's multi-faceted sound. I was already a fan of Hollenthon's two previous albums "Domus Mundi" and "With Vilest Of Worms To Dwell" so they had a lot to live up to with "Opus Magnum". I have an open mind to be sure but I was still wary of Hollenthon's new tour de force being able to live up to my lofty expectations after being a fan of their thunderous predecessors. Well, Hollenthon have won me over and will likely ensnare many of you extreme metal with the eight remarkable compositions on "Opus Magnum".



Hollenthon arises from the ranks of twisted death metallers Pungent Stench and is led by multi-instrumentalist Martin Shirenc. With their first album "Domus Mundi", Hollenthon set a precedent for bombastic, multidimensional metal with their complex blend of classical, Middle Eastern, black metal, death metal and power metal influences. At the time, it was a unique concoction. "With Vilest Of Worms To Dwell" followed in 2001 and continued Hollenthon's creative streak and still managed show up the competition with its multi-pronged assault. And finally, we have "Opus Magnum", a not so modest title for a grandiloquent album that's another striking foray into the symphonic, multi-metallic universe and a worthy successor to the Hollenthon canon.

Shirenc and crew have unleashed an album that's saturated with intelligence and intricacy. Hollenthon have a way of making their symphonic neo-classical sound accessibility without sacrificing their intelligence. You can still love traditional metal and really enjoy the pomp that Hollenthon create.



While many ostentatious metal bands rely on sometimes-overlong songs and albums that squeeze into a 79 minute CD, Hollenthon keep their musical attacks around the five minute mark with only one song just passing eight minutes. Since I'm a progressive rock fan, I was hoping that there would be more lengthy epics to fill my hungry soul but Hollenthon have opted for a leaner approach. The songs alternate between bludgeoning riffs and softer interludes and for every moment of brutality and heaviness, there are plenty of melodic moments to complement the mix. There are also plenty of choral elements that sound as if a real chorus of both men and women was hired. Add to this Shirenc's wife adding beautiful vocal passages and you have an approximation of a true symphonic metal band. Shirenc's lead rasps also lend a certain malevolence to the whole sordid affair here. Production and song-wise, "Opus Magnum" scores major points.



Hollenthon would have us believe that they're a symphonic black metal band and that what they're selling is worth our limited attention spans and cash. "Opus Magnum" may well be a worthy purchase with its bombast and epic scope that's nearly on par with fellow pompous metallers like Dimmu Borgir and Therion. In fact, Hollenthon surpassed my expectations. In a world where trailblazers like Dimmu Borgir, Emperor and Cradle of Filth have led the symphonic black metal revolution and wowed many of us fans, Hollenthon has formed a minor classic with "Opus Magnum" and have succeeded in creating a unique and worthy addition to the hallowed halls of the extreme metal world.



"

Some of the best Symphonic Death Metal put to record

Y. Jossa | NJ | 11/24/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Hollenthon are a project Symphonic Death Metal band from Austria, featuring members of other Austrian extreme metal bands such as Pungent Stench and Belphegor.



For those who are not familiar with this sub-genre of Death Metal.. the music basically features your typical metal quartet of death / black metal vocals, guitars, bass and drums accompanied by interludes of what appears to be a full classical symphonic orchestra and classical choirs.



The fact that Hollenthon are a germanic metal band explains the fact that Opus Magnum is heavily influenced by composers such as Richard Wagner and his melodramatic Operas, and Carl Orff's choral music, which have influenced pretty much *every* single cheesy hollywood soundtrack featuring choirs..



This album features some of the best combination of classical wagnerian music and death metal put to record.

The music is always full of interesting twists and turns, with a heavy melodramatic symphonic bent and occasional female vocals.



Despite the symphonic accompaniment, the songs are always heavy and don't stray too far into melodic territory, like some of the female fronted symphonic metal bands from Scandinavia.



A very interesting and original album that is worth a listen."