Hollow Stare’s debut album, Diary of a Madman, is a powerful statement in progressive metal and deathcore, showcasing the band’s evolution into a force to be reckoned with. After the success of their single "Sleep," the duo has returned with a full-length release that pushes the boundaries of their genre, blending brutal heaviness with intricately composed melodic elements. The album takes listeners on a journey through intense emotional landscapes, featuring moments of searing aggression alongside sweeping orchestral interludes that reveal the band's deep musical vision.
A standout track, "I'm Barely Alive," encapsulates the album’s rich emotional and sonic range. What begins with a haunting orchestral intro composed by Daniel Friedman-Posner quickly unfolds into a crushing, cinematic masterpiece. Featuring the powerful combination of the .strandberg Boden 8 Prog guitar and the Dingwall NG3 bass, the track brings both technical prowess and visceral emotion, further heightened by the full-range orchestra recorded by the London BBC Symphony. The song's sweeping cinematic scope, paired with Ben Fleming’s raw and emotive vocals, conveys a profound sense of heartbreak and anguish, making it a defining moment on the record.
Formed in 2023, Hollow Stare is the brainchild of producer and multi-instrumentalist Daniel Friedman-Posner and vocalist/drummer Ben Fleming. Their chemistry, built over years of collaboration, shines through in, Diary of a Madman. Drawing inspiration from bands like Periphery, Nine Inch Nails, and Lorna Shore, the duo melds progressive metal complexity with the sheer brutality of deathcore. Their previous single "Sleep" laid the groundwork for their rise, earning chart placements and playlist features that hinted at the massive potential they now fulfill with this album.
With, Diary of a Madman, Hollow Stare has not only discovered their unique sound but also solidified their place in the metal scene. The album’s blend of brutal riffs, intricate melodies, and cinematic grandeur positions them as a band on the rise, capable of making a significant impact on the genre. As Daniel says about "I'm Barely Alive," this track represents the sound they’ve always envisioned—and it’s clear that Hollow Stare has arrived with a bold, undeniable presence.
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