Now here is an interesting band. For reasons best known to myself, I believed that The Mariana Hollow hailed from the USA, but good news, they actually come from London, UK. The Mariana Hollow are a female fronted metal band that provide some excellent material. Having been a well known name on the live scene, The Mariana Hollow have spent some time in the studio building and creating their "Coma Heart" seven track album.

‘Come Undone’ is their first single off "Coma Heart" and it combines some great guitar work which focuses on providing a strong delivery, and it does not disappoint. Instead of irrational supersonic riffs, The Mariana Hollow have kept a relatively simple arrangement which allows each member to shine where appropriate. The vocals are not as defined as other female fronted bands, leaving me to enjoy this sound far more and not finding myself constantly drawing comparisons. A sweet little solo mid song explores the choral melodies and transforms it into a well crafted and polished creation.

Title track ‘Coma Heart’ builds from basic roots, using minimalist instrumental approaches. This builds to include a number of complex sections, however The Mariana Hollow deliver with a certain class. This allows me to recognise the band as real contenders for big success, with well crafted songs that let the listener explore both the lyrical and musical content without being impeded by gimmicks or effects. 'Coma Heart' lasts close to six minutes and the final two minutes really give the band a chance to let loose, showing their musicianship as they dive in and out of tempo and tonal changes whilst still maintaining a confidently produced performance.


‘Paperplane’ has the makings of a great rock ballad. The vocals are drawn upon throughout to create mood and atmosphere, whilst the guitar work strikes a calming composure as they build rhythms cleanly using carefully chosen bluesy scales. Halfway through the guitars enter a heavy section and the drums gather momentum as ‘Paperplane’ ignites into overdrive. Where occasionally I feel the song is lacking for not having any of those cliché metal elements, I find myself being reminded that I’m listening to a band that for the first time surprise me for not taking each track into overkill with pinch harmonics and monster double-pedal blasting in every song. This is a very mature and brave approach, one which I give the band every credit for.

The Mariana Hollow are a diamond in the rough so go and check them out.