The Hollow Earth Theory - Rise of Agartha [CD]

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August 10, 2008, 04:22 PM

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Upon receiving an album with a name like ‘Rise of Agartha’ that was recorded in the metal-drenched country of Sweden, it is pretty self explanatory what I was expecting to hear; gut wrenching and screechy vocals, machine gun drums and guitars that sound like a hummingbird rigged up to a distortion pedal (a fantastic image, I know.)

Unfortunately however, I must confess that prior to hearing this record, I was not as clued up on the the UK’s very own The Hollow Earth Theory as I perhaps should have been. With a jam packed calendar that is full of impressive gigs over the next few months and a considerable fan base under their belt, this band deserves respect, whatever your opinion of their music. Upon the first listen to this CD, which was ironically on a previously tranquil Sunday afternoon drive, I was not expecting the hard hitting and menacing sounds of the records first ‘real’ track. Launching from a simple and melodic passage of music into an abyss of what can only be described as a ‘full on assault of the ears’ that coaxes a slight grin out of the lisitener, this band is impressive.

Somehow, they seem to be able to showcase and summarise a history of metal from the last 20 years or so within one twelve track album. From undeniably Iron Maiden-esque vocals and guitar lines in parts similar to the hilarious sounding Papa Roach white-boy rap in ‘Steps of Soloman’, ‘Rise of Agartha’ actually does have something for every metal lover. To compare the band’s overall sound to any other act can be tricky, and risks offending, but seeing as we have probably already crossed that line with the Papa Roach reference, why not have a go. Personally, the band that this release instantly reminds me of the most is It Dies Today. That however is not an insult, as upon first hearing that band too they sounded completely different to what I was expecting and caught me off guard with their savage beatdowns and powerful choruses.

However, let us make it clear that this band are far from a rip off of It Dies Today; as all of their influences that can often be heard and recognised on this album mixed in with furious drums and music more hard hitting than the credit crunch, are what ironically makes The Hollow Earth Theory unique.

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