Hollenthon - Tyrants and Wraiths EP (2009)

After the excellent Domvs Mvndi and the monumental With Vilest Worms to Dwell, Hollenthon had blown the ailing Therion out of the water and established itself as the new standard for dark, symphonic metal. While it was no jumping of the proverbial shark, year's Opus Magnum took a few spins to get into, and even then did not live up to the greatness of its predecessors. As if in response, Martin Shirenc and his stalwarts have released a 4-track EP with some great new tracks.

Phantom crows brave the skies
Fallen squires branding the cross
In the wake of rebellion Lucifer's morning star
By the light of the ages the damage is done
Burying the laughter the bright light of darkness is undone

None of the material on Tyrants and Wraiths is as memorable as an "Y Draig Goch", but certainly a small step beyond what was accomplished on Opus Magnum. The production is as bold and bombastic as ever, and most of the tracks are straightforward black/death metal with slight embellishes of symphonic grace and chorals: "Tyrants and Wraiths" is heavy and effective, but not as strident and immediate as "Innocent Sin" or the mystical "Deathly Dirges". Closing track "Of Hollow Men" is the longest track and boasts some excellent choir work, dark and thriving like a ritual about to fall at the next eclipse, a sacrifice.

With luck, this is a teaser for what's to come when Shirenc drops his next full-length album. It's only 4 tracks and 20 minutes, but individually these were more exciting than most of the tracks on the last album. The EP also features two live videos from the 2008 Graspop Metal Meeting in Belgium.

Verdict: Win [8/10] (fractured tombs and catacombs of woe)

http://www.hollenthon.com/

Hollenthon - Opus Magnum (2008)

It would be practically impossible to top's Hollenthon's masterful With Vilest of Worms to Dwell, thus the title to this third album is misleading. This is not With Vilest of Worms to Dwell. That said, it's still an excellent record which should appeal to the fans of the dark side of symphonic metal, ala Therion (or perhaps the latest album from Sigh). Why this band was shelved for Martin to return to his less impressive main band Pungent Stench is beyond me, but here it is alas, and I am not complaining.

"Ars Moriendi" begins with the symphonic elements and sweeping gothic chorus which recall the first album Domvs Mvndi or mid to late period Therion. "Of Splendid Worlds" leads off with a slow and glorious riff, accented by slight orchestral touches which almost feel playful. It then leads into choral parts with a little more female influence. "Once We Were Kings" is mighty with its 'hwah hwah' and very simple, groovy metal structure. "To Fabled Lands" is one of my clear favorites with its epic, fantasy feel and haunting female wails. "Dying Embers" has a slightly arabesque twang to it. "Misterium Babel" is both epic and operatic amidst its climbing and descending riffs. "On the Wings of a Dove" starts softly with a folkish bliss and then a return to the very Therion sounding choral metal. "Son of Perdition" features more haunting female vocals and is another of my favorites on the album (Martin's wife Elena provides many of the female vocals on the album).

Opus Magnum is another winner for Hollenthon, but it's not quite perfect. There is no "Y Draig Goch" here or "Fire Upon the Blade", it's simply not as amazing as their first two albums were. But in this very narrow field of darker symphonic black/death metal, they are still at the top of the chain.

Verdict: Win [8/10] (may fiery hope deliver us)

http://www.hollenthon.com/