HOLLOW - MODERN CATHEDRAL - 1998

Power metal with a heavy-prog slant, along the lines of the best of Queensryche, Elegy, Conception, and so forth. Heavier than most other "progressive" category bands; Hollow walks the thin line between killer distortion and melodic ecstasy, and will get even heavier in the future. Extremely note and fast-chord based. Excellent songwriting, excellent musicianship.
The rhythmic and chord-driving "Can You Hear Me?" pulses from the start, and is followed by other heavy hitters such as "What I Can Be," "Wounds," and the faster "Speak to Me," with its powerful chorus.
"Crusaders" is a paced endeaver with a tremendous pickup at the end of the song, while "In Your Arms" is melodic, with a very Conception-ish, flowing chorus.
Other tracks which are definite highlights are the tempo changing "Lies," "Hold Your Banners High," and "Waiting."
What else can be said? European metal has pushed itself to the forefront of the late '90s music scene, as corporate America appears unwilling to give the most talented and able acts a chance---if not in signing, then in promotion, either. That's ok, though. Just hit "play" on the CD deck... the tunes will continue.