Countdown To Revenge may not be Italian group Hollow Haze's debut as they do have four previous albums, though Countdown To Revenge is the first Hollow Haze release with lead vocalist Fabio Lione (Rhapsody Of Fire, Vision Divine) who joined the band early this year.
Fabio is an enticing vocalist to have in any group and he proves again how adaptable he is this time on Countdown To Revenge with Hollow Haze. Though Fabio isn't the only alluring addition to perform on Countdown To Revenge as Simone Giorgini (Antarktica and The Wintermoon Orchestra) looks after keyboards and orchestration that blend so well with Hollow Haze's metal stylings. Another noteworthy item is that the mix was in great hands being handled by master producer Sascha Paeth whose name has appeared on so many fantastic sounding metal releases. Completing the line-up is Nick Savio on guitars who formed Hollow Haze in 2002, Dave Cestaro on bass guitar and drummer Camillo Colleluori all contributing effectively to the group's powerful melodic infused metal. Like the band's sound came out of a heavy metal blender combining different styles Including a good deal of power metal.
Hollow Haze have the line-up and producer boxes ticked for Countdown To Revenge but what are their songs like? I do have to admit at first I didn't give this one ample attention, and then when I started to get serious I was so impressed that any initial impressions and resulting reservations were soon replaced with a much more favourable ones. The cover art has quite the futuristic look and the sounds of the brief "Room 212" certainly tie in with that as the does the tail end of the album with "The Gate to Nowhere ...". "Watching in Silence" changes to a dramatic orchestral introduction that leads into a vibrant metal performance before Fabio appears sounding as potent as he does in Rhapsody Of Fire if not more which is totally suited to the music, and the chorus sounds fantastic. With no time for a breather as "Still Alive" thunders along with Hollow Haze's mighty metal blend and this album sure is full of that from the fast times to the mid tempo and mighty sound of "The Answer".
Hollow Haze have recorded a stimulating heavy metal album that you soon become immersed in, so if you are seeking something new then Countdown To Revenge could be just what is needed.
Track Listing
1. Room 212
2. Watching in Silence
3. Still Alive
4. No Rest for the Angels
5. Life Has No Meaning
6. We Must Believe
7. The Answer
8. Il Tempo del Fuoco
9. A Fading Angel's Life
10. Countdown to Revenge
11. The Gate to Nowhere ...
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