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The beginnings of HOLLENTHON date back to 1994, a time of an active
Austrian Black Metal Syndicate
and an incognito project known as VUZEM. At the urging of A.B.M.S.
members, vocalist, guitarist, and
composer Martin Schirenc anonymously included two VUZEM tracks
(“Invocation” and “Von Denen Vampyren”) on the self-produced
compilation Norici Obscura Pars. Following favorable reviews and
multiple requests, Schirenc decided to release a full-length
recording of VUZEM's music. Other commitments, however, delayed the
realization of this endeavor until late 1998, when unfinished
material was brought to the attention of Napalm Records. Shortly
thereafter, VUZEM signed to the label, releasing the critically
acclaimed debut Domus Mundi in 1999 under the HOLLENTHON banner. In
June 2001, HOLLENTHON released With Vilest of Worms to Dwell. Not
unlike its predecessor, it boasts of a superb soundtrack-like
production, as well as a fierce and wicked atmosphere created by a
perfect symbiosis of heavy guitars, symphonic interludes, thrilling
choirs, and bewitching melodies. Not long after the release of the
album, HOLLENTHON embarked on a European tour with EISREGEN and
SIEBENBÜRGEN. The line-up that since the days of Domus Mundi already
included drummer Mike Gröger was completed by bassist Mario Klausner
and guitarist Werner Freinbichler. This line-up also went on to
perform at various festivals including Wacken Open Air, Summer
Breeze, and Brutal Assault, to name but a few. Although enjoying
much success with HOLLENTHON, Schirenc turned his attention to the
newly reformed PUNGENT STENCH and while he continued to write new
material, it would be some time before HOLLENTHON released a
follow-up.
In early 2008, Opus Magnum was finally complete. Darker than ever
before and heavier than its predecessor, the album combined the
passion found in classical music with exotic, ethnic melodies, and
the brutal energy of metal. Like no other, HOLLENTHON had again
succeeded in effortlessly creating a perfect symbiosis of these
diverse styles, thus capturing the listener with the sound of the
very first note and refusing to ever let go. Following the split of
PUNGENT STENCH, Schirenc took the opportunity to choose a permanent
line-up for HOLLENTHON, recruiting Gregor Marboe, who had also
delivered “pungent” bass lines since 2006, and guitarist Martin
Arzberger. Mastermind Martin Schirenc has kept his promise to not
make his loyal fanbase wait yet another 7 years for new Hollenthon
material. This sonorous extreme dark metal apocalypse proceeds to
the next round with "Tyrants and Wraiths". The MCD comprises 4
brand-new exclusive tracks in Hollenthon's unique style, which once
again makes use of the rampant energy and brutality of metal,
combining them with atmospheric melody lines to create a homogenous
end result. The Austrian cult band delivers an uncompromising
symbiosis of heaviness and melody. As a special bonus, the MCD also
includes two live videos taken from the band's 2008 performance at
Belgium's Graspop Metal Meeting. "Tyrants and Wraiths" is an
exclusive package sure to once again catapult music lovers
everywhere into the eerie and fascinating world of Hollenthon!
Napalm Records Releases:
Domus Mundi (1999)
With Vilest of Worms to Dwell (2001)
Opus Magnum (2008)
Tyrants and Wraiths (2009)
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(not
available)
