Hollow Peak walks into their debut full length
with a fresh contract and plenty of early attention. Formed in Norway by
vocalist Ragnhild Westgaard and drummer Marius Karlsen, the band expanded quickly, shaped
a melodic metal sound, and self released an EP in 2023. Now under Massacre Records, the band presents “Obsidian
Cult”, produced by Westgaard and Karlsen and mixed and mastered by Corey Bergeron. The album circles around themes of
isolation in the modern world and the struggle for inner direction, a concept
they treat as a continuous narrative rather than a parade of singles.
The band
clearly aims for a darker and heavier tone compared to their earlier work. The
songs are packed with atmosphere and melody, although the overall presentation
often settles into predictable patterns. The emotional touches are present, yet
the material rarely grows beyond its initial idea, which gives the album a
repeating character. There is a sense that Hollow
Peak reaches for something grand, although the music tends to stay on
familiar ground and never really rises above it.
As a debut,
the album shows a band that has the technical skill and the determination to
present a dark melodic style, although the overall experience does not fully
rise to the ambition behind the concept. “Obsidian Cult” gives a glimpse of
potential, although Hollow Peak will need
sharper songwriting and a stronger sense of individuality to truly break
through. For now, this debut stands as a moderate introduction and nothing
more.
Score: 5.0
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