Lower Hollow, the local metalcore outfit from Johannesburg has been establishing their presence in the scene, but it certainly has been a bumpy ride to get to where they are now. Shortly after the release of their first album, Bloom & Expire in 2023, three of the founding members parted ways with the band. This could very easily have been the end for Lower Hollow, but the remaining members were committed to keeping the dream alive. After integrating new members into the band, filling in the void left by the departure of past members, Lower Hollow was absolutely committed and determined to put forth new material.
On July 19th this year (2024) the band released their latest studio album, Threnody: Songs of Fortitude – marking the first recording the band has done with their current lineup.
The album opens with an acoustic introduction, spacious and rich in atmosphere. It builds and flows wonderfully into the opening track, Eternal Divide – huge and powerful, it definitely sets a strong tone for the rest of the album. It’s immediately apparent that this album is of a high standard – with purposeful songwriting, tight instrumentation, and crisp recording; the result is a very immersive and enjoyable listening experience.
The album has a wonderful interplay of heavy driving sections, spacious acoustic interludes, and crushing breakdowns. I really love how natural the unfurling of the album feels – the development and direction the songs take are certainly rewarding and it is clear that much consideration with given to the interplay between instruments, each beautifully complimenting the next, purposefully contributing towards a specific feeling and experience.
The Process of Letting Go is a great example of how the atmosphere and feeling of the music translates and communicates a specific message and vision. The track starts out paced, yet heavy; giving the feeling of making progress, but with difficulty and effort, almost like unnecessary weight is being lugged along. It all culminates into a beautiful piano piece. These last couple of minutes closing the track is so light and almost comforting, it truly feels like a huge weight has been let go off and put to rest.
Leech is another song that stood out to me – sick breakdowns, tight pinch harmonics, and an outro that gives a solid nod to Kashmir by Led Zeppelin.
I could mention more songs and sections, but I think checking out the album for yourselves is the way to go. Lower Hollow definitely knows who they are and what they envision for their music; they have an identity that feels authentic and honest. Considering that this current lineup has only been together for a relatively short time, I’m very much looking forward to where their sound will go from here.
-Lunis Voidbright-