Album Review: Hollow Front – The Price of Dreaming

Hollow Front are a prime example of a band that isn’t necessarily “reinventing the wheel” but still producing top tier metalcore music. They never deviate far from the realm of the metalcore genre. There are plenty of breakdowns, sludgy riffs and catchy choruses found throughout the band’s 3rd full length record. This record, titled “The Price of Dreaming” showcases the band playing to their strengths while still showing plenty of evolution. The emotion, atmosphere and bands prowess at jumping between the heavy and melodic moments are what elevates this record beyond your average metalcore album.

Hollow Front – Wearing Thin [Official Music Video]

Hollow Front’s track Wearing Thin is available everywhere now: https://unfd.lnk.to/WearingThinPre-order the first pressing of Loose Threads on vinyl now: htt…

Genre: Metalcore

Label: UNFD

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Stream:  Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon

FLOW / LONGEVITY / ORIGINALITY

This album was able to immediately able to hook me in and keep my attention throughout its entirety. Album opener “In The Spotlight” sets the perfect stage on what to expect from the bands 3rd full length record. Balancing the crushing heaviness with melody and atmosphere is one of the bands biggest strengths and is showcased here. The rest of the album flows nicely and there is never a song that feels forced in or out of place. The album isn’t one that demands to be listened from front to back. Each song has is able to stand out on it’s own and there is never a point where the songs blend together. While on the surface this may seem like yet another cookie cutter metalcore album, the band’s attention to detail and creativity helps it stand out amongst all it’s peers.

VOCALS / INSTRUMENTATION

Probably the band’s biggest strength on the album are the vocals. Frontman Tyler Tate’s screams on the album are brutal, thundering and help contribute to some of the heaviest moments on the album. Singer/guitarist Dakota Alvarez crooning and infectious vocals are the perfect juxtaposition to the devilsh screams. Some of my favorite moments on the album are because of Alvarez’s catchy and buttery smooth choruses. I would even make the case some of the hooks/choruses could go toe to toe with just about any other band in the genre. Tate and Alvarez are the perfect pairing and are constantly proving this throughout the record.

While the vocals are probably my personal highlight of this record, that doesn’t mean that the band is lacking instrumentally. On top of singing, Alvarez produces fantastic punchy and djenty-esque riffs, sweeping leads and varied guitarwork throughout. Bassist Brandon Rummler throws down some seriously punishing bass lines throughout and his talent should not be undervalued. Drummer Devin Attard provides the backbone with his chaotic and mosh inducing drumming. Each band member proves to be an integral part of the well oiled machine that is Hollow Front.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall “The Price of Dreaming” is Hollow Front at their best. They prove that there is still plenty to love and enjoy within the metalcore genre. The band was able to evolve and improve their sound without abandoning their metalcore roots. This release is sure to please both longtime fans of the band while also expanding their fanbase. It is no surprise that this young band was able to land a roster spot on UNFD. Hollow Front have a promising future and are easily one band to watch. Do not be surprised to see them build upon their current momentum and become another one of the metalcore/alternative scene’s juggernauts. Hollow Front’s third studio album “The Price of Dreaming” comes out on 5/27 via UNFD and will be available wherever you stream music.