Search - Hollenthon :: Domus Mundi

A must have.

Mr. Sean A. Mccabe | Wuxi, China | 11/01/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chances are you probably haven't heard or heard of this album, but even if you haven't, buy it right now. Featuring an ex member of Pungent Stench, Hollenthon are at heart a death metal band, but combine so many other musical influences, such as classical, middle eastern, tribal and Irish folk, that it is, in my opinion, miles ahead of any other death metal releases in the past few years. This isn't some whimpy atmospheric keyboard driven death metal, this is heavy and hard death metal, but with these other elements entwined in the music. The production is perfect, with crunchy guitars, hard drums and the outside elements don't drown out the death metal elements, they simply compliment them perfectly. BUY, BUY, BUY, you'll be glad you did."

Very Diverse Epic Metal Mastery

Azrael | Lake Forest, CA USA | 10/29/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hollenthon is the one-man project by Martin Schirenc, known for his contribution in Pungent Stench. The music presented in "Domus Mundi" is very likely to be UNlike anything you've ever heard. (Although some bands like Therion and Tristania are remotely similar.) This album combines great death metal with all kinds of other influences ranging from Egyptian/Middle Eastern chord structures and scales to Irish Folk themes and lyrics. Brass and woodwind instruments abound, and backup operatic vocals are also not lost here. Also included is a variety of samples, too, some of which are lines from Tim Curry's character "Darkness" out of the Ridley Scott fantasy flick "Legend". A very nice touch. The production is top notch, the musicianship is fantastic, and the variety of soundscapes is unbeatable. It is true that this disc doesn't have the focus of Hollenthon's second release "With Vilest Worms To Dwell", but the variety of approaches present in "Domus Mundi" more than makes up for any specific lack of direction. If you enjoy listening to epic metal that makes use of all kinds of instrumentation from different styles/influences without forgetting its death metal roots, check out this album right away. You won't be disappointed. Absolutely a 5 out of 5 star effort."