With Vilest of Worms to Dwell

Hollenthon | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 31, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Napalm
• ASIN: B00005M0DX
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #644,659 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Epic Metal, October 29, 2002

By 

Azrael (Lake Forest, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: With Vilest of Worms to Dwell (Audio CD)

This is some of the best and most creative stuff I've heard in the epic metal scene for a while. A lot of people are comparing the sound of Hollenthon to Tristania and Therion, but I don't think those comparisons are quite accurate. While similarities between the sounds can't be mistaken, there are certain ethnic qualities and stylistic nuances in Hollenthon that simply aren't present in any of the above mentioned bands. This is not to say that Hollenthon is better than Tristania or Therion, simply that it's different and more unique than what it's getting credit for. Much of Hollenthon's sounds encompasses fantasy themes (especially on this disc), but takes multiple approaches to performing the music. It is definitely true that Hollenthon's first disc, "Domus Mundi", had much more variety (considering it included anything from Egyptian & Middle Eastern chord structures to Irish Folk music), but the more focused emphasis here on simply an epic sound is very appealing.

For those unaware, Hollenthon is the sole project of Martin Schirenc, especially known for his contribution in the band Pungent Stench. His wife provides the female vocals, and he includes a few other individuals to help out occasionally with percussion and other instruments. If you're very much into big, expansive soundscapes and epic metal featuring anything from backing operatic vocals and string instruments to death metal growls, crunching guitars and pummeling drums then I would say you should DEFINITELY check out Hollenthon.

Stand out tracks for me are "Y Draig Goch", "Woe To The Defeated", and "Fire Upon The Blade".

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BIG ... epic ..Insanely awesome..DEATH TO FALSE METAL!, June 7, 2005

By 

N. anderson "Hellhammer" (Parker, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: With Vilest of Worms to Dwell (Audio CD)

This is a big album. Not the length but the through the roof compositions. I might go as far as to say it is as epic as Luca Turilli..Prophet of the last eclipse, my favorite album. Hollenthon comes close. Martin Schirenc is the mastermind behind the guitar,keyboard,bass,and vocals(shared with his wife who also wrote the lyrics).Mike Groeger did the drums and percussion. Y Draig Goch(translates in welch to the red dragon)and Fire Upon the Blade are immediate standout tracks. Anyway,do yourself a favor and do not let your brain turn to mush listening to mainstream,money making,non-artistic shizzle. Purchase this album and sleep easier knowing you are now full of hardcore awesomeness.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wicked!, January 29, 2005

By 

Vinod Bhat "Opiated" (Sunnyvale, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: With Vilest of Worms to Dwell (Audio CD)

With Vilest of Worms to Dwell is one of the best albums I've ever heard. Hollenthon's first outing showed promise and this one delivers. How does this album sound? Think of Dark Tranquility melodies, think of Dimmu Borgir's orchestration, add a touch of Therion and package it all in rich and complex instrumentation.

The first track Y draig goch sets the mood with a furious guitar riff joined by a host of instruments like violins and trumpets. This is one of those albums where you can spot something new on every listen simply because there are layers and layers of instrumentation. There are a few weak moments like the folk singing on the start of the second track Woe to the Defeated and even those weak moments are not too bad. The vocals are normally growls with the occasional clean choruses and it goes very well with the music. I personally find Conspirator with its epic choirs at the end, to be the standout track .

For those who like lyrics to make sense, this album offers that as well. Lyricist Elena (Martin Shirenc's wife) has written a fantasy story. The title for this album is probably inspired from Shakespeare's sonnet 71 where the character shows his fear of death and having to dwell with the vilest of worms after death.

The CD booklet is excellent as well with some really interesting artwork. You really cannot ask for more value for money.