Entry 580 - Hollenthon - With Vilest of Worms to Dwell

Style: Symphonic death metal

Primary Emotions/Themes: Power, mythology

Thoughts: To say that I was shocked that the Hollenthon albums were getting a vinyl pressing was a bit of an understatement. I've had the CD's for the band since they first came out and never thought they would see a release on wax. I mean it's been over 20 years since Vilest of Worms was released and now all the sudden here we are. What a time to be alive.

Hollenthon play a rather novel form of symphonic death metal. Sure there are plenty of bands out there that integrate orchestral pieces into their music, but Hollenthon takes it a step further on With Vilest of Worms to Dwell.

Where most bands will have a death metal riff underneath a ton of orchestrations, Hollenthon integrates the guitars as another instrument in the symphony. Sometimes they take the lead, other times they play a supporting role, but the interplay between the two elements is consistent and excellent. 

One of the better examples of this is the third song on the album: Lords of Bedlam. The song starts out with a very Vivaldi inspired violin melody. During this section the guitars play an accompanying riff that acts almost as if a cello or double bass would to compliment the main melody. The interplay is so simple, yet executed so brilliantly that it always demands my attention when it comes on. 

Make no mistake though, the driving force here is the guitars. No matter what is going on, the guitars are present. Be it a triumphant horn call or a string driven melody, it doesn't matter - the guitars are there. 

With Vilest of Worms to Dwell has many facets to it. While none of the tracks truly go into brutal death metal territory, songs like Fire Upon the Blade show the band exploring a more aggressive sound. The Calm Before the Storm shows the band playing almost a renaissance inspired sound with the melodies and timings used. Each song has its own take on the Hollenthon sound, but they obviously belong together. Each being a single part of a greater whole.

I've had this long lasting feeling that I want to replicate much if not all of my CD collection that I had when I was younger - just this time on vinyl. I'll probably never fully get there but with the inclusion of With Vilest of Worms to Dwell that dream is one step closer. 

Written October 13th 2023