Hollow

Hollow is a Swedish progressive power metal entity primarily driven by the creative vision of Andreas Stoltz. Emerging from Umeå in the mid-1990s, the band initially operated as a quartet, releasing two seminal albums under Nuclear Blast: 'Modern Cathedral' (1997) and 'Architect of the Mind' (1999).

Their sound is deeply rooted in the tradition of high-concept, vocally-driven progressive metal, drawing significant influence from the theatricality of Crimson Glory and the technical precision of Queensrÿche. A pivotal moment occurred in 1999 when Stoltz suffered severe hearing damage during a tour, leading to the band's dissolution. However, Hollow was later resurrected as a solo project, allowing Stoltz to continue exploring dark, narrative themes on albums like 'Between Eternities of Darkness' (2018). Critically, Hollow is respected for avoiding the 'cheesy' tropes of power metal, instead favoring existential lyrical themes and a somber, atmospheric approach to songwriting that aligns them with the more serious side of the progressive metal spectrum.