Six Month ago I went to see a concert here in Israel with two Local bands and an Italian band named HOLLOW HAZE. I have to admit that until that night I haven't heard of them. The band's first couple of notes blew me away! The singer was incredible, the guitar player played solos with millions of notes, the keyboardist added an incredible atmosphere and the rhythm section was tight as hell.

The minute I got home I knew I have got to listen to these guys records and that's what I did. "Poison In Black", the latest album from the Italians is a masterpiece. Heavy, groovy, full with the power of Metal straight from the joints. The band plays Heavy Metal with a lot of modern touches and another special tap that makes them in my opinion very unique. Although they sound like typical old school Heavy Metal act in most of the sections, they still have that special touch that unifies them into something bigger.

"Tears Of Pain" is the perfect example. The song starts with a JUDAS PRIEST vibe while Alex "Ramon" Sonato sounds like the steely old Rob Halford (and maybe even more melodic and easy to listening) right afterwards the chorus barges in and the song develops into a new entity. "Never Turn Back" is also a great song, filled with modern riffs al'a Zakk Wylde / BLACK LABEL SOCIETY but with an amazing Heavy Metal vibe and a ¾ groove. And again, Sonato is with no end, plain amazing. He's truly one of the greatest singers I've ever heard with an unbelievable range and pipes of steel.

Even the cover of "Headless cross", taken from the Tony Martin era of BLACK SABBATH is special. The song is played in a way that from my end sounds even better than the original. Production wise, the album sounds awesome. Nick Savio did an amazing work both as producer and as a guitar player. In conclusion, if you love music, you'll love HOLLOW HAZE, a must have in every house.