So it's all began in 1989, SLEEPY HOLLOW was formed in New Jersey by Dan Castiel and Joe Dell. After a short jam they decided they should put a band together and release their musical potential out to the air. Frank Melick came to the band and after a short audition he got the drummer role. Soon after Matt Schwartz entered the band and amazed them by his guitar versatile playing thanks to his wide musical background. The band started to perform and soon they were asked to take a part in several Metal concerts. After several changes in the original line up, and after a self-titled debut, the band release their new album "Skull 13".

The first thing that I noticed from listening is the unique voice of Bob Mitchell that reminded me an extreme version of such roughness as Udo and Halford in the higher notes that contributed a lot to the songs and gave them that special touch that made the songs so crude. SLEEPY HOLLOW got their own style, it's something between a dark atmosphere to Heavy Metal, something between ZED YAGO and HELLION but with a more progressive touch that has a SAVATAGE influence. I felt that when I heard the song "Midnight", which is one of my favorites here, it shared an evil and sharp attitude. It starts with an epic opening while the singing in the beginning reminded me of a prayer. The bass work soon be felt as it fulfilled the song along with the little piano touch from time to time.

"Death Of The Horseman" starts the album and signals the first attack. As a somewhat of a reminiscent to the "Hall Of The Mountain King", SLEEPY HOLLOW offer their homage to Traditional Heavy Metal. I have to mention the blessed drum work that kept the song very interesting from top to bottom.
"Black Passage" is another great track but with a different direction, less faster but yet heavier by its time emphasis on the verses that made it stronger. "Rear Window" will show you how Heavy / Speed Metal should sound like, and on the same time will provide a good example of the wide range of Mitchell's vocals. The guitar brings a melodic line that sometimes seems to be out of the box with unexpected lines. "Eternal Bridge" is their best song on the album, a strong anthem that can't slip away from your ears. The verse so melodic and has quiet an atmosphere that integrates perfectly with the heavy chorus. The heavy riffs will stick to your ears with their bombastic nature. That is the right way to do Heavy Metal.

The strongest link in the band is definitely the singer that won't leave you indifferent to his presence. The weakest link on the album is the bad production, the guitars don't have the strength that should be and sound away back. The distortion sound has too much gain in it that damaged the whole album. If those could be lowered, the guitar work could have had much more meaning. I am sure that SLEEPY HOLLOW have, and will have, great material to offer. They possess a remarkable sound that describes them, and that is what makes a band unique and not just another Metal band like all the rest.