Hollow Peak – Obsidian Cult

Hollow Peak
Obsidian Cult
Label: Massacre Records
Out: 5th December 2025
Playing time: 50:33

The Melodic Metal band Hollow Peak hails from Hamar (Innlandet province, Norway). The press release describes the band as newcomers. And yet the musicians have already signed a record deal with Massacre Records. The first three singles and the EP ‘Endless’ were released independently in 2023. The debut album ‘Obsidian Cult’ is said to be a significant improvement compared to the EP. The album was produced by the band itself, singer Ragnhild Westgaard and drummer Marius Karlsen. Corey Bergeron was responsible for mastering.

The intro to ‘From Ashes Rises A Crown’ is dominated by heavy, strongly distorted guitars. Frontwoman Ragnhild Westgaard’s vocals also sound distorted at times. But for the most part, her clear, rocking voice dominates, driven by Double Bass attacks. Towards the end, quiet guitar chords lead into a short guitar solo. ‘Euphoria’ is a little calmer. It is a very rhythmic and melodic song that thrives on heavy riffs as well as calm guitar chords. The vocals sometimes move into higher pitches. In ‘Labyrinth’, the guitars boom more again, and some strange chords can be heard. However, these are not used excessively. Drummer Marius Karlsen drives his bandmates forward again. The twin guitar solo is also a must-hear once more. What is this? ‘Unseen’ is an extremely melodic song that does (almost) without heavy riffs and driving drums. This gives Ragnhild plenty of space to show her contemplative and seductive side. ‘Ray Of Light’ is also more of the quiet variety. The harder guitar riffs adapt to this as well. However, there is no need to forego metallic hardness, especially in the faster middle section. Hard-hitting guitar riffs and pumping bass define ‘Liberation’. The song title ‘Attack’ does not imply an aggressive, attacking sound. The riffs are powerful, but mostly with a relatively calm rhythm. Shortly before the end comes the title track ‘Obsidian Cult’, which is introduced by a strong guitar melody. Before heavy mid-tempo riffs take over. ‘Celest’ is a beautifully contemplative (power) ballad. The singer once again enchants her listeners accompanied by clear guitar chords. The finale, ‘Town’, is a mid-tempo Metal/Hard Rock song. Here, beautiful melodies are in the foreground one last time, although the double bass repeatedly sets the rhythm.

Obsidian Cult features straightforward, Melodic Heavy Metal. Ragnhild Westgaard’s expressive voice in particular shapes the individual songs. And the rhythm section provides plenty of heaviness. But Hollow Peak also master the quieter tones. The drumming may sound unspectacular at times, but Marius Karlsen always finds the right rhythm for each song. A successful debut from the Norwegians.

Hollow Peak – Attack: https://youtu.be/AFOND10D4iI?si=ICxn5P-t7fVV1uzr

Lineup:

Ragnhild Westgaard – Vocals
Marius Karlsen – Drums
Vegard Frydenlund Ripsrud – Guitars
Henning Ramseth – Guitars
Stian Dalslåen – Bass

Track list:

• From Ashes Rises A Crown
• Euphoria
• Labyrinth
• Unseen
• Ray Of Light
• Liberation
• Attack
• Obsidian Cult
• Celest
• Town