Holler – Next In Line

Holler
Next In Line
Label: Scarlet Records
Out: May 23^rd, 2025
Playing time: 54:46

Holler are the brainchild of Brooklyn-born singer Terence Holler. Not much else is known about the band. Founded presumably at the end of 2023, ‘Next In Line’ is the band’s second album. The singer (whose real name is Mario Tarantola) is of Italian descent and now also lives in Italy. There he was also the frontman of the Progressive/Power Metal band Eldritch. Now, however, he has turned his attention to Hard Rock / AOR.

‘A Miracle’ starts with a short synth intro. Before the guitars bang away but still underpinned by synths. This only changes when Terence Holler’s vocals kick in. They are powerful and expressive. And in typical AOR manner, the refrain is easy to sing along to. At the beginning of ‘Stormy’, a cappella singing can be heard very briefly. But then it becomes very catchy again. Terence Holler’s comrades-in-arms can be heard as a choir in the backing vocals. There is also a very melodic guitar solo. ‘Chandelier’ is introduced by rhythmic drumming. It is a mid-tempo song with a slight Rhythm and Blues touch. I don’t really need to mention the catchy sing-along refrain. ‘Don’t Fool Me’ starts ballad-like. Then there’s another catchy and calm AOR track. The guitars sound slightly funky at times. In between we hear a contemplative ballad with ‘The Ocean’. And then it continues in a lively vein, whether it’s the funky song “24Seven”, the hard rocker “Crystal Eyes”, the single ‘Trust’ or the Rock anthem “Away” – all of these songs are simply intended to spread a good mood. Even the last two songs on the album don’t do much to change that. Even if, as with ‘The Leader’, a creaking door initially promises some variety, there is a fun rocker to be heard. And ‘Perfect Place’ is another ballad at the very end. Essentially characterised by piano playing.

On ‘Next In Line’, time seems to have stood still – in the eighties, the golden age of AOR and Melodic Rock. The sound is mostly powerful with many retrospective influences. Terence Holler and his men bring the good old days back to life.

Holler – Trust: https://youtu.be/lL33tGJ4ct4?si=myjIq6UbB6bQ9V6c

Lineup:

Terence Holler – Lead Vocals
Denis Chimenti – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Luca Fuligni – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Matteo Chimenti – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Leonardo Peruzzi – Bass, Backing Vocals
Alex ʻDemonoidʼ Lera – Drums

Track list:

• A Miracle
• Stormy
• Chandelier
• Don’t Fool Me
• The Ocean
• 24Seven
• Crystal Eyes
• Trust
• Away
• The Leader
• Perfect Place