Part of the Israeli metal scene since 2002 when formed as Moonskin by founding member Yishai Sweartz it is no surprise to hear that Tomorrow’s Rain has had in past line-up members of Salem and Orphaned Land through their doors. You can be forgiven for not having heard of them but one thing is for sure, many of the bands you probably love have done, no doubt due to having Tomorrow’s Rain support them on passing through Israel. There is an absolutely mouth-watering cast-list of guests appearing on Hollow. Take a deep breath, here goes: Aaaron Stainthorpe (My Dying Bride) Greg Macintosh (Paradise Lost) Sakis (Rotting Christ), Kobi (Orphaned Land) Fernando (Moonspell) Mikko (Swallow The Sun) Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy) Spiros (SepticFlesh) Anders (Draconian) Shlomi (Mashina) and Lisa Cuthbert (Sisters Of Mercy live) phew! With that dispensed of here, the interesting thing is that despite having so many distinct personalities and voices unless you have the details of where exactly they appear on things, it is not actually obvious on listening to the album. I have not got this info so am not going to take wild guesses; however, that’s half the fun of it all.
Reading the biog I was expecting something gothic here but quite honestly this errs much more on the side of atmospheric doom. The hour-long album starts with what sounds like children in a playground, the sound wrapping round 1st number ‘Trees.’ From thereon in we are enchanted by some fantastic sparkling doom tinged melodies and naturally a myriad of voices. Somewhat rich and decadent, mellow and calming and also despite all involved a nice uncluttered sound warmly wraps itself around the listener. Piano subtly twinkles in the background and you are quickly immersed in these tales and beguiled as we move through things. It is not immediate but given time the songs really grow and enchant. Vocals move from clean to rough and weathered growls, all fit in superbly as mood and emotions seep into the main tapestry and it is obvious this is a work that has been painstakingly constructed by all involved, the 6-piece band itself and those participating. Sure, don’t go expecting happiness here, the general mood is a glum one and track titles tell the story. I’m sure we are all currently feeling that this is ‘A Year I Would Like To Forget’ and misery tinges this every step of the way but rest assured there is plenty of beauty within the darkness. Heaviness is enforced by the craggy vocals and some dense drumming patterns but fragility and emotions on the edge are the defining factors as we ebb and flow through the miseries of life. These are very much songs to gradually fall in love with, ellagic in scope as you contemplate sitting and watching the world drift by ‘In The Corner Of A Dead End Street.’ This particular number has a strong sense of the dead poeticism of Rotting Christ at their most gentle with its twisting, turning Hellenic riff structure and accompanying gruff vocals. It’s the dark tranquillity (and not the band) that hits hard on ‘Misery Rain’ which has some added symphonics lurking away and tar black brooding vocal presence. It’s the sparkling raindrops falling from the melody that really get you here though making it an absolutely heart-stirring gorgeous number which once heard you will be waiting for on every play. It’s hard choosing a favourite here but it would probably be this; the Middle Eastern mysticism that spreads into the instrumentation just tops it all.
‘Into The Mouth Of Madness’ does deserve background as it is a tribute to Warrel Dane of Nevermore taken far too young and paid respect for by bandmate Jeff Loomis. Mere words simply cannot describe its deep impact, the weeping guitar solo speaks it all. The title track a sombre epitaph which would be a natural conclusion leaves you feeling incredibly emotional leaving you with the knowledge that you have just listened to a very special and meaningful album, one that is to be treasured for time to come. However, there is more, not exactly light relief though it has to be said. Having not paid attention to the track list, it is evident what you are listening to in the first couple of beats of Nick Cave cover number ‘The Weeping Song.’ Yep, no doubt you already know it well and this gruff, near doom-death rendition is going to bring it all back and be nigh on impossible to shift. Finally, we are left with an acoustic rendition of ‘Fear’ a song my Hebrew speaking Jewish girlfriend assures is atypical of many home-grown pop songs and a nice way to end things on. Needless to say, this is pretty much an essential listen for lovers of the dark and corners we dwell within.
(8/10 Pete Woods)
14/09/2020 at 3:33 am
The iTunes version actually has the guest musicians list in the track title like a rap album’s “featuring” title. 🙂