So after eleven years, Our Hollow, Our Home are bowing out. Their fourth and final album, ‘Hope & Hell’, comes after a tumultuous couple of years for the Southampton metalcore outfit. Early 2023 saw all but vocalist/guitarist Tobias Young depart, leading him to rebuild the band. Gaz King (vocals), James Hackett (guitar), Matt Thomason (bass) and Kieran Tonks (drums) joined Young on this final outing, albeit an unplanned one. While Young has cited caring for his sick mother as the reason for the split, it seems that’s not the whole picture.
Nevertheless, away from stirring up any internet drama, OHOH‘s farewell doesn’t quite serve up the grand impression its members, or at least Young, had hoped for. Throughout their various forms, Our Hollow, Our Home have comfortably delivered an assured brand of metalcore. Early efforts such as 2018’s ‘In Moment // In Memory’ maintained their potential, yet there has been little sign of progression since. As a result, OHOH remain in the shadows of their more popular peers.
Undoubtedly, ‘Hope & Hell’ ticks all the right boxes when delivering a passable album in this genre; heavy riffs, a blend of aggressive and melodic vocals, dense, pounding drums, etc. Straight away ‘Castaway’ and the title track showcase this strongly. While Young’s clean, soaring hooks shine on ‘Burial Season’ and ‘Funeral Verse’, despite heavily relying on a tired formula. ‘Lifeline’ doesn’t achieve the same effect, coming off as the most generic offering here.
To their credit, one element OHOH do get right is their ability to sound huge. ‘Veil Walker’ is a hulking on slaught carried by Hackett’s riveting fret play and Tonk’s momentous drum work. ‘The Worst In Me’ is equally hefty with its headbanging tempo and overall density. Whereas ‘Grave Warden’ momentarily utilises orchestration, before diving headfirst into some of King’s most vicious vocals.
Considerably ‘Hope and Hell’ sums up Our Hollow, Our Home‘s career. It’s filled with plausible hooks and impactful breakdowns, yet rarely shows signs of evolution, if any. As a result, by the time ‘Bloodmoon’s final chords ring out, you’re somewhat thankful it’s over, not just for you, but for all connected to Our Hollow, Our Home. Where others have evolved, and taken risks in their sound, Our Hollow, Our Home bid goodbye while being stuck in the mud of a tried and tested formula.
‘Hope & Hell’ by Our Hollow, Our Home is out now on Arising Empire.
