Hailing from Manchester and having formed in 2023, Fate’s Hollow are a rock band with a sound that can best be described as a blend between progressive and alternative. With a successful crowdfunding campaign under their belt, the four-piece decided to go big with their debut release, a concept album titled The Heir Apparition Part I: Broken Crowns, telling the first half of its story. As you might tell, these guys are very much influenced by Coheed and Cambria, among others, which is reflected first and foremost in the songs themselves. So, let’s have a look, shall we?
After the intro song Mors Non Est Finis (latin for death is not the end, a recurring motif throughout the album’s nine tracks), listeners are launched straight into The King and The Killer, an almost six-minute long scorcher full of heavy riffs and rhythms. This one-two punch is highly reminiscent of Coheed and their pattern of starting albums with a prologue before leading into the first proper song, but the lads do it well and it definitely fits. The story focuses on a young prince who is thrust into a tale of death and revenge – no spoilers from us, but we’re keen to find out what happens next.
Tracks such as Child of Fortune and Lost Stars are among the most notable, with their barrage of riffs and the latter’s guitar solo. The leadwork is a nice touch throughout the songs, as can also be heard on The Sum (Mother), a track written by singer and guitarist Reece Warburton as a tribute to his mum. With the ending solo, he leans into his inner David Gilmour, echoing feelings of loss, grief and longing, all through his guitar’s six strings.
The only shortcomings one could find with this record would be the relatively brief runtime of just over half an hour, and a mix that can be iffy in some spots. That said, these are all nit-picks and do not take away too much from a debut album that ends up being quite grand, especially for a crowdfunded release.
To sum up, being equal parts ambitious and surprising, the debut album by Manchester progressive outfit Fate’s Hollow speaks to the promise of this quartet and their vision. Though they’ve got quite a ways to go in the industry, The Heir Apparition Part I: Broken Crowns is a very good first step in the right direction, and everyone should keep an eye out for these guys in the future.
9/10
Standout Tracks: Child of Fortune, Lost Stars, The Sum (Mother)
For Fans Of: Coheed and Cambria, The Davenport Cabinet, Thank You Scientist, Mandroid Echostar
Written by: Florin Petrut
