The Hollow Earth Theory are a metal core band based in Shrewsbury. Although they themselves adhere to no actual classification or genre they have been dubbed one of the UK’s rising progressive heavy metal acts, being compared to the likes of Pantera and Killswitch Engage, also receiving impressive album reviews in Kerrang!, Metal Hammer and further magazines.
The Hollow Earth Theory were originally formed from the remnants of a successful hardcore band called Restraint who released several independent records and played alongside the likes of underground behemoths Stampin’ Ground, Medulla Nocte and Charger. When Restraint sadly went their separate ways in early 2000, Lee and Craig were undeterred to pick up the pieces and continue to express themselves. A plan of action was set and auditions for a bassist and vocalist followed. The bass element was found in the enthusiastic young Jay Bardsley from mid-Wales; who crossed paths with Lee while in their local guitar store. After the recording of the album Watch the World Collapse the superseding of the early vocalist (Mark Darbyshire) had to take place. This call was answered by Nathan Biggs, who seemed to add a further addition of ferocity and fraternity to the band. Finally they were ready. It was time to take it to the road.
THET ‘s music comes from a very honest angle, projecting aspects of positivity, raw emotion, and pure energy to the listener as well as venting negativity, vile anger and wrath. ôAlthough I like to create a vivid and graphic picture for the audience I am also a fond employer of the tell it how it is approach. This is because the majority of my writing comes from within me, revolving around past experience. So, I bring it up as it is, put it unconstrained into the lyrics.ö û Nathan.
The message seems to be very much on the music, it’s style and content rather than image and gimmicks. ôLeave everything else, we want people to listen to us for the music we write and the passion we show for what we are doing, that’s it!ö says Craig.
The quartet show from their debut album (Watch the World Collapse) that there is no fraudulence, no contrived angst and no desire to ever compromise their artistic integrity over record sales. «I’m just a very normal person, living a very normal life, and playing music has always seemed to be the most sane and natural thing in the world for me to do» comments Jay. «We all look upon each other as brothers, and ultimately, that’s what I love about our live shows. We try and connect with the crowd, and for that one hour, nothing else in the world matters.ö
The Hollow Earth Theory seem to be that much needed wake up call from the diluted metal we hear today, pulling out all the stops and riding venues across the UK they are confident of a warm reception.
