The Mariana Hollow

The Mariana Hollow

The Mariana Hollow is a UK metal group from Greater London. It is a female-fronted alternative metal quintet whose sound combines dark melody, twin guitar lines and complex rhythms with a clear emphasis on chorus-led songs. The band’s music also moves at times towards progressive metal, while remaining rooted in accessible, melodic structures.

Formation and line-up

Guitarist-songwriters Richie Walden and Danny Russell, who previously played in Season’s End, begin developing the project after moving on from earlier bands. They look for musicians who can realise their ideas for a dark but melodic sound. In early 2008, they work with South African drummer Adam Stanley and bassist Scott Chesworth, who is blind. Rebecca Spinks later joins after responding to an online advert, becoming the vocalist the band has been seeking. Her emotive singing and lyrics complete the line-up.

Style and influences

The band’s sound draws on the members’ interest in moody, powerful groups including A Perfect Circle, Anathema, Opeth and Paradise Lost. Their material is described as combining strong playing with memorable melodies and heavy riffs, with a broad appeal across metal, goth, rock and indie audiences.

Recording and release

Seven songs from the sessions that establish the finished line-up appear on the debut album Coma Heart. The album attracts the attention of producer and mix engineer Chris Sheldon, who mixes it. Sheldon has worked with Foo Fighters, Biffy Clyro, Skunk Anansie, Anthrax and Roger Waters. The record is then mastered, and the artwork is completed.

Live activity

The Mariana Hollow plays several London venues, including The Scala, Islington Academy 2, The Purple Turtle and Monto Water Rats. These performances help the band build a reputation as a live act while it seeks professional management and label support.