Hollow Peak – Obsidian Cult | Progressive Rock Central.com

Norwegian melodic metal newcomers Hollow Peak are about to unleash their latest album, Obsidian Cult, on Massacre Records, on the 23rd of January, this year.

Hollow Peak have recently and officially signed a worldwide record deal with Massacre Records. They will release a Digipak CD, Limited Vinyl LP, and also release the album’s music digitally on global platforms.

Produced by Ragnhild Westgaard and Marius Karlsen, and mixed and mastered by Corey Bergeron, Obsidian Cult marks a bold evolution from the band’s 2023 self-released EP. The record presents a heavier, darker, and more refined sound — balancing atmosphere, melody, and strength in equal measure.

The album’s concept explores alienation in the digital age, inner battles, and personal renewal. From the reflective opener “From Ashes Rises a Crown” to the haunting title track “Obsidian Cult,” each song unfolds as part of a larger journey between chaos and clarity. A passage deeper into the heart of their upcoming debut album Obsidian Cult, where shadows reveal truth and every turn reflects the battle within. Built like a maze of the self: mysterious ambience, soaring melodies, a voice that rises and fractures like light on stone. Their first single, “Labyrinth,” is a search for meaning — a journey through unrest, revelation, and rebirth.

Hollow Peak are made up of members: Ragnhild Westgaard, on lead vocals: Marius Karlsen, on drums; Vegard Frydenlund Ripsrud and Henning Ramseth on guitars; and Stian Dalslåen, on bass.

“From Ashes Rises a Crown,” opens with a bluesy and rocking lead electric guitar. Then, Ragnhild Westgaard sings her first lyrics with power and grit. She has a great rock/blues voice which reaches high peaks, but also has a warn, bluesy rock sound. The music is heavy, but reminds me of some of the 1990s bands I really enjoyed. Maybe a little like “Zombies” Era,” Cranberries with Dolores O’Riordan singing, only less subtle and with no slow warm up to the songs. Ragnhild comes right at you full speed with her voice and the rest of the band filling the soundscape with faster moving rock.

“Euphoria,” opens with some cool Chameleon’s (90s – UK)– like guitar work, with drums and bass supporting. Love it. Ragnhild is right back at you with excellent and direct vocals that work so well with the band’s soundscape built around her. One of the album’s best songs. Happiness after monumental effort.

“Labyrinth,” is the first single released, with a supporting music lyric video. On this track, you almost hear Ragnhild drifting towards a Kate Bush sound vocally. But this is not Kate Bush music. This is heavy blues rock. And it is taking no prisoners. The punctuating bass and lead electric guitar playing are exacting. The drums crawl all over the melody.

“Unseen,” changes the direction of the sound, and slows it to a rock or blues rhythm. This is a nice slow and softer change of pace. Ragnhild’s voice is warm as she sings straight ahead rock n roll. By the halfway mark, though the song has picked up pace and has gotten heavier, before it slows down again. A powerful song of hope for the future.

“Ray of Light,” opens with a ray of light, softer guitar opening, with drums and bass supporting. A welcomed change. Then, Ragnhild’s voice rises as the band matches her heavier sound.

“Liberation,” brings back the original rock pace and rhythm. The metal guitar pulses, bass and drums sound like a march.

“Attack,” is just that! The electric metal guitar rocks the opening. Ragnhild’s voice is directing you to the opening door. A solid rock/metal song that is also amongst the best on this album.

“Obsidian Cult,” the title track, is a masterpiece of rock – metal collaboration. There is no doubt as to why they picked this song for the album’s title. It is the best song on the album. The melody, rhythm, and power guitar licks and drums on this one are epic. However, it is Ragnhild’s voice that captures the spirit of this powerful anthem. Everything you could want in a metal/rock anthem. One of the best metal songs of 2026 already. I can only hope for a single and supporting music video to spread the word.

“Celest,” Whoops, maybe I spoke too soon. This is definitely the second-best song on the album, and one of the best ballad– like songs I’ve heard this year. And I always have liked the name Celest. It has a kind of Chameleon’s, slow, but amazing contemplative guitar sounds that reminds me so much of many of my Chameleon’s favorites. The lyrics are so impactful and forward looking. Enhanced by some of Ragnhild’s best vocals.

“Town,” opens with growling metal guitars and orchestration. Like a bow drawn back slowly. Ragnhild’s voice singing with an almost “Kashmir,” sound to it. Definitely a Zeppelin sound to this one. Great way to close this album. “Fighting for the truth!” Aren’t we all….I hope.

Even though Hollow Peak’ s Obsidian Cult, is a heavy metal masterpiece, the lyrics being sung by Ragnhild Westgaard, tend to avert the usual melancholy of metal albums, and the band uses mostly positive and forward-looking lyrics to tell the stories in their songs. Google defines obsidian as, “A volcanic glass known for its protective and transformative properties. It symbolizes protection, grounding, and the release of negativity. Historically it is associated with emotional healing and clarity.” And that is how I would describe Hollow Peak’ s Obsidian Cult. It is already one of my favorite metal albums of early 2026. I recommend this album for fans who enjoy the music of the Cranberries back to Led Zeppelin. I hope to interview this band soon.

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