Yearly Archives: 2012

Interview – The Mariana Hollow

by Nicholas Holmes

Five people are squeezed into the tiny what-passes-for-a-dressing room backstage at London's Borderline. It is about the size of classic CBBC's famous broom cupboard – but without Edd the Duck. No groupies or giant bowls of white powder either...just about room for a couple stools and a pack of mineral water. The glamour of rock n' roll...

However, the mood is buoyant as London – five-piece The Mariana Hollow prepare to open for fellow British metallers Pythia. Like the headliners, the band have recently released their second album. “Velvet Black Sky” is the follow-up to their debut, 2009's “Coma Heart”, which was mixed by Chris Sheldon (Biffy Clyro, Foo Fighters, Skunk Anansie, Anthrax). 

While drummer Adam Stanley and lead guitarist Danny Russell handle another interview, singer Rebecca “Spinky” Spinks, rhythm guitarist Richie Walden and (lead!) bassist Scott Chesworth discuss not being pigeon-holed, tight budgets, taking risks...and why their sticks-man's bum deserves it's own Facebook page!

Pythia recently had a record release gig at London's Borderline for new album The Serpent's Curse and you can check out the review of that here.

Prior to the gig Emily took time out to catch up with our scribe Nick.

Interview – Emily Ovenden of Pythia

by Nicholas Holmes

Bill Shankly, the legendary Liverpool FC manager, once claimed football is not a matter of life or death, it's more important than that. Maybe the same applies to heavy metal. 

The release of “The Serpent's Curse” is something of a triumph against the odds for Pythia. Released through their own label with no help from big record companies, they are determinedly flying the flag for British metal on their