It’s a quiet weekend for these guys, after touring all over Australia last year. “We did a bunch of shows with Orpheus Omega,” says Roberts. “Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart and Melbourne. The underage show in Hobart was off its head. There were kids there that knew some of the songs as well, and getting the words right. I was like, ‘What the fuck?’”
“All of a sudden all these kids rocked up and went crazy, it was great,” says Goslett. “They were all in the front row windmilling.”
“Then there was the Perth show with Whoretopsy,” adds drummer Michael Hodgson. “Perth was crazy,” says Roberts. “There was a huge turnout and the crowd was really receptive, which we were blown away by.”
In December last year, Hollow World supported metal giants At The Gates at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel. “Playing that last year was a big moment for me,” says Roberts. Hodgson agrees, “I don’t get nervous before shows, but I was nervous before that.”
Last year also saw the band commence work on their debut album, to be released later this year. “We’re pretty pumped. It’s going to be a concept album with two storylines that intertwine with each other,” says Roberts. “One element is how human beings are a virus on the Earth and end up wiping it out. The other strand of the story is a virus that wipes out the human race”.
It’s an elaborate concept, but work on the album is well underway. “We’re hoping to have 11 to 12 tracks, and I’d say we’ve done nine,” says Truscott.
It’s clear that the success these guys are enjoying is helped by the fact they’re all on the same level. “With us, as soon as an idea comes up, someone is on it.” Roberts says. “Everyone seems to be involved in some aspect,” says Goslett. “It’s like a five way marriage,” laughs Truscott.
As their profile expands, Goslett has some positive words about the Australian metal scene. “Everyone is very likeminded. It feels like extended friendship circles. It makes it so much easier when everyone has that real sense of community. There have been a couple of guys in particular who have given us really great opportunities and advice.”
Roberts agrees, “The guys from Orpheus and Whoretopsy definitely deserve a mention. They’ve helped us out and given us a big leg up.” In terms of downsides, Roberts has only one major gripe: “I’d love to see more all age shows. That’s the one thing that bums me out. I feel like there’s a big gulf in that right now.”
The next couple of months will see Hollow World attending to a hectic schedule. “We’re doing the farewell shows for Whoretopsy in March” says Roberts. This is in order to see off their good mates, before they embark on an international tour. Before this, they’re heading back down to Tasmania for back-to-back shows in mid-February.
“We’re doing Friday night in Launceston with Psycroptic and Whoretopsy. It’s going to be insane, playing Tassie with Psycroptic.” says Roberts. Hodgson adds, “Then the Saturday is the Metal Fusion festival, with 12 bands playing from all over Australia.”
BY BEL RYAN
