The beginnings of HOLLENTHON date back to 1994, a time of an active Austrian Black Metal Syndicate and an incognito project known as VUZEM. At the urging of A.B.M.S. members, vocalist, guitarist, and composer Martin Schirenc anonymously included two VUZEM tracks ("Invocation” and "Von Denen Vampyren”) on the self-produced compilation Norici Obscura Pars.
Following favorable reviews and multiple requests, Schirenc decided to release a full-length recording of VUZEM's music. Other commitments, however, delayed the realization of this endeavor until late 1998, when unfinished material was brought to the attention of Napalm Records. Shortly thereafter, VUZEM signed to the label, releasing the critically acclaimed debut "Domus Mundi" in 1999 under the HOLLENTHON banner.
In June 2001, HOLLENTHON released "With Vilest of Worms to Dwell". Not unlike its predecessor, it boasts of a superb soundtrack-like production, as well as a fierce and wicked atmosphere created by a perfect symbiosis of heavy guitars, symphonic interludes, thrilling choirs, and bewitching melodies.
Not long after the release of the album, HOLLENTHON embarked on a European tour with EISREGEN and SIEBENBÜRGEN. The line-up that since the days of Domus Mundi already included drummer Mike Gröger was completed by bassist Mario Klausner and guitarist Werner Freinbichler. This line-up also went on to perform at various festivals including Wacken Open Air, Summer Breeze, and Brutal Assault, to name but a few.
Although enjoying much success with HOLLENTHON, Schirenc turned his attention to the newly reformed PUNGENT STENCH and while he continued to write new material, it would be some time before HOLLENTHON released a follow-up. Yet in early 2008, the recording of Opus Magnum was finally completed, and following the split of PUNGENT STENCH, Schirenc also took the opportunity to choose a permanent line-up for HOLLENTHON, recruiting Gregor Marboe, who had also delivered "pungent” bass lines since 2006, and guitarist Martin Arzberger.
Though it’s been seven years since "With Vilest of Worms to Dwell" left the music world in awe, the hordes revolving around mastermind Martin Schirenc have returned with a resounding thunderclap. "Opus Magnum" does more than justice to its title, delivering a masterpiece of epic proportions. Darker than ever before and heavier than its predecessor, the album seamlessly combines the passion found in classical music with exotic, ethnic melodies, and the brutal energy of metal. Like no other, HOLLENTHON succeeds in effortlessly creating a perfect symbiosis of these diverse styles, thus capturing the listener with the sound of the very first note and refusing to ever let go.HOLLENTHON’s "Opus Magnum" is available via Napalm Records since 30 May 2008 as a regular jewel case and as a limited edition digipack including bonus track and video clip. The band took to the stage at various summer festivals including Graspop, Waldrock, Kaltenbach Open Air and Brutal Assault, followed by a full-fledged European tour in the fall with TYR, ALESTORM, SVARTSOT and GWYDION.
At the moment, HOLLENTHON are working on a new EP, which will be released as limited edition at their European tour with GOD DETHRONED and ENDSTILLE in autumn 2009.
HOLLENTHON - WITH VILEST OF WORMS TO DWELL
Release: 2001, Napalm Records
Tracklist:1. Y Draig Goch
2. Woe To The Defeated3. Lords Of Bedlam4. To Kingdom Come
5. The Calm Before The Storm6. Fire Upon The Blade
7. Conquest Demise
8. Conspirator
Recorded and mixed at Vato Loco Studios by Martin Schirenc
Martin Schirenc - Guitar, VocalsMike Gröger - Drums
Elena Schirenc - Vocals
Rob Barret - Guest Guitar Solo On "Woe To The Defeated"
Click MeHollenthon - Domus Mundi 
Tracklist:1. Enrapture (hinc Illae Lacrimae)
2. Homage (magni Nominis Umbra)
3. Vestige (non Omnis Moriar)4. Lure (pallida Mors)
5. Interlude (ultima Ratio Regum)
6. Reprisal (malis Avibus)
7. Premonition (les Talionis)
8. Eclipse (vita Nova)
Recorded and mixed at Vato Loco Studios by Martin Schirenc
Martin Schirenc - Guitar, Vocals
Mike Gröger - Drums
Elena Schirenc - Vocals
Click Me
Hollenthon - OPUS MAGNUM
Release: 2008, Napalm Records
Tracklist:
1. On The Wings Of A Dove
2. To Fabled Lands
3. Son Of Perdition
4. Ars Moriendi
5. Once We Were Kings
6. Of Splendid Worlds
7. Dying Embers
8. Misterium Babel
Recorded and mixed at Vato Loco Studios by Martin Schirenc
Martin Schirenc - Guitar, Vocals
Mike Gröger - Drums
Gregor Marboe - Bass, Vocals
Martin Arzberger - Guitar
Elena Schirenc - Vocals
Click Me
