Sleep Tight, Avoid The Hollow Front

Metalcore band Hollow Front's 2018 song 'Don't Fall Asleep' is an emotional and raw track that delves into personal experiences of loss, relationship breakdowns, and mental health struggles. With powerful lyrics such as Welcome to the rest of our lives, we've been sleeping awake with our eyes closed tight, the song resonates with listeners, encouraging them to persevere through life's challenges. The song has received acclaim from fans of the genre, with some calling it a masterpiece and a reminder to try a little harder.

Metalcore genre

Metalcore, also known as metallic hardcore, is a fusion genre that combines elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk. It is characterised by its use of breakdowns and slow, intense passages that are conducive to moshing.

Hollow Front is a metalcore band from Grand Rapids, Michigan. They were formed in 2016 and have released several EPs and albums since their debut in 2017. Their music features emotional and ambient elements with occasional use of keys, creating a hauntingly beautiful sound. Their song "Don't Fall Asleep" is a popular track that showcases their unique style.

The band has gained a significant following, with millions of streams and views on Spotify and YouTube, respectively. They have also gained recognition from prominent Spotify playlists and Dreambound's popular YouTube channel. Their music videos, merchandise sales, and live performances have further contributed to their success and growing fan base.

Hollow Front's music has received praise for its intense and unique sound within the metalcore genre. Their songs, such as "Still Life," "Dissect Me," and "Don't Fall Asleep," have been described as "bangers" and "emotionally raw." The band's use of breakdowns and ambient elements has particularly resonated with listeners.

In addition to their musical talent, Hollow Front has also been recognised for their work ethic and determination. They started as a project "just for fun" but quickly realised their potential and began pursuing music as a serious endeavour. This dedication has paid off, as they have achieved success and a dedicated fan base in a short period.

Navigating mental health

Metalcore band Hollow Front's song 'Don't Fall Asleep' explores the challenges of navigating mental health and personal experiences of loss and relationship breakdowns. The lyrics delve into feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety, serving as a reminder to persevere through life's struggles.

The song begins with the acknowledgment of living a lie, pretending to be okay when one is not: "This is the part where I should tell you / How good I'm doing, how everything's okay / But the truth is I can't remember the times / When I felt anything, other than hatred and pain." This sense of disconnection and emotional numbness is a common symptom of depression and other mental health issues. The lyrics encourage listeners to be honest about their feelings and seek help.

The chorus repeats the phrase, "Don't fall asleep," warning that "through your nightmares, the demons will creep." This is a powerful metaphor for the fear of facing one's inner demons and the recognition that ignoring problems will not make them go away. Instead, facing these challenges head-on is essential for personal growth and overcoming mental health struggles.

In the verse, the singer confesses to being "hidden somewhere deep in the dark / Walking aimlessly without my heart." This imagery conveys a sense of being lost and without direction, which can be a common feeling for those navigating mental health issues. The singer recognizes the importance of finding their way out of this dark place, emphasizing that "only you can show me the way out of this nightmare." Taking personal responsibility and agency is a critical step in improving one's mental health.

The breakdown of the song is intense and raw: "My fucking lungs are caving in / And I'm suffocating / As I claw my way out of this darkness I've become." This visceral description of the struggle against mental demons highlights the singer's determination to overcome their challenges.

Hollow Front's 'Don't Fall Asleep' is a powerful testament to the band's ability to intertwine heavy-hitting elements with emotionally charged lyricism. The song serves as a reminder to navigate mental health struggles head-on, face inner demons, and persevere through life's challenges.

Loss and relationship breakdowns

The metalcore band Hollow Front, formed in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2016, explores personal experiences of loss and relationship breakdowns in their music. Their songs delve into the emotional challenges of navigating life's unpredictable circumstances, including the end of relationships and the feelings of isolation and despair that can accompany them.

In their song "Don't Fall Asleep," Hollow Front's lyrics paint a picture of someone struggling with the aftermath of a relationship breakdown. The song begins with the singer reflecting on the illusion of control and the realisation that things are not as they seem: "Welcome to the rest of our lives/We've been sleeping awake with our eyes closed tight/Drifting through time, like we're ghosts." This sense of disorientation and loss of agency is a common theme in their music and reflects the feelings of powerlessness that can come with loss and relationship breakdowns.

The song continues with the singer acknowledging the pressure to present a facade of happiness and success, even when that is not the truth: "This is the part where I should tell you/How good I'm doing, how everything's okay." This is a relatable experience for many people going through difficult times, as there is often an expectation to maintain a positive front, even when one is struggling. However, the singer confesses that they cannot remember the last time they felt anything other than "hatred and pain," indicating the emotional toll of their experiences.

The chorus of the song captures the fear of facing one's demons and the sense of being overwhelmed by them: "Don't fall asleep/Don't fall asleep/'Cause through your nightmares the demons will creep." This is a powerful metaphor for the way trauma and difficult experiences can haunt a person, especially during periods of loss or relationship breakdowns when one's support system may be diminished.

The song also touches on feelings of abandonment and being "shunned by the ones they loved," which can be interpreted as a direct reference to relationship breakdowns. The singer expresses a sense of isolation and feeling lost: "Come find me I'm hidden somewhere deep in the dark/Walking aimlessly without my heart." This imagery conveys the emotional pain and disorientation that can accompany the end of a relationship, as one is forced to navigate a new reality and a sense of self without the other person.

Overall, Hollow Front's music, including "Don't Fall Asleep," serves as a raw and emotional exploration of loss and relationship breakdowns. Their lyrics resonate with listeners going through similar experiences, offering a sense of shared humanity and understanding in the face of life's challenges.

Intense music and moshing

Metalcore, or metallic hardcore, is a fusion genre that combines elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk. It is known for its use of breakdowns and slow, intense passages that are conducive to moshing.

Hollow Front's 'Don't Fall Asleep' is an impressive album in this genre. The songs are intended to be heard in order, with the first song being "Don't Fall Asleep" and the last one "Still Life". The track "Still Life" is described as "emotional and raw" and "a song you listen to on repeat". The entire album is described as "intense" and full of "bangers".

Sleepy Hallow, on the other hand, is the stage name of Tegan Joshua Anthony Chambers, a Jamaican-American rapper specialising in Brooklyn drill. His music is described as "minimal, melodic, and intense". While he mostly represents Flatbush and Brooklyn drill, his sound has diversified, incorporating Latin pop, New Agey atmospherics, and guitar ballads.

Sleepy Hallow's music has a strong connection to moshing and intense music, with his song "Tip Toe" described as "throwing himself into different flows and rhythmic pockets with an enthusiasm that makes even his most threatening verses light up with a kind of happy mischief". His music provides "solid counterprogramming to a landscape still mostly dominated by trap".

Both artists, therefore, have a strong connection to intense music and moshing, with Hollow Front's metalcore style and Sleepy Hallow's Brooklyn drill and diverse sound providing the perfect backdrop for energetic audience participation.

Band members

Hollow Front is a metalcore band from Grand Rapids, Michigan, formed in 2016. The band initially started as a 5-piece group but has since had a few member changes. The current members of Hollow Front are:

• Tyler Tate (Vocals): Tyler Tate is the lead vocalist of Hollow Front. The band was formed in the summer of 2016, and Tyler has been a member since the beginning.
• Lee Albrecht (Guitar): Lee Albrecht is the current guitarist of Hollow Front. He joined the band after the departure of former guitarist Dakota Alvarez in 2023.
• Frankie Mish (Drums): Frankie Mish is the drummer for Hollow Front. He is also one of the founding members of the band Sleep Waker, which is also based in Michigan.
• Davion Cuttler (Bass): Davion Cuttler is the bassist for Hollow Front. In 2022, he suffered a clavicle injury in a bus accident involving the band.

Previous members of Hollow Front include Devin Attard (Drums) and Brandon Rummler (Bass). The band released their debut EP "Homewrecker" in 2017 and have since released multiple albums and EPs, including "Still Life" and "Loose Threads." They have gained popularity through their Spotify and YouTube presence, amassing millions of streams and views.

Frequently asked questions