UNCHAIN THE UNDERGROUND FANZINE #1 (1990) U.S.A.


"Every once in a while, a demo comes along that really stands out. SLEEPY HOLLOW's debut demo is the perfect example. A very gothic-sounding band, SLEEPY HOLLOW are just bursting with power and talent. Far from thrash, the band are heavy and versatile vocalist Bob Mitchell is a wonder in himself,drawing from the sound of CIRITH UNGOL's Tim Baker crossed with HELLOWEEN's Michael Kiske. An odd combination, but surprisingly enough, it works. I wouldn't be surprised if the band is signed in a month or two. "

-Greg Smith




UNCHAIN THE UNDERGROUND WEBZINE (February 2001)


SLEEPY HOLLOW - "A Legend Retold" Old Metal Records (2000)
Rating: 9.5/10

What we have here is the re-release of a classic metal demo from NJ's Sleepy Hollow, released by King Fowley's Old Metal Records. New cover art, liner notes that were never included with the original and a different track order, but all the music is the same, and what glorious metal it is. For you history buffs (all two of you), I originally reviewed the Sleepy Hollow demo in Unchain the Underground #1 (the print version) in 1990. I praised it then, and listening to it again now (the glory of vinyl!) I can heap equal praise on it now, 11 years later. It has truly withstood the test of time.

The 4 songs herein are all absolute monuments of metal. Legendary vocalist Bob Mitchell (VYNDYKATOR, the real ATTACKER) shines, displaying the versatility and power of a true master. From the raw screeching of "Dementia" to the soaring melody of "The Final Conflict," he embodies all of the qualities of a great metal vocalist. The band behind him, likewise, stretches its wings, displaying not only speed metal chops but the ability to forge a symphonic metal sound worthy of the legendary status that the Sleepy Hollow name holds in hardcore underground metal circles. THIS is what true metal is, people. Anyone with a passion for bands like Helloween, Nevermore, Primal Fear, Jag Panzer and other power metal bands currently working the circuit would be foolish not to The packaging of A Legend Retold is beautiful. King Fowley's love for old metal really shows in the effort and attention to detail put into the Old Metal Records releases.