Member Since: 7/28/2005
Band Website: hangingdoll.com
Band Members:
Influences: Opeth Tool A Perfect Circle Slayer Metallica Pantera Dimmu Borgir Type O Negative Megadeth Anthrax Cathederal Chimaira Tristania Ozzy Osbourne Slayer Guns N Roses Drowning Pool Aerosmith Cradle Of Filth Lacuna Coil Nightwish
Sounds Like: “These Guys certainly have been overlooked judging by this intense and note perfect EP. Hanging Doll hail from Birmingham, UK and have produced some of the finest romantic- metal symphonies they could muster. Ethereal singer Sally Holliday has a voice that would give Amy Lee or Christina Scabbia a run for their foreign currency providing some of the most haunting gothic movie soundscapes and certainly lining themselves up as a epic band. Unsigned they are but I certainly don’t think this will be the case for long. ‘Forlorn‘ is an operatic grandiose tune that will have every gothic hearted fiend sucking from its bloody heart. All The songs have been moulded into mini masterpieces and it shouldn’t be long before the invade the UK and warm the blackest heart.“
DEVOLUTION MAGAZINE
“Excellent 3 track EP from one of Birmingham’s best kept secrets. This really is orchestral gothic metal at its very finest and I cant believe I didn’t come across this band sooner. The standard of musicianship on this EP is Second to none and the silky creamy vocals of Sally Holliday Literally do leave you in a dream like state. Well written , well Played , well Produced and very well put together by this very talented band. Remember the name, Hanging Doll are destined for big thingsâ€
INSOMNIA MAGAZINE
"One can't help but make comparisons to Within Temptation and Lacuna Coil When you first listen to this three track E.P from Birminghams Hanging Doll.
What is impressive though is that this is thier first release and shows a polish and maturity you would not expect to find. 'Sweet Retribution is a powerfull start to the E.P. Melodic female vocals and some angry male vocals mingle with metal guitars, while manageing to be 'gothy' enough not to alienate those with an aversionto heavier music. The next track is the more goth-friendly 'Forlorn'. This is a dreamy and romantic slower track with well played piano parts and a slightly ethereal vocal. 'Iniquity' wraps up this CD with a mixture of melodic string sounds and heavy sweeping guitars. This is one the best produced demos that i've heard. a band that look and sound great, these guys are not going to remain underground for long. I can see a time when there could even be legions of teenagers in Hanging Doll hoodies hanging around in local malls, although im not to sure if thats a good thing or not."
UNSCENE MAGAZINE
"Birmingham may be best known for bringing us grindcore and Ozzy Osbourne, but Hanging Doll are leaving a separate set of footprints, spreading a trail of gothic romance behind them as they do. Featuring the ethereal vocals of Sally Holliday, this classical metal act is rapidly becoming known in their local area for their beguiling live performance. After putting out an acclaimed three track E.P, Hanging Doll are currently working on a full length album with producer Greg Chandler (Gutworm, Conquest of Steel), expected to be released early 2008."
BLOODSTOCK WEBSITE
The Dames of Darkness, gathered together some of the best female frontedGothic Metal Bands in the United Kingdom including, Seasons End, Abigails Mercy, Crimson Tears, Celticia, and Apparition, However it was Hanging Doll who stole the show, creating a real buzz amongst the crowd and the music industry people in attendance.Hanging Doll, now expanded to a five peice are sounding and looking better than ever, delivering a set of finely crafted songs. Thier music finely staddles the Metal, Orchestral and Gothic genres to create a sound that flows effortlessly from raging Metal to haunting Gothic. The orchestration and arrangements Hanging Doll employ gives the songs texture and dynamics that enhance the overall aurall pleasure. Above all, it has the ability to engage, and tonight was no exception.Playing well within thier ability the high-points of thier set included, "Sweet Retribution" and the soaring "Forlorn". Hanging Doll gave a stunning performance and look like a band worthy of playing some of the greatest stages around the world.This event should have been better attended and with a tighter running order The Dames Of Darkness would have been a roaring success, as it was it still was an enjoyable event that delighted fans of Goth tinged Metal.
Zak @ Ryans Gig Guide
I have known about West Midlands based Hanging Doll for a while now, and The Dames of Darkness Festival gave me an opportunity not only to catch the band live (they was awesome on that night too), but to pick up a cd of theirs. 'What Lies In Truth' is the three track EP which found it's way into my grubby paws that night. And it seems I may have taken the last copy from their merchandise stall. For an independent effort, I like it, and it proves that there is a feast of talent here in the UK, if only the labels would sit up and take notice. As their name may suggest, Hanging Doll, fronted by the gorgeous sounding Sally Holliday (pictured), play gothic metal not too disimilar to the sort of music that our European counterparts produce on a quite regular basis. And I am sure they are another UK band (like Crimson Tears), who could give some of those bands a decent run for their money aswell. This is pretty good stuff, with the three tracks offered here being classics worthy of ones attention! I would recommend to anybody into this genre to track this EP down (try their myspace site http://www.myspace.com/hangingdoll) and I look forward to a full length album that's due soon. 7.5/10 (Reviewed by Dave)
RAVENHEART MUSIC WEB REVIEW
Record Label: NONE
Type of Label: None