Hollow (Pantera song)

"Hollow"
Single by Pantera
from the album Vulgar Display of Power
Released	February 25, 1992 (album) 1992 (single)
Recorded	1991
Genre	Heavy metal, groove metal, progressive metal
Length	5:48
Writer(s)	Pantera
Pantera singles chronology
"This Love" (1992) "Hollow" (1992) "Walk" (1993)

"Hollow" is a power ballad by American heavy metal band Pantera from their 1992 album Vulgar Display of Power. A live medley of "Hollow" and another Pantera song, "Domination", is featured on Official Live: 101 Proof as "Dom/Hollow".

Lyrics

The lyrics are a reflection on a friend who has slipped into a comatose or vegetative state. The band has never indicated that the lyrics were written about any real person.

Song structure

The song is the last on the album and starts off with a harmonized electric guitar riff (in 6/8), with an electric guitar with a chorus effect in the background. Phil Anselmo's voice is much softer in the beginning of this song, as opposed to the rest of the album. The vocals are very reminiscent of another hit ballad by Pantera, "Cemetery Gates". The song starts with a medium tempo and continues until the middle. Preceding a short solo by Dimebag Darrell, there is a short breakdown and the song continues with more intense heavy riffing and drumming (in 4/4) and a more aggressive growl from Anselmo.

Release and reception

The song was released in 1992 as the band's third single for Vulgar Display of Power. Although the song is one of Pantera's most well known songs it failed to chart.

Track listing

1. "Hollow" (single edit)
2. "Hollow" (LP version)