Hollow Front have officially entered a new chapter with the release of their latest single, ‘So Long To Yesterday’.
The new track marks the Midwestern metalcore outfit’s first new single since welcoming back vocalist and former guitarist Dakota Alvarez, who originally departed the group in 2023.
Alvarez’s return comes after several difficult years that included his departure from Hollow Front following the emotional toll of the band’s 2022 bus accident and subsequent lawsuit, as well as a serious medical event that dramatically affected his musical abilities.
While performing with Amoura in Bay City, MI, in 2024, Alvarez suffered an ischemic stroke during the opening song of the show. He has since dealt with the effects of the stroke, including losing his ability to play guitar, difficulty recalling pitch and melody, and challenges with retaining lyrics.
Following his return to Hollow Front, Alvarez explained that the band has been working together to adapt to his circumstances while recording new material.
“Since rejoining Hollow Front, we have worked diligently to learn what our new normal looks like together—and this next album that we’ve put together is a record of relearning how to be myself again.”
He described the process of rediscovering music after his stroke as an unusual but meaningful experience.
“Going from something that felt so natural to me, like breathing, to relearning how to hear music again felt very strange. But I’m grateful to feel music’s magic again!”
According to Alvarez, the upcoming Hollow Front material reflects different stages of his recovery, from reconnecting with melodies to rebuilding his vocal abilities.
“Every song I was part of on this upcoming album is a glimpse of my stroke recovery—from feeling the melodies again to testing the force of my voice. Every song is as raw and as real as we could get it.”
Although Alvarez is returning to the band as a vocalist, he says he will retire from his role as guitarist for the time being. He is also scheduled to undergo a procedure next year that he hopes will restore some function in his left hand.
“So while you won’t catch me with a guitar in the near future, it doesn’t mean that it’ll be that way forever.”
Alvarez will also share vocal responsibilities with two other vocalists as Hollow Front move forward with their next album.
“It feels surreal to be back, but I’d love for you all to join me in my journey of learning how to be ME again. I’ll be sure to share all my experiences with you along the way.”
With ‘So Long To Yesterday’ now available, Hollow Front’s next era officially gets underway with Alvarez once again part of the band.
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