With the Dominion Online top albums of 2010 list being readied for the days before Christmas we have been asking various band members what albums tickled their fancy during 2010.

Today we spoke to Richie Walden from The Mariana Hollow.

Top albums of 2010

Anathema - We're Here Because We're Here

Why do you like your Number 1 album the most?

"Anathema's 'We're Here Because We're Here' is an easy number one choice for me. I've loved the band for a few years, but I really feel this is the first time the band have truly transcended their influences and created the album they've been striving to make for a while now. The songs are brilliantly written and emotive and it's also great to see they've finally really captured the beauty of Vincent's live vocals on record."

What is your band up to in 2011?

"Well, we've just finished recording our second record and are just about to begin the mixing process. We're incredibly excited about it as we feel its a massive step up from our debut 'Coma Heart' (released earlier this year). The songs and performances (from Rebecca especially) are far more accomplished and we're really proud of what we've achieved. It's a much darker, heavier record but is also very hooky and we feel we've nailed some proper epic songs with this one! We're hoping that we can find a decent label to release the record through and are looking forward to gigging as much as possible to get the new material out there, so come check us out!"

Other albums you liked in 2010

Khoma - A Final Storm
BlackCar - Last Scene Rushes
Deftones - Diamond Eyes
Daor - From The Bleeding River
Neon Choir - Animal
Monster Magnet - Mastermind
Open Hand - Honey
How To Destroy Angels (E.P)

Useful links

www.myspace.com/themarianahollow
www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mariana-Hollow
Video for 'Come Undone' (from 'Coma Heart')
Live review at the Dirty South

Photo taken by James Laidlaw