Welcome back to Reviews from the Aural Realms, a series from Other Worlds Than These where I share music and artists that resonate deeply with me—sonically, spiritually, and creatively.
In my last review, I explored All The Time by Rosewood Boulevard.
Today, I’m reviewing Sacred Places by my good friend Hollan Holmes.
Discovery & First Impressions
I’ve known Hollan Holmes for many years now. We often meet up for lunch with our mutual friend and fellow ambient artist Chad Kettering (check out Chad’s work here), where we spend hours geeking out over synths, sound design, and the endless possibilities of electronic music. It’s always time well spent — creative minds speaking the same language.
Honestly, this review has been a long time coming. I’ve wanted to sit down with one of Hollan’s albums and give it the attention it deserves, but between projects and my “next big thing,” the time kept slipping away. Now that I’ve finally had the chance to immerse myself in Sacred Places, I can confidently say — it was worth the wait.
Released through Spotted Peccary Music, Sacred Places marks Hollan’s third album with the label. Each of its eleven tracks serves as a sonic vignette — musical portraits inspired by the landscapes that have deeply moved him. Through intricate sequencing, ambient layering, and tribal undercurrents, Hollan transforms these environments into vivid soundscapes that feel both immense and intimate.
The album was crafted using a combination of hardware and software synths, including the Oberheim OB-6, Moog Prodigy, Reason, and Omnisphere. Across these tools, Hollan showcases the precision and warmth that have become his signature — those rich Berlin-school arpeggios, evolving textures, and bass tones that seem to breathe beneath the surface.
In Sacred Places, Hollan once again proves himself a master world-builder. His work blurs the line between ambient and cinematic, analog and digital — creating not just music, but environments. Each track feels like a journey inward as much as outward, inviting listeners to slow down, look around, and truly feel these sacred places for themselves.
Track-by-Track Reflections
🌀 Some of the songs featured below are part of the official Reviews from the Aural Realms Playlist on Spotify. Dive in and listen along.
1. Order Out Of Chaos
One thing I’ve always appreciated about Hollan’s albums is how he chooses his openers — they always set the stage perfectly for what’s to come, and Order Out of Chaos is no exception.
Right from the start, the track establishes that signature Hollan Holmes sound: rich, interlocking arpeggios that pulse with precision — a clear nod to the classic Berlin School tradition he continues to honor so well. About a minute and forty in, those deep, resonant bass undertones roll in — another hallmark of his style — grounding the piece while expanding its sense of depth and momentum.
Even though Hollan is a good friend of mine, I always strive to approach his work with the same objectivity I give any artist I review. Thankfully, he makes that easy by consistently creating music that stands entirely on its own.
Order Out of Chaos builds and evolves with a confident flow, layering ambient flourishes over its rhythmic core — a perfect opening statement that both welcomes and challenges the listener to follow wherever the rest of the album may lead.
2. Temple Of Stone
Temple of Stones opens with a softer touch than Order Out of Chaos, yet it quickly establishes its own hypnotic pull. A steady, trance-like sequence takes the lead — minimalist at first — before deep bass lines gradually emerge to give the piece its weight and dimension. It’s the kind of progression that quietly draws you in, one layer at a time.
I’ve often told Hollan that his music puts me in a “straight out of Tron” mood, and this track is a perfect example of that glowing, digital mystique. There’s an unmistakable “Hollan Holmes sound” — a balance of precision, warmth, and depth that makes his music instantly recognizable.
Around the three-minute mark, a bold bass sequence kicks in, and suddenly I’m reminded of John Carpenter’s darker, synth-driven energy — something Hollan knows I’m a sucker for. The track then gradually eases back, letting the rhythmic pulse dissolve into an atmospheric fade that feels both grounded and ethereal.
It’s another standout — proof that even when Hollan shifts gears into something more understated, he still knows exactly how to guide you through a sonic landscape worth getting lost in.
3. Bristlecone
Bristlecone opens gently, offering a moment of calm after the momentum of the first two tracks. It feels like a natural evolution — Order Out of Chaos pulled us in, Temple of Stones grounded us, and now Bristlecone invites us to reflect.
The opening tones are soft and patient, carried by delicate light sequences that slowly bloom into layered, saw-like textures gliding in and out of focus. It’s a masterclass in restraint — Hollan lets the soundscape breathe, giving each element room to shimmer and fade in its own time.
There’s something deeply meditative here. It’s the kind of track that can stop your thoughts for a moment and let the world fall away — exactly the sort of piece that deserves a spot on one of the Other Worlds Than These playlists.
Simply put, Bristlecone is an oasis of serenity. A beautifully crafted, immersive soundscape that showcases Hollan’s gift for balance between motion and stillness.
4. Drawn To An Intangible Energy
Drawn to an Intangible Energy continues the reflective tone of Bristlecone, opening with a light, cascading arpeggio that feels almost weightless. But just past the one-minute mark, darker textures begin to drift in — not ominous, but full of quiet power, like distant machinery coming to life.
True to its title, there’s a sense of motion and magnetism throughout this track — an invisible current pulling you forward. Hollan layers multiple arpeggiated sequences over one another, each distinct yet perfectly balanced in the mix. None compete; instead, they orbit and complement, creating a living pulse that feels both organic and otherworldly.
It’s easy to feel the energy in this one — not chaotic, but focused, harnessed. The deeper bass lines weave in and out like a hidden engine beneath the melody, and that unmistakable “Tron” aesthetic shines through again. I’ve often joked that Hollan must have been inspired by Wendy Carlos, but the truth is, he’s developed a signature that’s all his own — cinematic, precise, and unmistakably Holmes.
5. An Elevated Life
An Elevated Life immediately took me back to the early 1980s — not in imitation, but in spirit. There’s a clear nod here to the Tangram-era Tangerine Dream sound: those bright, elevated sequences that shimmer and climb, filled with optimism and motion. Hollan has an uncanny gift for balancing those higher arpeggiated tones with just enough low-end support to keep the piece grounded.
Then, midway through, that unmistakable guitar tone enters — rich, sustaining, and expressive — evoking memories of Edgar Froese’s iconic textures. For a moment, I was transported straight into the Thief soundtrack, particularly Diamond Diary, which remains one of my favorite pieces from that era.
Yet, even with those familiar echoes, An Elevated Life is distinctly Hollan’s. The structure, pacing, and subtle evolution of tone all reflect his precision as a modern electronic composer. It’s both nostalgic and fresh — a beautiful balance of homage and originality.
6. Hallowed Ground
From the first few seconds, Hallowed Ground feels alive — a rhythmic, mechanical heartbeat driving the piece forward. The opening sequence ticks and hums like the inner workings of some vast machine, while a slightly distorted lead synth glides above it, forming the melodic spine.
Then comes that signature Hollan moment — the breakdown around the two-minute mark. Everything pulls back into a breath of stillness before swelling again, the low pads rising like fog and that deep, pulsing bass line taking hold. It’s hypnotic, powerful, and instantly recognizable as part of his sonic fingerprint.
I remember telling Hollan that Sacred Places was probably my favorite of his releases since joining Spotted Peccary, and Hallowed Ground is a perfect example of why. Listening again after a few months away, I’m reminded just how much I enjoy this record — not just for its precision, but for the emotion that hums beneath every synth line.
7. Walking Among Kings
Walking Among Kings opens differently from the rest — no immediate sequence, just airy ambient pads that drift like a morning haze before the pulse quietly enters. It’s a more reflective and restrained piece, one that breathes with patience and grace.
And then, there it is again — those unmistakable bass lines. Hollan has such a keen sense of restraint with them. It’s easy for that low-end presence to dominate a mix (trust me, I’m guilty of that myself), but he applies it with precision — enough to move you, but never enough to overshadow the melody.
Halfway through, the track eases into an even softer section, the sequencing becoming lighter and the atmosphere more open. The transition feels effortless, like cresting the top of a high roller coaster and coasting gently into the horizon. It’s meditative and deeply satisfying — a graceful descent that fades out with quiet elegance.
8. The Divine Connection
Here’s another one that’s immediately playlist-worthy. The Divine Connection is driven by a steady, hypnotic arpeggio — the kind that pulls you in and keeps you there, focused and calm. It’s one of those rare tracks that manages to feel both propulsive and meditative at the same time.
There’s even a touch of that Stranger Things energy here — not in imitation, but in spirit — that classic synth pulse and nostalgic atmosphere that just wraps around you. It’s cinematic, familiar, and deeply satisfying.
As I listen, I can’t help but think how much I wish I’d known Hollan back when I was first discovering electronic music. Growing up, I didn’t have many people to share that fascination with — that love of sequencers, arpeggios, and analog tones that feel alive. I have no doubt we would’ve hit it off immediately, geeking out over synths and trading tracks deep into the night.
And just to be clear, Hollan — I’m not buttering you up here. I truly love this song. It hits all the right notes, both musically and personally.
9. Primal Instinct
As we move into the final stretch of the album, Primal Instinct opens with a slower, more deliberate pace — and I mean that in the best possible way. Hollan has always had a great sense of balance when it comes to pacing an album. After so many vibrant, arpeggiated tracks, this one steps back and breathes, giving you space to reflect before drawing you in again.
What stands out immediately are the rhythms — deep, earthy, and undeniably tribal. Instead of relying on his signature sequences, Hollan builds this one around percussion and atmosphere. The result is pure cinematic energy — expansive and primal at the same time.
There’s a real sense of movement here, almost ritualistic. You can visualize figures dancing around a fire beneath the stars, the percussion grounding you while the synth textures rise like smoke into the night sky. This track hits that sweet spot between ambient and epic, and honestly, it might just be my favorite on the album.
10. A Light Unto The World
After the primal pulse of the previous track, A Light Unto the World steps gently into softer, more reflective territory. It feels like a moment of resolution — the calm that follows revelation. Hollan has always been great at structuring an album like a story, and this one truly feels like the chapter where everything settles into clarity.
I love the subtle contrast here — the darker bass tones that surface around the two-minute mark sitting beneath those delicate, shimmering sequences above. It’s that kind of light-against-shadow interplay that gives Hollan’s work such emotional dimension.
There’s also something beautifully cinematic about this piece. The airy synths and haunting voices that appear in the latter half bring to mind Paul Haslinger’s Halt and Catch Fire soundtrack — that same blend of melancholy and quiet hope.
As the track eases out, it leaves behind a soft glow — one that lingers long after the final note fades. Another standout, and honestly, it’s getting difficult to decide which of these deserves playlist priority.
11. Sacred Places
And now we arrive at the closing and title track — Sacred Places.
It opens with a gentle, heartfelt piano motif that immediately feels like reflection and return — the kind of moment where you look back over the path you’ve traveled. Subtle sequenced arpeggios rise beneath, grounding the piece in Hollan’s unmistakable sonic world.
There’s a sweetness to this one, a kind of warmth that feels earned after the intensity of Primal Instinct and the quiet grace of A Light Unto the World. Around the 45-second mark, cinematic textures begin to bloom — delicate yet powerful, expanding the space without overwhelming it.
The transition at 2:15 is especially lovely — a thoughtful retreat that draws you inward before gradually lifting you back up again. It’s meditative and deeply relaxing, a perfect final statement for the album.
For me, this track bridges eras of electronic sound — it has that unmistakable Tron DNA, somewhere between Wendy Carlos’ original score and Daft Punk’s Tron: Legacy. That mix of vintage analog character and modern cinematic sweep fits Hollan perfectly.
As the piano returns in the final minute, it feels like the closing of a circle — calm, complete, and deeply satisfying. A perfect ending for one of his finest releases yet.
Final Thoughts
I think I can confidently say that Sacred Places is my favorite of Hollan’s recent releases. That’s saying a lot, considering how much I enjoyed Milestones — an album that’s still in regular rotation for me. But Sacred Places feels like the culmination of everything Hollan has been refining over the years: the sequencing, the atmosphere, the emotional pacing, and the clarity of his sound design.
There’s a maturity here — a kind of calm confidence — that comes from a deep connection to both the music and the meaning behind it. Every track feels intentional, sculpted not just to impress but to immerse. Hollan has always been a master of the Berlin School tradition, but what makes this release special is how he continues to evolve within it, blending those pulsing arpeggios and analog textures with cinematic soundscapes that feel timeless.
Listening to Sacred Places is like standing in the middle of one of those vast, quiet landscapes Hollan draws inspiration from — awe-inspiring, but deeply personal at the same time. It’s the kind of album that reminds you why you fell in love with electronic music in the first place: sound as both art and emotion.
If you’re new to Hollan Holmes, Sacred Places is an excellent starting point. And once you’ve spent time there, don’t stop — go back and experience Milestones, Emerald Waters, and his earlier works. His entire catalog forms a journey through sound, each release revealing another layer of his creative vision.
For me, Sacred Places isn’t just another great album — it’s a statement of purpose from an artist who continues to explore, refine, and inspire.
Listen / Purchase
About the Artists
Hollan Holmes is a Texas-based electronic music composer and visual artist known for his immersive, cinematic soundscapes that bridge the worlds of ambient, Berlin School, and contemporary electronic music.
Over the past two decades, Hollan has developed a distinctive sonic signature — intricate sequencer patterns, evolving textures, and deeply emotive bass lines that feel both modern and timeless. His music often explores themes of nature, introspection, and discovery, inviting listeners into beautifully realized worlds of sound.
In addition to his solo work, Hollan has released several acclaimed albums through Spotted Peccary Music, including Milestones, Emerald Waters, and Sacred Places. Each release demonstrates his meticulous attention to sonic detail and his ability to balance structure with spontaneity — a rare combination that makes his work both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.
Outside of music, Hollan is also an accomplished digital artist whose cover designs often accompany his own releases as well as those of other musicians. His visual and sonic artistry share a common thread — the pursuit of capturing a sense of awe, space, and quiet wonder.
If you’re exploring Hollan’s catalog for the first time, start with Sacred Places and Milestones, then journey backward. You’ll quickly understand why Hollan Holmes remains one of the most respected voices in modern electronic music.
🎧 Discover more of Hollan’s work at Spotted Peccary Music or on Bandcamp.
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