Whether one genuinely enjoys the band is irrelevant when evaluating the genius of their marketing campaign. With a fiercely bold name, “Demon Hunter,” and an equally eerie trademark logo; a demon skull pierced by a bullet, accompanied by a mysterious silence regarding the bands members, it is no wonder, the metal quintet had momentum before their first record was released. Four successful releases later, Demon Hunter has done more than merely creating buzz in music circles, but has established themselves as pioneers in the modern Christian metal landscape. The current lineup consists of former Training for Utopia members, Ryan and Don Clark, former Relient K guitar tech, Ethan Luck, as well as drummer Yogi Watts, and bassist Jon Dunn. With their latest release “Storm the Gates of Hell,” the band is gearing up for spiritual warfare, bringing a barrage of barn-burning guitar riffs, pummeling double bass blast beats, and grenades chockfull of puncturing lyrics.
That their sophomore album “Summer of Darkness” captured the brilliance and most pure essence of Demon Hunter, is a view held synonymously by most music enthusiasts, leaving other releases sub-par in comparison. Needless to say, “Storm the Gates of Hell” has relatively large shoes to fill. Opening is the bold title track which serves as an anthem for Christians to persevere through adversity in a paradoxical pluralistic, yet intolerant post-modern world. The chorus: “Wake the lifeless, die to fight this, stand beside me, storm the gates of Hell,” explode onto eager ears with a sense of urgency and alarm. Following is the eternity focused “Lead Us Home,” and the brutal, righteous anger driven “Sixteen.” Despite their initial dark appearance, Demon Hunter is far from anything remotely negative. Simply put, each song confronts a dilemma in modern society and culture, and sheds light upon it from a Christian worldview. Lyrical themes vary from retaining an uncompromising faith, in an age of watered-downed Christianity, to the glorious second coming of Christ. The beautifully composed “Thorns” takes listeners on a journey to a young girl, who deals with self affliction, and reveals how the affliction taken by God’s Son can be a resting place for those who deal with an overwhelming sense of despair. Other themes include, the assured judgment of supposed Christians who live unrepentant double lives behind closed doors, and the unfounded verdicts given by “gavel slamming” Christians who fail to see the ministry side of Christian hard rock.
Musically, Demon Hunter is intense, but nothing metal heads won’t enjoy. Most of the lyrics are “growled” in a way that will make the band inaccessible to many mainstream pop-rock listeners. However, “Storm the Gates of Hell,” is bound to appeal to metal fans across the spectrum. Mixing elements of progressive, thrash, and nu-metal into their sound, Demon Hunter has blended an array of fourteen metal margaritas, each being comprised of the same primary ingredients, while retaining their own distinct flavors. Highlights include: “Sixteen,” which opens with an array of stringed instruments, followed by an onslaught of guitars, the short yet sweet booming title track, the aforementioned ballad “Thorns,” and the special edition bonus track “Grand Finale.” While “Summer of Darkness” retains its position as the “best of Demon Hunter,” “Storm the Gates of Hell,” remains a must have for any fan of the edgier side of rock.
Release Date: November 6
Label: Solid State Records
Rating: 4.5
