Hyped 07.03.06: Demon Hunter
Posted by Andrew Mellick on 07.03.2006
For the 4th of July edition we take a look at one of the up and coming metal acts today. Plus, Metallica, Simpsons, and Korn, oh my!
Welcome back kids, to another earth shattering edition of Hyped (Over/Under) . The 4th of July is approaching quickly and with it a four day weekend for yours truly. In fact, as I write this, I'm about 10 hours away from freedom! As you can imagine I am very antsy so this edition will definitely be interesting. Here we go!
The News: Demon Hunter will be releasing a special edition of their latest album "The Triptych" through Solid State on October 31st. In addition to a bonus DVD and new cover art that will be packaged with the release, the outing will also feature four extra songs.
In case you haven't pieced it together yet, this week we are taking a look at Demon Hunter, a metal band who has been coming on strong with their last two albums.
Background: Demon Hunter is the product of two brothers: Lead Vocalist Ryan Clark and guitarist Don Clark. The group formed in Seattle. At first the band kept their identity hidden, however this became impossible when touring began.
The band signed with Solid State records and recorded their first album.
Self Titled
On October 22nd 2002 DH released their first full length studio album (self titled). It was a short record at about 40 minutes and 10 songs long but the sound was loud and aggressive.
Vocally the growls could be related somewhat to Slipknot. The guitars were brash yet technically sound and the drums were solid. A great first effort, it really showcased the band member's talent as many of them had put in their time in other bands to hone their skills.
Stand Outs: Through the Black, Turn your Back and Run, A Broken Upper Hand
Summer of Darkness
May 4th 2004 saw the release of DH's sophomore effort entitled Summer of Darkness. This album launched DH into mainstream success. Their music video for the song "Not Ready to Die" was a major success on MTV2's Headbanger's ball and "My Heartstrings come undone" was on the Resident Evil 2 soundtrack.
This album is incredible. It is a logical progression from their last album but the evolution in sound is amazing. The album is varied nicely so listening does not get repetitive. The album is very strong lyrically: take this line from "Less than Nothing" for example "I suffocate. I'm taking my life from first to last. All this hate is dragging my face through broken glass." It is descriptive and visual depicting the pain of hatred in a very real way.
Stand Outs: Beheaded, Annihilate the Corrupt, Beauty through the Eyes of a Predator
The Triptych
October 25th 2005 brought us the most recent release from Demon Hunter: The Triptych. Another solid outing by the DH boys; this album saw a new line up with the only surviving members being the Clark brothers.
Not as much progression in sound as I would like to see but none the less a good album. Again very heavy and powerful with cryptic lyrics and a deeper message but I would have liked to see more evolution in sound. Still a great listen.
Stand Outs: Not I, The Science of Lies, The Tide Begins to Rise
Beliefs
For those who are unaware Demon Hunter is an outspokenly Christian band. Their lyrics reflect deeper meaning based on their faith and their website continually professes the bands belief in God.
Now, I have no problem with this. I myself am a Christian and therefore take no issue with a Christian band. However, there has always been this glass ceiling for Christian rock and metal bands to have to breakthrough to get into the mainstream.
This is understandable seeing as in the past many of these bands have sucked. From poor musical quality to bad lyrics the overall image of Christian rock and metal has suffered ever since.
Today there is a light on the horizon as some of these bands are breaking through to a mainstream audience. Bands such as POD, As I Lay Dying, Dead Poetic, and Demon Hunter have shown that talent isn't based on your spiritual beliefs.
Now, don't get me wrong, there are many bands in Christian music that suck just as much as there are in the mainstream. What I am saying is that I am glad to see that bands, whether Christian or otherwise, are beginning to surface. Maybe it's the internet, which has provided easy access to virtually any band.
Whatever it is, I am glad to see it happen. Bands should be judged on their quality of music and not their spiritual beliefs.
Overview
With three albums under their belt and no end in sight, I see nothing but upside for these guys. They make great music that can stand on its own.
Verdict: Underhyped
Other Stuff
-On September 10th 2006 an episode of the Simpsons will air that will feature Metallica. Should be good for a laugh, I know the one where Homer performs at Lollapalooza always makes me chuckle. -Jonathan Davis is recovering quickly from his near fatal episode with a blood disease.
Good to here Jon. Glad this disease is "beating you down!" Get it!
Everyone's a critic
Hi. You printed my comment. awesome. Can I have my own column?
-Mike
Well, you did contribute a sentence, what the hell! But wait, this is the second comment of yours I have printed. I guess that makes you the editor now. Send me another comment you can run the whole damn site!
Look kid, I don't have ANY pull here whatsoever, if you want to write a column you have to submit a sample to Brandon Ratliff like everybody else.
I'm a consumer whore!
Newby's got a recap of the two UFC ultimate fight nights. UFC delivered some very good bouts this go around, check it out.
Matt Shoemaker has another edition of The Stuff you haven't heard up. This week he brings you three songs to check out. Good stuff.
Alright, here's wishing a happy 4th of July to all my American readers. To all of you other countries, it is just another day to reflect on all the reasons your particular country is inferior to the US of A!
God Bless America!
