"Anyone who ever thought Christian rock/metal was just P.O.D. and Creed are hugely mistaken. Those bands suck. Anyways, I've sort of been getting into Christian metal (since I'm a Christian myself). Pretty much, if you're Christian, or not for that matter, but don't like any of the mainstream Christian bands, well, let me introduce you to Demon Hunter.Simply put, Demon Hunter fxcking rocks. Whether you're Christian or not, these guys could appeal to anybody. Anyways, their sound, well, it's like a more melodic Slipknot. It's like if Slipknot decided to write about God, drop the whole 666 thing, and added more melody to their music, it would sound like Demon Hunter. The first track, "Screams of the Undead", begins with some effect, then the music kicks in and the vocalist screams his brains out. Another thing I noticed is that the singer has a very different voice when he sings. I was thinking during the chorus, "Is this the same guy?". "Infected" is the single, and it's some brutal stuff. Sort of reminded me of Killswitch Engage in some areas. The verses are brutal, with some insane guitar hooks and killer double bass, then goes into a melodic chorus. The last 20 sec. of the song is the best, especially the drummer, who goes nuts on his double pedal. Ready for a 360? With "My Throat Is An Open Grave", they go hard rock, and it sort of sounds like a mellower Tool songs. With no screaming at all, it's definitely the chill point of the record. "Turn Your Back and Run" is my favorite track. Right from the git-go, you're greeted with thunderous riffs, double bass action, and angry vocals. The chorus this time involves yelling: "Switch, you got to turn your back and run." Then once you hit the bridge, they throw a curveball by adding Cradle of Filth keys to the mix. Yeah, it's weird Cradle is mentioned on a Christian album review, but it's so spooky, that it would come from something like Cradle.So it sounds like a 5- star review, so what's the problem with it? Well, it's not heavy enough. It sort of seems like they put just enough gore in it to be labeled metal, while adding shxtloads of melody in the mix. The melodic parts great, but the screaming is flat out brutal. However, this is a great debut. Whether, you're Christian or no, this band deserves your attention. Their new album, Summer of Darkness, comes out in April. Get It!"
This is in response to the arrogance left by Joshua Tussing
Nathan McLachlan | Houghton, New York | 03/13/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First of all, I see where you're coming from in saying that this music cannot be Christian, however, if you'd try to look past assuming that Jesus has your personal musical biases and look at what the music is really saying.
Second, just because music is popular doesn't mean it can't be used to praise God. The anger and hate in this music is directed towards evil, not bringing praise to it. That doesn't mean this band thinks they can kill demons. They are quite aware that they cannot. They are showing how much against Satan and his follower's they are. Don't blame one band for the errors of other bands who play similar music.
Third, I realize you believe that you're standing up for Christ, but you actually are causing more dissension and hate than this music is. You are wrong to stubbornly assume that your personal musical tastes are God's. You can't know whether Jesus would smash this CD. You have no idea what the music in Heaven will be like. It could have many qualities in common with this music. It's going to be too glorious for us to express to one another here on earth what it will be like, so there's no way for you to know.
Finally, as it says in the Bible, you shouldn't use your tongue to bless God and curse man. Just because this music has qualities in common with worldly music does not make it wrong. All forms of music have been used to praise man and not God. That doesn't mean that it cannot be used to praise God. Unless God does not want us to listen to or play music at all, which cannot be the case if He gives us the ability to play it, and states His approval of it in His holy word.
Heavy metal music can be sinful, but all music can. That doesn't mean that it always is. Pride, on the other hand, is always sinful. Please try to let go of it. God bless you."
THIS BAND RAWKS!
MadScientist | 01/21/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You know it's a little disturbing that I hear about other Christians who don't think that this band is Christian because it's hard rock. They think that yelling and screaming into a microphone isn't Christian-like. Well let me ask you...when pastors are suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit do they not suddenly yell or shout? Also don't you feel the same way sometimes when you are filled? On another note...this band is extremely talented. I would love to go to one of their concerts. If you like heavy rock you shouldn't be disappointed with this band and please don't diss it because it's Christian."
Demon Hunter - incredible
Jonathan Martyn Needham | Bath, England | 09/24/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is amazing. It's not samey - there's much brutality coupled with genius songwriting and a varied showcase. This is such a good album the quality of production is well ahead of its time and the whole work just wants to make you scream with pleasure."
Clean vocals are catchy, I don't care who you are.
demon_eyes_kyo | NJ | 06/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hardcore and Metalcore are the greatest genres in rock, no question about it. But look at how many generic bands there are right now. You know why? Because none of them do anything to stick out from the rest. This is why Killswitch Engage is as big as they are. Awesome music with melody and a competant singer with tremendous vocal range from death metal growls to the best clean vocals I've ever heard. Jesse or Howard. Singing is not "selling out" or becoming lighter. The best songs are the intense screamers with melodic clean vocal parts. I'll never understand why so many HxC kids frown upon clean vocals, it makes for memorable songs.There is a reason for that rant. Demon Hunter is among those types of bands. And the result is a great album with memorable songs and awesome clean and dirty vocals. This shows that Demon Hunter is capable of Melody, ballads, great vocals, and grinding metal tracks. Lets see "Premonitions of War" try that. Another great band, but it all sounds the same, nothing sticks out. I would say that Demon Hunter is 70% metal/HxC + 30% Nu-metal. Think of Slipknot with way more melody and talent and no pointless trash can banging members. Well, if your looking for a band to enjoy as much as Killswitch Engage, look no further, pick this up and you will not be disappointed.Tracks:
1 - Pretty good opener, it took me awhile to like it, its not the best. 7/102 - Awesome HxC verse. Everything else is excellent also 9/103 - This is the single and the reason I got this album. The song is just awesome. Very Slipknot-like but much deeper and better. Awesome vocals, monsterous punch. 10/104 - This is why Demon Hunter is good. Name me another hardcore band with a heavy slow song with straight clean vocals. Everything is awesome about this song 10/10.5 - This song kicks the intensity back up after the slower song. The verses are good, they are 2 different verses. The pre-chorus is awesome and the chorus is excellent. I think the singer could have thought of a few more lines for the chorus though, as he only repeats one line through it. 9/106 - This is yet another awesome song. Very HxC and fresh. Parts that are repeated are done with a new twist each time which is awesome. The synths play a big part also. The breakdowns and double bass sound superb. 10/107 - This is a minute or so interlude of what seems to be a war, you can hear horses. Its okay but kinda pointless on a 10 track album. No music involved at all. Worst track on the album. 5/108 - Out of the actual songs this is probably my least favorite. Its still good, but I could never get into it. The opening riff is very nu-metal. 7/109 - The song is awesome as a whole. Very unique and cool parts in this song. The singing part sucks though. 8/1010 -This song is beautiful. It is lightly distorted on the guitar, The drums are light and the vocals are all clean. A very deep and slow song. Again, variety wins. Think of something like "Pink Maggot" (11) from The Deftones "White Pony" 10/10"