Rough Edge: Demon Hunter CD Reviews

DEMON HUNTER

"Storm the Gates of Hell" (Solid State Records; 2007)

Demon Hunter are Christian metalcore and they hail from Seattle, Washington. The band was started by two brothers. They have more of a Christian metal sound on this disc than on their previous three. I think a lot of people dismiss Christian metal as less than true when it comes to the music but I feel that if you really want to hear the music you will on this disc. The message is about Christ but it's not presented in a way that waters down the brutal music that surrounds each track.

The approach to the vocals on this disc was a departure where Ryan Clark stood on the last few discs and moved around the studio. This time he sat crouched and delivered from a middle ground. His vocal style is aggressive on the tracks where a machine gun guitar and drums are present. He has a great singing voice and when the more melodic metal song emerges you can hear his talent on full display.

The guitar has a kick-punch sound and many of the songs have solos that fit perfectly within the song. There are some aggressive tracks that just beat the crud out of your eardrums. I tend to lean more toward the metal tracks because I can hear the message and enjoy the music a little better.

Fans of metalcore, Christian metal and nu-metal will something to like while listening to Demon Hunter. They aren't preachy -- nobody likes that -- but they do rock and, if you're reading Rough Edge, then you know it’s a requirement!

Demon Hunter: Ryan Clark – Vocals; Don Clark—Guitar; Ethan Luck -- Guitar, Lap Steel; Jonathan Dunn—Bass Guitar; Timothy "Yogi" Watts—Drums.

For more information, check out http://www.demonhunter.net/.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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