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By GREG MAKI
Your opinion of Demon Hunter likely will be influenced heavily by how much religion you want in your music. I don’t like to be beaten over the head by someone else’s beliefs, but there’s something refreshing about the frankness with which Demon Hunter presents its Christian faith. When so many other bands hide from the “Christian” label, the members of Demon Hunter appear on the back of their fourth CD, Storm the Gates of Hell, dressed as reverends.
Even if you aren’t on the same page with them spiritually, there is no denying that this band rocks. Musically, they are akin to bands like Killswitch Engage or As I Lay Dying in the way they blend metal and hardcore riffs with vocals both harsh and clean. These versatile musicians cover a lot of ground from the scorching title track to the radio-ready “Fade Away” to the ballad “Carry Me Down.” The highlight is the pummeling closer, “The Wrath of God.” Frontman Ryan Clark easily hops back and forth between vocal styles and the guitar playing is strong throughout, but it’s drummer Tim “Yogi” Watts who gives the record’s standout performance. Much of the album’s aggression and heaviness comes from his relentless playing.
Demon Hunter has steadily built its following over the last five years and sold more than 100,000 copies of its last album, The Triptych, in the United States. While I don’t envision Storm the Gates of Hell becoming a massive, crossover hit, I see no reason why won’t maintain the level of success they have achieved so far.
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