Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review




Demon Hunter
Summer of Darkness



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 13 tracks: 54 minutes, 45 seconds
Street Date: May 4, 2004


Demon Hunter is big. They've headlined their own tour, had huge success with their single "Infected" on the now defunct mp3.com, and they're one of the premier names in Christian hardcore. So what's next on Demon Hunter's list of things to do? Release a disc as stellar as their debut, of course.

That's right. All of the hype, all of the praise, and these guys only have one record to their name. But that no longer remains the case. So, is Summer of Darkness as loud, in-your-face, and passionate as their self-titled debut?

The disc opens with the explosive "Not Ready to Die." Ryan Clark screams and growls his way through the verses, before moving into more of a melodic tone as he chants "I'm not ready to lay. I'm not ready to fade. I'm not ready to die" during the chorus. The song, talking about getting life right before the end, has a dark tone, as does most everything Demon hunter has recorded. But optimism is far from lost, "If 33 years could save my life, I've had 23 more to make things right…I'm burning bridges for the last time. I'm breaking habits for the first time."

"Not Ready to Die" fades and "The Awakening" begins, continuing the "growling verses and melodic chorus" formula. "Beheaded" is much more aggressive and features a guest appearance from Michael Williams of The Agony Scene.

Continuing the tradition of one peaceful ballad among the havoc of the rest, "My Heartstrings Come Undone" somehow fits perfectly with the rest, as "My Throat Is an Open Grave" did on their self-titled album. This time around, the subject matter is a bit cryptic, however.

The rest of the disc is jam-packed with blaring guitar and Clark's screams (As well as another guest appearance. This time from Trevor McNeven of Thousand Foot Krutch and FM Static). But this entire disc seems a bit more laid back, if there is any way to say that properly. Most of the tracks will leave you wanting to catch your own breath, but melody is carefully instilled in opportune places to make this release more accessible to rock fans.

Still, if you didn't dig Demon Hunter's first try, you won't find much to like about this one either. But the rest of us will feel right at home in this Summer of Darkness.

- Review date: 05/10/04, written by Josh Taylor




(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

CD

Buy This CD Online


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: Solid State Records
. Album length: 13 tracks, 54 minutes and 45 seconds
. Street Date: May 4, 2004
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Not Ready To Die
  2. The Awakening
  3. Beheaded
  4. My Heartstrings Come Undone
  5. Our Faces Fall Apart
  6. Less Than Nothing
  7. Summer Of Darkness
  8. Beauty Through The Eyes Of A Predator
  9. Annihilate The Corrupt
  10. I Play Dead
  11. Everything Was White
  12. Coffin Builder
  13. The Latest And The Last
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images