Storm the Gates of Hell (Digital Album)

by

Demon Hunter

Edit

I waited a few days to review this album and let the tracks really sink in. I went back to previous DH albums and was struck with the originality and quality of this new release. DH 's writing and taking the extra time in the studio has paid off big time. There attention to detail really comes through. The tracks are a diverse mix of metallic riffs and dark melodies yet beautiful mix of metal/hardcore intensity.

Lyrically this album is there best work even bringing Bruce Fitzbugh from Living Sacrifice. Ryan Clark effortlessly alternating between throat-shredding screams and powerhouse rock vocals. DH does what I like best, bringing Melody that's often lacking in this genre.

The music is inventive and well thought out. The album's art is interesting particularly the way the booklet opens, and the back cover depicts the band wearing clerical collars.

Picking a favorite song is difficult. Very rarely will I purchase a CD with all the tracks so listenable.I can't stop listening to Carry Me down. Ryan stated in the DVD interview it was a song about how he saw his Funeral. It is a very powerfull and moving song. The DVD has about 20 minutes and features a documentary and the music video to Fading Away. I would think they would have put more on this DVD, another video perhaps.

This is one of those rare CD's you just can't stop playing. The songs are infectious to the point of obsession. My only complaint is that the album in my opinion is slightly overproduced. I like some of the electronics however I prefer a more organic sound. Some of the guitar work should have been left alone or used more (ex; a guitar solo in the middle of Thread of Light would have been perfect.

The DH team deserves accolades and success for there new CD. I'm unsure how they could top this new album, I just hope the boys have many more albums to bless us with.

Well, I must first point out that Demon Hunter was originally one of my favorite bands... not so much anymore.

Demon Hunter is renowned for bringing a certain brutality in mix with musical genius; songs that intertwine raging beats and screams with choruses that have great melodies and harmonies. They mix singing and screaming well... at least normally. Their material is generally balanced.

Not true with Storm the Gates of Hell. Here, there is no great balance in the CD's overall composition. The only fully brutal song is the opener: "Storm the Gates of Hell"... It seems I only play the CD's first 3 songs because they are the only ones that do not wholeheartedly disappoint. Every other song has potential, either on the brutal end OR the musical harmony end, but the balance seems to be shot in the face by the albums "sameness" (I won't even mention the awkward lyrics).

If you are looking for good metal... don't look here. Hopefully DH regains the balance they've lost in their last two albums.

Recommended for: people who like sing/scream mix, good musicianship

IF YOU ARE A FAN OF HEAVIER METAL- AVOID THIS CD!!!