Reviewed by Greg Sammons

The closest thing we'll ever get to a "Christian Slipknot". Depending on which mood I'm in I prefer each of Demon Hunter's albums to the other two! Each album has something different that grabs you, but all come from a solid base that draws comparisons with Slipknot in the mainstream and (a heavier version of) East West in the Christian scene. This release seems to have taken a bit more of a classic metal approach and a slightly less nu-metal one, also taking in more inspiration from the ever growing metalcore scene - although Demon Hunter have always had those hardcore roots to work from. Having said that this set offers more melodic moments than usual and hard music devotees looking for raw brutality may be disappointed. Personally I enjoy well produced metal and songs like "Undying" and "Fire To My Soul" manage to incorporate rasping edge whilst still maintaining a strong spiritual and lyrical dimension to their music. For pure atmosphere and quality, you can't get any better than the beautiful female vocals of the intro track "The Light That Guides Us Home" leading into "Not I" with dazzling instrumental dexterity and vocalist and lyricist Ryan Clark leading from the front with expert growls. Past devotees of Demon Hunter will enjoy this release. But for a better introduction to the band I would still point them to Demon Hunter's epic debut.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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