Who is Demon Hunter? That is fast becoming the most complex question in the extreme metal genre. Going by the pseudonyms SGT, Arm, Johnny Gredal, Knuckles, and Kritter, we have no idea what is fact and what is fiction. There are rumors that members of ZAO, Living Sacrifice, Training for Utopia, and Project 86 are involved. And while photos have been released of the band, there is speculation as to whether or not the people in the photos even played on the record.
When I was given this assignment, I'd caught wind of a couple of the band members' real names. I was told by this publication to disclose any and all information I wanted to about this group; the magazine would stand behind me. I contemplated sharing what I know (or at least what I think I know). But after hearing the album, and still not really knowing for certain who's in the band, I realized how great it was for the focus to be on what was being played instead of who was playing it. I found myself shifting my attention more to the dynamics of the songs rather than envisioning particular people playing those tracks. And most importantly, I found myself focusing on the songs.
While Slipknot comparisons are to be expected, the songs are what set Demon Hunter apart. Yes, the music is intense and extreme. But that's where the similarities end. And while Slipknot depends on breakneck speed and all-out brutality, Demon Hunter has created incredibly memorable and appealing movements within the realms of chaos. A re-recorded version of "Through the Black" (originally appearing in demo form on This is Solid State Volume 3) is about as appealing and powerful as can be. "Turn Your Back and Run" merges rapid-fire verses with a deliberate and hook-laden chorus, only to turn on a dime and use a supernatural sounding keyboard to chilling results. And it would be difficult to find two extreme metal ballads (if you can call them that) as vastly sincere as "My Throat is an Open Grave" and "The Gauntlet."
The musicianship displayed is nearly inconceivable and tested beyond proficiency. A "little bird" told me the drummer that played on this album is in a prominent alternative band. If that is true, the vibrancy and technicality he displays here is nothing short of shocking, and a colossal change of pace from his day job.
Slipknot's masks, nondescript coveralls, and associated numbers with their names was done to take the focus off the image and to place it on the music. It didn't work for them. But Demon Hunter's ever beckoning query of membership keeps us guessing, and not only enhances the entire musical experience, it nearly is the experience.
Editors' ratings — Doug 4/5, David 3/5
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Vik BansalWith their continually changing line-up, refusal to name band members, and ambiguous press photos, Demon Hunter seem to be styling themselves as Christendom's answer to Slipknot. Frankly, one Slipknot in this world is one Slipknot too many, and such distractions, far from being "captivating", as Demon Hunter's own web-site puts it, are merely tiresome. Unfortunately, it appears that this is not…Similar sounding releases
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