After 4 studio albums, 1 live album, a documentary DVD, and extensive touring, you might think that the fire would slowly fizzle out. Demon Hunter has proven this to be untrue, and has showed us, yet again, why they continue to be one of the most popular metal bands in both the christian and secular realm. In September of 2007, Demon Hunter wowed audiences and critics alike with Storm The Gates of Hell. Now, after two and a half years, Ryan Clark, Jon Dunn, and Yogi Watts, have been joined by newcomers Ryan Helm and Patrick Judge, to release The World Is A Thorn.
First thing you should know is that this isn’t your typical Demon Hunter release. When Ryan released a statement saying this was going to be the “hardest and most melodic Demon Hunter release ever”, he couldn’t have explained it better. The guitars are polished, the drums are faster, and the message couldn’t be clearer. From the opening guitars in Descending Upon Us, to the closing strings of the Driving Nails(String Mix) on the Deluxe Edition, Demon Hunter proves why they are still one of the best metal bands today.
Too often, christians toe the line, and more often than not, step right over it. This Is The Line is DH’s response to that line. The battle that is being fought isn’t only against the physical, but the supernatural as well. Perhaps the most personal song on the album is Driving Nails, about how the choices that we make and how or life turns out can feel like nails being driven in to our souls.
Other Notable Tracks: Collapsing, Just Breathe, Shallow Water
The progression that Demon Hunter has shown since their first album is staggering. Growth is something that many bands struggle to display, much less achieve. Demon Hunter proves that its possible. The future continues to be bright for Demon Hunter. This is a must have album for any Demon Hunter fan, or metal fan for that matter.
9.5/10
Review by Wes Brawner of RockTheCross.net