Demon Hunter: True Defiance

Release Date: April 10, 2012
Genre: Metal
Rating: 9.5/10

Demon Hunter, the band that first introduced me to Christian metal, has released their new and explosive album True Defiance. This album, to me, seems like an improved version of their 2005 album The Triptych. You will find that it is a lyrically powerful album, but it's not their absolute best. Any metal junkie, though, can appreciate True Defiance and should have some of their new music on their playlists. Regardless of the loss of Ryan Clark's brother as a member, they were still able to create a powerful and impressive work of musical art.

To kick it off, "Crucifix" has a great beat, a quick tempo, and the same thrashing guitars that dominated their last album The World Is A Thorn, my first metal album. The lyrics are very in-your-face, and the chorus is catchy. The one thing, though, that makes the song appealing to listen to is the meaning behind the lyrics. The whole song is about the corruption of the world being carried by Jesus and left on the cross where He died for our sins. I enjoy listening to the song because it is a reminder of how God sent his son to die for me and I know that all of my sins are "Embodied on a crucifix." The next song also may seem to be lacking in redeeming lyrical value is "God Forsaken." At first look, I can see how it can be misleading. My favorite lyrics in this entire song are in the bridge, and I think they do a good job of summing up the whole song: "When the Sovereign comes to me, I eclipse in the shadow's veil, killing all I ceased to be." I enjoy Demon Hunter more than most other Christian metal bands because of the thought they put into their lyrics. This song is definitely one of the more impressive tracks on True Defiance to me.

Aside from the lyrics of the album, the musical side of Demon Hunter is almost as impressive as the lyrics they write. "My Destiny" also does a great job of embodying the sound of the album. The clean vocals are one of my favorite parts of Demon Hunter, and this is one of my favorite songs by them in their whole music career. Also, Ryan Clark changed up his scream for this album, and it blends well with the song, but it has to grow on you. Make sure if you only listen to a few songs on this album that you check out "My Destiny." Ryan Clark, in the interview we held with him, said that it is his favorite song on True Defiance. Also, "Tomorrow Never Comes" is a fantastic song from a musical perspective. I love the instrumentals; they fit the clean vocals well and everything blends well. I deeply enjoy this song from Demon Hunter because it shows how multifaceted they are musically. Their ability to create slow-paced songs on a largely metal-based album is something I admire.

Many of the slow-paced songs on True Defiance have captured my attention and have contributed to the high rating I have given this album. One that I find to stand out from the rest is "Dead Flowers" because of the quality sound expressed on songs on their past records, like "My Heartstrings Come Undone." I think this song is one of their best ever; it is lyrically deep and has quality instrumentals. It is a song any listener would enjoy listening to. Also, the most popular song on the album, "I Am A Stone" opens with violins and cellos, which I absolutely love. It reminds me of the string remix of the song "Driving Nails" because of the sound of the vocals and the unique string instruments played for listeners. Any listener would enjoy this song as well.

For people that enjoy more hardcore music from Demon Hunter, there is plenty on True Defiance. One that I find to be profound above the others is "Someone To Hate." The song has a good driving beat and has the same sound as the rest of the album, but the one thing that captured me was the lyrics. I believe, as a Christian, that some people will hate or despise you because you are walking on the right path. This song does a great job of expressing that, if you live the way God wants you to, you will be someone to hate; people will dislike you for no reason, and you'll have to face that.

Demon Hunter did a fantastic job with their newest album, and even though they have been around for a long time, they can still make good music. There is a great deal of musical genius in this album, even though it is a metal album. The lyrics are thoughtful as well, and have a lot of deeper meanings hidden throughout the tracks on the album. True Defiance may not be Demon Hunter's best, but they came very close to it.

Favorite Song: God Forsaken

Favorite Lyrics: "To my last breath, I am someone to hate." (From the song "Someone To Hate")

Tracklist:

1. Crucifix
2. God FOrsaken
3. My Destiny
4. Wake
5. Tomorrow Never Comes
6. Someone To Hate
7. This I know
8. Means To An End
9. We Don't Care
10. Resistance
11. Dead Flowers
12. What Is Left (Bonus Track)
13. I Am A Stone (Bonus Track)