Demon Hunter – The World is a Thorn
There’s something…different about this new Demon Hunter. Maybe it’s just been so long since I’ve delved into their music (to be honest, the last of their albums I gave more than a second spin to was Summer of Darkness) but this doesn’t feel like the Demon Hunter I know. It’s voracious, angry, and dark. It grips by the throat and doesn’t let go even as you’re begging for release. Don’t take that as evidence long-term fans shouldn’t like this. Oh, they should. This is Demon Hunter at their evolutionary peak, an amalgam of every iteration, every sound they’ve committed to 0’s and 1’s and it’s fantastic.
I am aware of the many changes the band has undergone since they first appeared on This is Solid State eight years ago, but every album has generally stuck to the “legacy” style. Not this one so much. Perhaps it’s the infusion and growth of the more recently joined members. Perhaps it’s the evolution of the scene in general (and a friendly competition with fellow-Christian metal stalwarts Living Sacrifice). Regardless, it only takes one listen to the title track to realize that Demon Hunter is coming out of the gate swinging on The World is a Thorn.
Many parts of this album remind me a lot of Soul Embraced’s later efforts (when they dropped the death metal schtick for a more balanced sound). Many more parts of this album remind me of Embodyment’s first album (a perfect mix of heavy and light/melody). With Clark still belting out the vocals, just about all parts of this album remind me of everything else Demon Hunter’s done. And then, there’s the slight feeling (very slight) that I’m listening to a Mushroomhead album. Clark’s yells and spoken parts do favor Jeffrey Nothing’s and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Song structure is similar to past efforts. Heavy parts (solos, growling, gang shouts, chugs, chromatic runs) interspersed with lighter melodic parts (singing, synths, pads, pianos, violins). Some of these songs, however, are absolutely brutal, and frankly took me by surprise. I had never heard, as far as I could remember, songs as heavy as “Shallow Water,” “The World is a Thorn,” and “Just Breathe” on any other Demon Hunter album. Color me pleasantly surprised.
I know I usually mention production here, generally by instrument. I’ll save that seeing as this is mixed about as perfectly as it can be. Everything’s in its own range and nothing beats out anything else. The only negative aspect of this album is its inability to make the synth and various vocal filters fit in. It’s done sparingly but it’s a bit distracting when it comes.
If you like Demon Hunter, you will like this album. That’s a given. If you’ve stayed away from them for a while (I’m guilty of that) because you felt they strayed a bit from the first couple of albums, go ahead and get this. It’s heavy and yet it still maintains the facets of Demon Hunter’s sound that makes them more accessible. It’s a beautiful combination of old and new. You’ll enjoy it. Just trust me on this one.
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9 Comments
March 7th, 2010 at 11:17 am
As much as it pains me to say this, I was not impressed with this CD at all on the first listen through. Now this is coming from a guy who has their logo tattoo'd on my right calf, so you can say, I was a HUGE fan at one time but this CD just feels like its lacking something and I think I know what it is. Its no longer both the Clark Brothers and to me, they are what made this band. Maybe I need to listen to it a few more times but as of now…..I am disappointed.
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Luke Amos replied:
March 17th, 2012 at 6:55 am
Agreed. I may not have a DH tattoo, although I’d be lying if I said I never considered it, but I do consider myself a huge fan. This album is a bunch of meh for me.
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March 8th, 2010 at 11:02 am
I'd have to agree with you at this point, I_am_geek. At this point, i'm also a little dissappointed in this latest effort. I can't help but wonder, though, if it isnt a case of being overly anticipated. I'll give it a few more spins before making a final judgement of the cd.
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March 9th, 2010 at 9:23 am
Even though my musical critiquing skills amount to the answer you get when you divide by zero, I must say that the beginning of the album seems to promise an epic journey that will be aggressive, brutal and in your face. I was expecting a more fiery conviction with their lyrics and more… harmony/melody mixed in. I guess its just not what I was use to from their previous. Perhaps I gave into all the hype surrounding it and that is what led to my let down. Don't get me wrong, the album found its way into my favored playlist, and into the cd player of the car, but I have no problems changing it once I play it through. I still prefer Triptych or Storm The Gates of Hell.
I am still very thankful for the disc.
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March 9th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
Good review and good rating. Pretty much spot on. I am not disappointed…
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June 23rd, 2010 at 1:40 pm
This is the first cd ive ever heard where the first 7 songs in a row stuck with me and are absolutely standout. Love this cd. Great review.
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July 6th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
I am going to disagree with your review. I really gave this album a shot…twice. It just does not seem focused enough to me.
I really haven’t enjoyed this band all that much since summer of darkness.
Still, good review.
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July 6th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
This was my 2010 AoTY. Each one of the songs on this album have been my favorite at some point, and they’ve all been stuck in my head for who knows how long.
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March 17th, 2012 at 6:54 am
This is my second least favorite Demon Hunter album (the least favorite being the self-titled). Although “Tie This Around Your Neck” is awesome. Other than that most of the songs seemed forgettable for me. Even though that hurts me to say as a long time Demon Hunter fan.
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