Because it embodies a particularly thorny contradiction -- pairing one of rock's most consciously rebellious genres with an institution fundamentally based on blind-faith obedience -- Christian metal has enjoyed startlingly infrequent success stories over the years. So infrequent, in fact, that an '80s group as lame as Stryper is still perceived as the defining Christian metal band (Creed don't count since they vehemently refuted any Christian ties, even while being shamelessly marketed to that market), nearly twenty years after their demise. Of course there's been no shortage of candidates vying for that dubious honor in the interim, and among the hopefuls to emerge in the early 2000s, arguably only Underoath have shown greater commercial appeal than the aptly named Demon Hunter. 2006's The Triptych is the Seattle natives' third opus, and it finds them investigating alternate styles of metallic expression with a sense of freedom they'd surely never dare question their religious beliefs with. This creative questing yields a few negative results when the likes of "Relentless Intolerance" and "Fire to My Soul" insist on abusing fairly outdated nu-metal devices (rapped vocals, rhythmic, bottom-heavy riffing, dissonant squalls, etc.); but the positive dividends far outweigh them thanks to tracks like "Not I," "Undying" and "The Soldier's Song," which deal in much more relevant melodic metalcore tricks (big choruses, big breakdowns, big melodies, and alternating clean and growled vocals). Even risky reaches into softer realms such as "Deteriorate" (an Incubus-like number mixing discreet electronics with harsh shades of light and heavy) and "The Tide Began to Rise" (a surprising ballad built on acoustic guitars, strings and piano) are rather confidently executed; and you've got to hand it to them for a well chosen, rather surprising cover of Prong's "Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck." It's also a matter of no small consequence that Demon Hunter choose their lyrics wisely throughout this set, keeping them more elliptical and metaphoric than most Christian metal bands, and greatly broadening their appeal as a result (even if it pisses off a few Christian zealots). And, ultimately, even if The Triptych's audacious diversity still rubs some close-minded listeners the wrong way, it probably bodes well for the band's future capacity to navigate heavy metal's ever-changing trends. [Apparently, fear of God didn't preclude Demon Hunter or their record label from fearing additional profits, and The Triptych was reissued barely one year after its original release with four bonus tracks (three acoustic versions and one remix), and a DVD containing music videos, bandmember interviews, a complete concert, and behind-the-scenes footage.] ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide
I have to wonder if reviewers of gangster rap ever critque the music on the life style it advocates. If the music/beat is good, and you occasionaly find some of the lyrics to hit home with you, no matter what the personal beliefs are of the artist, isn't that enough? The artist's beliefs really shouldnt be counted for or against them in critiquing their music. Demon Hunter just sounds awsome, period.
It's already been stated several times already but just to reiterate...this guy's review sucks!!! It doesn't even review the music itself. For example, nobody considers Stryper to be "the defining Christian metal band"; they were the first Christian metal band and they opened the doors to a lot of other genres of music deemed "un-fit" by the Christian community. That was Stryper's big claim to fame; that they could rock just as hard as any secular group of the time. Demon Hunter Rocks!!!
Eduardo, It intrigues me how you seem to think you are entitled to be so narrow-minded in critiquing the narrow-minded Christians. Most of your others reviews have been very insightful and informative. I wonder why this one is so different. Well it doesn't seem to have slowed down Demon Hunter at all. I'm glad they can handle such biting remarks.
p.s. Stryper? The paradigm for Christian metal? Really? Come now Eduardo...
ok, first off, this review sucks. i think weve all established that fact. and secondly, caitlin, how can u say a band sucks just because of what they believe in?? it doesnt effect their music at all, and almost all of demon hunters songs arent explicitly christian. but whatever, its your choice to hate a band as awesome as demon hunter.....
wow, this guy reviewing has some issues..
How "open minded" of him.. This isn't really a review is it? It's more of a personal opinion indirectly addressing his issues against God and those that follow Him..not very professional..
Demon Hunter is the reason why I really began to like Christian hardcore and still to this day is on of my personal favorites, the way their cd's are all basically different from one another, in the fact of spectrum of audience is truly impressive..
wow. cant even call this a review, its no more than a personal rant by this person who, in addition to having some unresolved issues, displays a pathetic lack of knowledge about the metal/hardcore scene, and demon hunters music. i have listened to a lot of hardcore music both christian and secular, and demon hunter is definitely the best i have ever heard. the way they bring all their musical elements together is truly amazing, and they have my utmost respect and admiration.
... their own prejudices while all the while painting grotesque caricatures of the "close minded christian zealots" who are no doubt the target demographic of such music.
It would really be great if music critics would critique *music* rather than the religious beliefs of the bands that play it. Take out all of the not so subtle jabs at Christianity and this review would be at least 1/3 shorter and 100% less obnoxious. There seems to be an underlying presupposition that regardless of how a metal album sounds, if the band is christian, it will automatically be a subpar imitation of "real" metal bands. What's astonishing is how blind critics like this one are to