The World Is A Thorn (by Demon Hunter)
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Artist: Demon Hunter
Album: The World Is A Thorn
Label: Solid State Records
To Be Released: March 9, 2010

Tracks

1. Descending Upon Us
2. LifeWar
3. Collapsing
4. This Is The Line
5. Driving Nails
6. The World Is A Thorn
7. Tie This Around Your Neck
8. Just Breathe
9. Shallow Water
10. Feel As Though You Could
11. Blood In The Tears

Review

I still hold Summer of Darkness as Demon Hunter’s best album, but that could be easily argued as the band has created amazing music since their début album. The World Is A Thorn is no exception, this album sounds amazing. Regardless of how many records they have out Demon Hunter continues to follow the same pattern – that is – opening their album with a heavy and fast track. “Descending Upon Us” does just that. Demon Hunter also continues to invest on the formula heard on previous albums – a combination of heavy songs, melodic choruses, and Ryan’s screaming vocals that keeps the fans coming back record after record. Long coming fans will be glad to hear songs such as “LifeWar” and “The World Is A Thorn”, and “Tie This Around Your Neck” that are especially heavy and continue to display the band’s signature sound. Some slower, melodic tracks such as “Driving Nails” and “Blood In The Tears” are also present in this record.

The World Is A Thorn is also strong on its lyrics as the band continues to openly speak out their beliefs. “The album title refers to the often harmful and destructive world that we live in,” explains Clark. “Most of the songs deal with the current state of the nation and the world as a whole. In particular, the lyrics take aim at the ideals of a godless people and the depletion of our morals and values.” The sixth track, “The World Is A Thorn”, clearly shows the central theme of this album. “…Won’t bow to man. Won’t bow to government. Won’t trust in a failed system of self-fulfilling lust. Won’t love a world where my God is mocked. I defy.” Furthermore the song “Collapsing” is a good example of how the band portrays the decay of society, “I, I know the light is burning dim and dying in you. I know the pain that lies within. I feel it too… Collapsing in on yourself. I don’t know why I try”. The lyrics are not necessarily deep, but rather straight to the point. Nevertheless it will challenge you to think, or at least help you to keep an open mind.

The World Is A Thorn is definitely another great album to add to your Demon Hunter’s collection. It has enough heavy songs to keep you banging your head for months, and a lot of content to digest. So do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of “The World Is A Thorn” when it comes out, and support the band by going to see them in concert.


*The World Is A Thorn (by Demon Hunter) was added on February 1st, 2010

Reviewed by Dan
Daniel is a music lover, a designer and web developer. He current resides in Philly, but he is always on the move.



2

COMMENTS

Sent by: Dan
March 11th, 2010 03:54 pm

Yes, there are some songs that sound somewhat different from previous records, but overall I think the changes have been small. I read a couple of other good reviews too.


Sent by: James
March 11th, 2010 12:04 pm

I have read this and other reviews, and I don’t understand why there are those reviewers who can’t stand this album. But, then again, even though the band has made some stylistic changes in their sound, most of it is because they are still trying to mesh with their THREE new bandmates, especially when one of the three that left was the lead singer’s brother. Give them a break people! They still sound great, and I have to greatly disagree with a review I read on another website where they said that those few fans who hoped that this album would be better were going to just give up on them. I am a true fan of DH, and I think that this album sounds great. If a band can’t change and evolve, then what makes them great? And to those who say that Ryan Clark’s screaming is forced, tell me how do you not force out a scream or growl? His screaming just sounds different because rather than shrieking or sounding like nails on a chalkboard, he actually tries to sound relatively understandable and good. And I think he pulls it off very well.


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