It makes me sad to know just how little recognition these guys get in the world of heavy metal. I first discovered this band when I heard “My Heartstrings Come Undone” on the “Resident Evil: Apocalypse” soundtrack. When I first picked up this CD, I was a little skeptic, but after listening to it I discovered it was well worth my money. Here are the track reviews:
“Not Ready To Die” is a perfect track to start off this CD. The song starts with some fast paced beats followed soon after by a crushing guitar riff. Ryan Clark then steps in with a very Slipknot-like growl, but with a more presentable force. When the chorus kicks in, Ryan Clark proves first hand that he is definitely one of the best clean vocalists in Christian Black Metal. The lyrics are also a peace of work in itself. One of the best songs on this CD. (5/5)
“The Awakening” immediately bursts into a beautiful chorus with spontanious riffs throughout the song. Although the layout of the song flows a little off, overall it is a good track, but still no where near the best on the CD. (3.5/5)
“Beheaded” is one of the heavier tracks, with no clean vocals. Overall it is a good track, however, the chorus gets a little repetitive at times. The beginning riffs are very impressive and drum work is really good on this track. (3/5)
“My Heartstrings Come Undone” is the only real acoustic track on this album, but it is a good one. Starting off with a steady guitar tone, it quickly goes into a moderately soft guitar riff and drum beat. Ryan Clark’s clean vocals fit perfectly with the druggy atmosphere this song gives. Another highlight track on this CD. (4.5/5)
“Our Faces Fall Apart” starts off with a slow but steady beeping sound as a guitar riff sounds in the background, and then bursts into a blast of quick riffs as Ryan Clark delivers some Slipknot-style vocals. Ryan Clark also proves on this track just how devastating his growls can be. His clean vocals are also good on this track, juts not as strong as some other tracks. (4/5)
“Less Than Nothing” begins with strong, almost electronic riffs that quickly ascend into one of the best songs on this album. Although some of Ryan’s growls are a bit muffled in this track, he makes up for it in the chorus. If this track were a bit longer, it would prove to be the best track on the album next to “I Play Dead”. (4/5)
“Summer Of Darkness”, the album titled track, starts off with silence, and then a deep voice in the background growling haunting words, and then bursts into a powerful guitar riff. There is not much to say about this track other then it’s good chorus. (3.5/5)
“Beauty Through The Eyes Of A Predator” starts off silent, but then Ryan Clark comes in screaming ‘I’m not the only one who can’t see why it crossed your mind!’ and the riffs kick in. This song takes a minute or two to really pick up, but ends up being one of the better tracks on the album. (3.5/5)
“Annihilate The Corrupt” has a very strong beginning riff that is followed closely by a scathing drum line. Although Ryan’s voice is a little muffled in this song as well, again, he makes up with the chorus, going at a slightly higher octave with his clean vocals then usual. (4/5)
“I Play Dead” is by far the best track on this entire album, and that says a lot. Starting off with some short riffs and beats, Ryan Clark comes in with his beautiful clean vocal style as he sings some of the best lyrics ever written. He then jumps into his growls as he goes into screaming about his angst and pain. The chorus is a peace of work in itself, when Ryan screams ‘I won’t leave without a trace, I won’t be erased’, he touches something personal deep within me that I alone would know about. This song is by far probably the best heavy metal song ever written and played, but then again I guess that’s just my opinion. (10/5)
“Everything Was White” is very similar to “Our Faces Fall Apart” and “Less Than Nothing” balled up together. Although not a standout track, this song has a very good drum line and some of it’s riffs are really impressive, but Ryan Clark sadly doesn’t use his full potential in this song. (3/4)
“Coffin Builder” is an almost pure death metal track, very similar to “Beheaded”, although much more musically in tuned with environment that they are trying to create with the lyrics and vocals. Good song, but not a stand out track. (3.5/5)
“The Latest And The Last” ends this album on a very good note. Although this track is good, it is not aligned as well the other tracks. Ryan’s vocals are a lot better on this track then on “Everything Was White”, but this track lacks a lot of the intensity and emotion that Demon Hunter usually has, especially on this album. (3/5)
And thus is my second review on my second favorite album. Album overall rating (4.5/5)
