Hunter is a heavy metal band from Belgium. Hunter isn't post metal or thrash metal or doom metal, even if it could be all of the above. As traditionalists, they just say "heavy metal" so that it covers all bases. In 2016, these five experienced musicians joined forces to form one giant megazord of crushing metal. In 2019, they released their self-titled debut album. Since then, Hunter operates outside of definable subgenres and stereotypes. A combined century of heavy metal training and all sorts of influences come together as a mighty roar that sounds like the 80s have just met the no-holds-barred 21st century.
Rebel Angels Rise brings you a barrage of pure metal with a variety of influences, highs and lows, speed and slows, screams and grunts, sizzling riffs and twin solos. Hunter's second album shows maturity in song writing. They've taken some adventurous choices: more melody here, more thrash there. Maybe a wink to classic rock somewhere else. While always clearly Hunter, always rooted in traditional metal, the seven songs are different, taking you from one setting to another, to keep you hooked from start to finish.
Wicked starts with an old school 80’s vibe and sharp screams. If you are a fan of old school heavy metal you’ll be very happy with this one! I like the tempo and the global sound. The guitar play is excellent! I would have kept the song a bit shorter, but hey that is my personal statement about it. Lyrically we can say that Wicked is an indictment against those who take advantage of the weak, against the imbalance. The age-old question of why it seems that the wicked lead better lives. The sneer of the vocals is as sharp as the riff and invites the listener to literally join the attack.
The Forgeheralds the end of times. Opening with a majestic intro that trumpets from Olympus, the painful outcry of man follows: he discovers man is not the chosen one. Mankind is not blessed or protected by the gods. No matter how willing they are to spread that message, reality will throw them back into the fire they were forged in. As the ceremonious choir ascertains: we are forged in the fire of the gods. (But ashes to ashes, dust to dust...). Music wise I can say I hear some Iron Maiden influences. The mix between clean singing and sharp screams keeps it interesting, just as the part with the high notes in the vocals (and shows how good they actually are). It’s also clear I can hear the symbiose between the bandmembers, elevating each other to a higher level!
The title track, Rebel Angels Rise, is the demonic counterpart of The Forge: we have all fallen down to Hell, we've been banished from paradise. But as the victorious, optimistic melody of Rebel Angels Rise suggests: we decide not to accept this fate. A sing-along song about a challenge accepted. If not for victory, then revenge. The tempo is not so fast and I miss a bit the holy fire within, but I adore the relance and the global retro sound.
Requiem tells the story of a man who doesn't believe in life after death, and realizes as he dies, he was wrong. After an acoustic intro (a magical and very beautiful momentum and makes me wander why not record a ballad) that announces his self-doubt, he finds himself on the other side of the grave. He pleads with the prophet of the Hunter to grant him a true, final death. He speaks in languages forgotten, where symbols open portals between worlds. Tribal drums accentuate his pounding on closed doors "that only turn for gold", and open chords welcome his realization that the day of ultimate wrath will come. Eventually. The end is all powered up and should be a great one to perform on stage!
Knight of the Black Rose, part 2 continues the story that started on Hunter's debut album: the story of Lord Soth from the Dragonlance books. A threatening riff introduces the sadistic and evil intent of the dark knight, and the melody and almost spoken word verses make you part of the conspiracy, as the knight is taken to court for his crimes. As he escapes, he seeks council at the altar of the god Paladine. The listener is swept from a mean knight to a remorseful, praying knight in both music and text. Paladine who gives the knight one last chance: to ride out and confront the King Priest of Istar. The song is not bad at all, just had a hard time keeping the focus.
Suffocate is one of those songs that had a one word chorus long before the rest of the song was written. It's probably no wonder that it was written during the COVID lockdown. The fast rhythm and breakneck speed riff inspired lyrics of an eternally tortured man waiting for death to relieve him. Take a breather during the bridge before going into a final verse at a furious pace. A song that truly shows off Hunter's musicality and talent. This one has to become a single and is worth getting a clip too!
Morior Invictus was written after a year that seemed to be defined by death. A year where loved ones and close ones died. Mourning is a depression unthinkable that led to finally finding the lyrics to this eternal instrumental piece, but let's end on a positive note: "maybe time does heal all wounds". The music sounds well and you can feel that the singer knows what the lyrics are about and sings it from the deep of his heart. The song also has a lot of variety (tempo, sound, feel, …).
Dominion MMXXIII: as a bonus track, Hunter re-recorded Dominion, the opener of the first Hunter album. Nice to hear this newer version and feel the energy! It’s a good one to close the album.
I’m pretty sure their live shows will be great with these new tracks! Enjoy and spread the word!
More about this band can be found at:
Release show:
02.09.2023 BE, Gentbrugge @ JH Asgaard
https://www.facebook.com/events/1438612356538380
