Demon Hunter - The World Is A Thorn

Artist: Demon Hunter

Album: The World Is A Thorn

Release Date: 3/9/10

Label: Solid State Records

The World Is A Thorn marks the fifth studio album by Demon Hunter. With their heaviest sound to date, not to mention the hard hitting lyrics, this album is nearly perfect. Something noticeable on the album is the stellar guitar work, which pulls the heart wrenching growls and screams together with the melodic clean vocals.

The opening track "Descending Upon Us" already begins to show many of the much heavier elements on The World Is A Thorn. The short "LifeWar" tells a condensed life story and brings a march-like sound with its repetitive snare. The ballads on the album also come as a high point and are found in "Driving Nails" and "Blood In The Tears". The string section found on "Driving Nails" is excellent, accompanying the song nicely. "Blood In The Tears" isn't much different in sound, but lyrically differs from "Driving Nails".

Some excellent guitar work is found on "Shallow Water", with high pitched and screaming riffs. "Collapsing" also features a great solo and a guest appearance by Bjorn "Speed" Strid of Soilwork, which turns very nicely in the end.

Rating: 9/10 The World Is A Thorn is a monumental release for Demon Hunter, being their fifth studio album. With the hard hitting lyrics and melodic riffs and choruses of the album, The World Is A Thorn brings with it Demon Hunter's heaviest sound yet. I'm not the biggest metal fan myself, but this album is excellent.