Happy anniversary to DEMON HUNTER's The World Is a Thorn!

Demon Hunter

The World Is a Thorn

Solid State

March 9, 2010

Wikipedia shows March 9, 2010 as the release date. It is the fifth studio album by the American metal band Demon Hunter. Produced by Aaron Sprinkle and mixed by Jason Suecof, the album features a shift in the lineup, marking the only appearance of rhythm guitarist Ryan Helm. Musically, the band described the release as their most aggressive yet melodic work to date, blending their established metalcore sound with additional metal influences and guest vocal appearances from Björn "Speed" Strid (Soilwork), Christian Älvestam (Solution .45, Scar Symmetry, etc.), and Dave Peters (Throwdown). Some people see the record's lyrical themes, written by frontman Ryan Clark, focus largely on the defense of Christian convictions within a modern secular society, as reflected in the title track and the lead single "Collapsing." Visually, the album is notable for its intricate cover art created by Dan Seagrave, the legendary death metal album cover artist. The World Is a Thorn debuted at number 39 on the Billboard 200, representing the band's highest chart position at that point in their career. 

If you are interested in the lyrics, to the understanding of some critics, the album, while not explicitly preaching, taken together with the band's own statements give a conceptual framework. "The World Is a Thorn" express non-conformity to the ideals of the world: "Won’t bow to man / Won’t bow to government / Won’t love a world where my God is mocked," refusing to align with secular or "modern" world. "Tie This Around Your Neck" tackles the idea that human beings are their own gods and that they do not need God, as a self-destructive lie, according to the band. Additionally, with the world as a thorn, the band puts the Christian faith as one of endurance and preservation of values in an environment made to choke out faith.

The album has a total running time of 41 minutes and 34 seconds. It opens with "Descending Upon Us," followed by the aggressive "LifeWar" and the lead single "Collapsing," (see the video below) which features Björn "Speed" Strid of Soilwork. The middle of the album is "This Is the Line," "Driving Nails," the fast-paced title track, and "Tie This Around Your Neck." The final portion features further guest appearances, including Christian Älvestam (ex-Scar Symmetry) on "Just Breathe" and Dave Peters of Throwdown on "Feel as Though You Could," and then the last two tracks are "Shallow Water" and the melodic closer "Blood in the Tears."

Musically, I see the album as the converging of American and European metal currents into that journey, that quest that is Demon Hunter. There is quite a bit of variety! If I had to label the album, I thik I would say that it is melodic death metal, more than anything.

Demon Hunter - Collapsing Official Music Video