Demon Hunter was initially conceived as a project band by the Clark brothers (Ryan and Don), who had played together previously in the initially Coalesce and Neurosis influenced but later more experimental band Training For Utopia. Ryan Clark had previously played guitar in Christian hardcore band Focal Point, who released an album on Tooth & Nail when Ryan was still in his teens.

An instantly iconic symbol (the skull of a dead demon with a bullet hole through its head) and an air of mystery fueled interest in Demon Hunter before they ever recorded a note of music. The brilliantly catchy and wonderfully metallic self-titled debut that followed more than delivered on that promise in 2002.

Demon Hunter's classic sophomore album, Summer of Darkness, boasted guest appearances from members of Killswitch Engage and other friends and contemporaries. A heavy blast of power, the album also featured the beautiful ballad "My Throat is an Open Grave," which has become a centerpiece at many fans weddings. It also spawned the single "Not Ready to Die," which was featured on the soundtrack to "Resident Evil: Apocalypse."

Demon Hunter's level of commitment to the quality and presentation of their music is matched only by their attention of detail to their packaging and overall aesthetics. The Clark's graphic design firm has been twice nominated at the Grammys in the design category. And their fans match their passion, proudly displaying their Demon Hunter tattoos in the "top friends" on the band's MySpace and other social networking websites.

Demon Hunter is an anomaly in today's heavy music scene, jettisoning fashionable trends and easily recognizable cliches in favor of traditional heavy metal power and melodic hooks. Storm The Gates Of Hell recalls the best of the genre's past, from Pantera, Metallica, Sepultura, Believer and Living Sacrifice (vocalist/guitarist Bruce Fitzhugh guests) while looking forward at the same time, pushing the envelope with flourishing keyboards and vocal highs.

These are dark times which call for dark, aggressive and heavy but ultimately uplifting and spirit-filled music to help power us through. Demon Hunter's powerful symbolism speaks to greater truths that are out there to investigate. It is time to conquer the darkness. It is time to Storm The Gates Of Hell.

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