Demon Hunter and Emery have a few things in common. Both bands are based in Seattle. Members of both bands identify as Christian. They even toured together in the 2012 Scream the Prayer Tour, and they are both signed to Christian label Solid State Records. But their unique sounds set them apart.
Demon Hunter formed in the Emerald City in 2000, led by brothers Don and Ryan Clark. After more than a decade, the Christian heavy metal band has sold over half a million records. Their hard-hitting songs “Someone to Hate” and “Dead Flowers” off their sixth album True Defiance contain more melody than previous releases. As vocalist Ryan Clark told Jesus Freak Hideout in a recent interview, “I hope that we’re seen as the guys that are still writing great music and standing true to our beliefs…I’m hoping our music really reaches people that feel a connection with what we do.” Rock out with Demon Hunter in Portland on the True Defiance Tour next Thursday, July 26th, at the Hawthorne Theatre. Tickets for the all-ages show are on sale now.
Emery formed in 2001 in South Carolina, but relocated to Seattle for the city’s music scene. In 2011, the band’s fifth studio album We Do What We Want was released, along with Ten Years, a compilation album. Their style of metalcore and post-hardcore include spiritual lyrics referencing their Christian faith. As vocalist/guitarist Toby Morrell explained, “Lyrically, I think this is our most personal, spiritual album. It talks about our faith and God, but it never gets too preachy, because it’s basically talking about me and things I’ve gone through.” The powerful songs “Scissors,” “The Cheval Glass,” and “The Curse of Perfect Days” best epitomize Emery’s profound mastery of blending their varying genre sounds. Rock out with Emery on Friday, July 27th at the Hawthorne Theatre in Portland and on Saturday, July 28th at El Corazon in Seattle. Tickets for the all-ages show are on sale now.
