I don't know if you remember my disertation on Disturbed's new release "10,000 Fists." I had a rather cynical view on their "call to arms" so to speak. I wondered about how their rebellion
merely conformed them to the world (the epitamy of status quo).
I was feeling kind of depressed and angry that so much talent was being wasted.
Well, soon I picked up Demon Hunter's new release "The Triptych." I loved their second album "Summer Of Darkness," but "The Triptych" didn't strike me as very great (with the exception of a few songs). It kind of sat by while I listened to other albums.
There comes a time after I get an album where I try to sit down and have a concentrated listen while reading the lyrics along the side. I did so with "The Triptych" and Project 86's "...And the Rest Will Follow," last night. I was blown away by Demon Hunter's lyrics on this one. They're not terribly clever, but their message hit a note with me.
Even though "The Triptych" was released pretty much at the same time as Disturbed's "10,000 Fists", it seemed like an answer.
Demon Hunter speaks in direct contrast to Disturbed. This too is an album about war and rebellion, only the rebellion truly is against the world: righteousness. The entire album is filled with songs that are meant to strengthen our resolve and our faith. It unabashedly states that there are those who mean to hurt us, ensure our failure, and turn us away fom God. They tell us over and over again to hold on, even when we feel defeated and that we don't have answers, that God is above the world's petty attacks on him. He is on our side.
Ribcage addresses the fact that we often undergo suffering for God's sake and for righteousness. It kind of complains about it a bit, then the chorus launches into a message from God similar to what he said to Job. God reminds us, "I'm the One who knew this pain." God's been through it all. He knows everything about what it is to be human.
On the last track, "The Tide Began To Rise," we find the speaker at his wits' end. He feels spent, like he can't go on. "If this is all the love my spirit can give, just take it back tonight, there is not a reason more to live." Basically saying that this world is so hard to live in that he wants God to bring him home. If our purpose on earth is finished then there is no use in putzing around, let's go home.
I must admit, I've prayed this prayer before, which reveals the unsaid hope in the song: I'm still here, therefore God still has a lifetime of miracles ahead of me. And no matter what sufferings I might face, he's there right beside me, doing what he does best: Showering me with love.
