February 20, 2008 - Recently we chatted with Ryan Clark frontman of Demon Hunter and below is what he had to say to us.

Demon Hunter

FES : What can you tell us about Storm The Gates Of Hell?

Ryan: We recorded the album in 5 weeks here in Seattle with producer Aaron Sprinkle, who has worked on all of our previous records. Machine, who had also mixed The Triptych, mixed STGOH. We had more fun recording this record than we ever have in the past. We were more prepared for this record than ever before, so that allowed us to take our time in the studio and put extra attention into the details.

FES : Can we get your take on what the songs "Carry Me Down," "Fading Away" and "Storm The Gates Of Hell" are about?

Ryan: “Carry Me Down” is a flash-forward to my funeral. It’s written as a sort of last love letter to my family and friends. It sounds morbid, but the true purpose of the song is to give a feeling of hope and peace in death.

“Fading Away” is about finding yourself straying from what’s important in your life. In my case, it’s my relationship with Christ. Everyone finds themselves taking things in their life for granted, and this song is about that realization, and longing for things the way they were in the past.

“Storm The Gates Of Hell” is an anthem for like-minded individuals. It’s essentially a fight song against the evils of the world and a pledge to stand in adversity to a world exempt of value and moral.

FES : How did Demon Hunter decide which songs will be released as singles?

Ryan: After we had a chance to sit with the songs for a bit, we basically had a vote. The band, as well as some of our friends, our manager and our label all decided which songs made the most sense to release as singles first.

FES : How important is it to Demon Hunter to incorporate positive messages into your songs?

Ryan: It’s extremely important, although, a generally “positive” message isn’t enough. There is too much room for question in a message that says, “Believe in yourself” or “you can do it.” Demon Hunter claims to actually offer a be-all, end-all solution- one that dwells outside of one’s self. Our songs are written from a Christian perspective, and we don’t offer it as an option, we offer it as the solution. I don’t believe in relativism or the subjectivity of God or Christ.

FES : Do you know when "Carry Me Down" video will be released and does Demon Hunter have any other videos planned?

Ryan: We don’t have any other videos planned at this time, but Carry Me Down should be out very soon.

FES : Two weeks before 'Storm The Gates Of Hell' was officially released the album was leaked onto P2P networks. Does it bother you that some Demon Hunter fans will download your album off of these networks instead of buying it?

Ryan: I think I can rely on the true fans to buy the album. If someone loves the band, but they don’t buy the records, then I don’t see them as true fans. The ones that download it and never buy it, they misunderstand what it means to love a band. Yes, it bothers me to a degree, but I’m not too naïve to think that it’s not becoming more and more commonplace.

FES : Do you feel there's a stigmatism against Christian bands that make some people feel Christians cannot be in metal orientated bands?

Ryan: Yea, there are plenty of metal “purists” that may believe that way. We’re here to prove that metal cannot have rules, and if it does, we won’t follow them. We will gladly be the stain on the metal scene. Better than being the blind sheep.

FES : When can we expect to see Demon Hunter playing shows in Florida?

Ryan: Soon. Promise.

FES : Will Demon Hunter play Cornerstone Festival this year in Illinois and/or Florida?

Ryan: All of our tour dates will be released VERY soon.

FES : When the band plans its next tour will the high cost of fuel prohibit Demon Hunter from playing shows in areas it might normally tour in if gas were not so expensive?

Ryan: No.

FES: Can you give us a sneak peak of what Demon Hunter's next tour will be like by telling us what the first and last songs played will be and how often will Demon Hunter change them?

Ryan: But that would kill the anticipation, now wouldn’t it?

FES: Do you prefer Demon Hunter's music be sold as CD's or sold as digital audio tracks at online sites?

Ryan: Ha. I’m a graphic designer. Physical product is not only superior in sound quality, but the visual accompaniment is imperative. We cater to collectors and fanatics, because that is who we are. We aren’t concerned with casual listeners.

FES : Will Demon Hunter ever consider releasing a live CD or DVD?

Ryan: Can’t say at this point.

FES : Can you describe Demon Hunter to us using five (5) or less words?

Ryan: True. Intense. Diverse. Strong. Beautiful.

FES : How important do you feel online publications such as Florida Entertainment Scene are in helping to get the word out about bands such as Demon Hunter?

Ryan: I think the internet and all avenues therein are incredibly helpful in promoting bands and events.

FES : Do you have anything to say to Demon Hunter fans who read this interview?

Ryan: We love you guys!

FES : Ryan, thank you for your time. I wish Demon Hunter much success.

Ryan: Thanks.

Demon Hunter is from Seattle, WA.

Demon Hunter Is:
Ryan Clark - Vocals
Don Clark - Guitar
Ethan Luck - Guitar
Jonathan Dunn - Bass
Timothy "Yogi" Watts - Drums

For more band information log onto the official Demon Hunter Website.

Check out the Demon Hunter Page at Myspace.

Musician Interview by Michael Montes – Copyright © 2008 Florida Entertainment Scene – All Rights Reserved.