Exile is the eleventh studio album by American Christian metal band Demon Hunter, released through their self-founded record label, Weapons MFG, and the band's first concept album. It was announced for release on September 9, 2022,[9] then delayed to October 28, 2022,[10] due to supply chain issues.[11]
Exile | ||||
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Studio album by | ||||
Released | October 28, 2022 | |||
Recorded | 2021–2022 | |||
Genre | Christian metal, alternative metal, groove metal | |||
Length | 62:48 | |||
Label | Weapons MFG | |||
Producer | Jeremiah Scott | |||
Demon Hunter chronology | ||||
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Alternate Cover | ||||
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Singles from Exile | ||||
Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Jesus Freak Hideout | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Background
editSix singles were released ahead of Exile, including "Silence the World", "Defense Mechanism", and "Godless", featuring vocals from Tom S. Englund (Evergrey) and Max Cavalera (ex-Sepultura, Soulfly),[12] and a guitar solo by Richie Faulkner (Judas Priest) respectively.[13] It marks Faulkner's first studio recording since suffering an aortic rupture and dissection and subsequent 10-hour surgery.[14] Among the track listing was a new recording of the song "Praise the Void", previously released in Demon Hunter's acoustic album Songs of Death and Resurrection a year prior. In conjunction with the album, a four-part comic series written by Ryan Clark was released, and in September the band embarked on an anniversary tour celebrating 20 years since their official debut.[15]
Chart performance
editThe album sold 6,400 copies in its first week, debuting at No. 200 on the Billboard 200, No. 1 of Top Christian Albums, No. 3 of Top Hard Rock Albums, No. 3 of Top Independent Albums, No. 4 of Top Rock Albums and No. 9 of Top Albums Sales.[16]
Track listing
editNo. | Title | Length |
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1. | "Defense Mechanism" (featuring Max Cavalera of Soulfly) | 3:37 |
2. | "Master" | 4:07 |
3. | "Silence the World" (featuring Tom S. Englund of Evergrey) | 7:13 |
4. | "Heaven Don't Cry" | 4:25 |
5. | "Another Place" | 4:18 |
6. | "Freedom Is Dead" | 2:53 |
7. | "Praise the Void" | 5:30 |
8. | "Revolutions" | 5:35 |
9. | "Chemicals" | 6:25 |
10. | "Godless" (featuring Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest) | 4:55 |
11. | "Devotion" | 4:55 |
12. | "Along the Way" | 8:08 |
Total length: | 62:48 |
No. | Title | Length |
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13. | "Sleepwalker" | 5:05 |
14. | "Exile" | 3:57 |
Total length: | 71:50 |
The deluxe also includes six storyline interludes, complete with voiceovers and sound effects.
Personnel
editDemon Hunter
- Ryan Clark – lead vocals
- Patrick Judge – lead guitar, keys, programming
- Jeremiah Scott – rhythm guitar, backing vocals, production, engineering, mixing, programming
- Jon Dunn – bass guitar
- Timothy "Yogi" Watts – drums, backing vocals
Additional personnel
- Max Cavalera – additional vocals on "Defense Mechanism"
- Tom S. Englund – additional vocals on "Silence the World"
- Richie Faulkner – lead guitar and solo on "Godless"
- Zeuss – mastering
- Dan Seagrave – album artwork
- Randy Torres – storyline interlude sound design (for Deluxe Edition)
- Joanna Ott - backing vocals and piano (Praise the Void)
- Samantha Philyaw – voice of Hunter Woodson (for Deluxe Edition sound interludes)
- Loren Tew – gang vocals
References
edit- ^ "DEMON HUNTER Streams New Single, Recruits SOULFLY, JUDAS PRIEST & EVERGREY Members For New Album". Metal Injection. June 4, 2022. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ "DEMON HUNTER Recruits EVERGREY's Vocalist For New Single "Silence The World"". Metal Injection. July 1, 2022. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ "DEMON HUNTER Streams Furious New Single "Defense Mechanism" Feat. MAX CAVALERA". Metal Injection. July 15, 2022. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ "DEMON HUNTER Gets A Little Industrial On New Single "Heaven Don't Cry"". Metal Injection. August 6, 2022. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ "DEMON HUNTER Recruits JUDAS PRIEST's RICHIE FAULKNER For New Track "Godless"". Metal Injection. August 20, 2022. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ "DEMON HUNTER Streams New Single "Master"". Metal Injection. September 3, 2022. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ Monger, James Christopher. "Exile - Demon Hunter". AllMusic. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
- ^ Zaloum, Joel (November 7, 2022). "Demon Hunter, "Exile" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ "DEMON HUNTER Announces 'Exile' Album Details, Shares 'Freedom Is Dead' Music Video". Blabbermouth.net. June 3, 2022. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
- ^ "Demon Hunter Delay New Album "Exile" To Late October Release". ThePRP. August 26, 2022. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
- ^ "DEMON HUNTER Pushes New Album Back To October". Metal Injection. August 26, 2022. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ Wookubus (July 14, 2022). "Demon Hunter Premiere "Defense Mechanism", Soulfly's Max Cavalera Guests". Theprp. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
- ^ "JUDAS PRIEST's RICHIE FAULKNER Records Guest Solo on DEMON HUNTER's Upcoming Album". December 15, 2021.
- ^ "JUDAS PRIEST's RICHIE FAULKER Will Guest On New DEMON HUNTER Record". Metal Injection. December 16, 2021. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ "DEMON HUNTER Announces 'Exile' Album Details, Shares 'Freedom is Dead' Music Video". June 3, 2022.
- ^ "POLYPHIA's latest album lands at #33 on Billboard Top 200". lambgoat.com. Retrieved November 29, 2022.