REVIEW: Demon Hunter, War of Ages, Opponent at Brooklyn Monarch | 10.15.2024
Christian metal veterans Demon Hunter have been on the scene for over two decades. Somehow, someway, it has been almost just as long since the band has graced a stage in New York City. That wrong was finally righted on Tuesday as the band’s EXILE tour made its stop at Brooklyn Monarch. Joining them for the show and on the tour are fellow Christian metalers War of Ages and Opponent.
The Christian music scene is one of which I have a very distant familiarity. I have not been immersed in the scene for quite some time for a variety of reasons. Some bands, Demon Hunter being one of them, transcended the shift in my religious experience and opinions. Good music is good music, and Demon Hunter slays. That said, I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to a show with crosses on the stage that are actually right side up. Such is the tradition and perhaps stereotypical nature of metal imagery: to embrace the darkness. Demon Hunter isn't afraid to confront that darkness and to rebel against it.
OPPONENT
Opponent set a thrashing tone with their set, which I was into from the very start. It was hard to pinpoint exactly what it was that resonated with me on a musical level; if asked the question "what did you like about the band?”, I think my answer would just be "the everything." Suffice it to say, Opponent was an epic way to kick off the evening.
Joining Demon Hunter on this tour was a full circle experience for the band, as frontman Andy Maier noted that Opponent's formation was inspired by Demon Hunter's music.
WAR OF AGES
War of Ages played with a passion as great as their showmanship, delivering an arena-worthy performance in the spacious intimacy of Brooklyn Monarch. The room was full of fans singing their hearts out, including some that had flown to New York City from Chile for the express purpose of seeing War of Ages’ performance. “I hope we play to those expectations!” vocalist Leroy Hamp said to them before the band did just that, launching into “Famine” with relentless energy.
DEMON HUNTER
Given the band's absence from the NYC live music scene for much of their tenure, it was a unique experience for a veteran act like Demon Hunter to perform for a room full of fans who were likely witnessing the band live for the very first time.
Demon Hunter has released an impressive eleven albums over their two plus decades of existence, and the band was sure to represent every single one of those albums during their career-spanning set. Old fans such as myself were treated to early singles such as “Infected” and “My Heartstrings Come Undone” as well as a plethora of other anthems from years past and recent releases, including an an acoustic reimagining of “I Am A Stone.”
The EXILE tour comes to an end tonight at the Mercury Ballroom in Louisville, KY, but be sure to stay tuned to Demon Hunter’s Shows page for more show announcements to come!