Demon Hunter – God Forsaken

Christian hard rock and heavy metal band Demon Hunter became active in 2000, releasing twelve albums during their two-decade run.  These include:

• Demon Hunter (2002)
• Summer of Darkness (2004)
• The Triptych (2005)
• Storm the Gates of Hell (2007)
• The World Is a Thorn (2010)
• True Defiance (2012)
• Extremist (2014)
• Outlive (2017)
• War (2019)
• Peace (2019)
• Songs of Death and Resurrection (2020)
• Exile (2022)

Though I am unaware of any accolades or awards for their work, they received their 15 minutes of fame in 2013, where the US Military used their music as part of US interrogations during President Bush’s war in Iraq without Demon Hunter’s knowledge or consent.  Demon Hunter sent the US military patches to wear, one of which wore one during a raid on Bid Laden.

Also, check out my reviews of On My Side and More Than Bones.

Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site!  Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.

1. What message does the song communicate?

Demon Hunter sought to forge their own path with disregard to God’s law and commandments. Though they wanted to be famous, it led to God forsaking them. The language written here suggests that Demon Hunter has already died. Thus, the only thing they can look forward to is the unquenchable fires of hell.

Though not nearly as positive as other songs I’ve reviewed, this one serves as a warning to anyone who wishes to descend into darkness:  Don’t do it.  It’s not worth it.

Score: 10/10

2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?

Despite this song’s dreary message, everything stated is 100% from the Bible.

Lyrics posted with permission.*

[Verse 1]

So my dissent was a shallow defense I made
To lay waste through the powers of fame?
When all the blame I carried around my neck
A dead cycle of pain (that I chase to find my way)

By “dissent”, Demon Hunter references the things they do that violate the commands, laws, and will of God.  The Bible defines this as “sin” according to 1 John 3:4.  They are unable to defend their actions before God.

[Pre-Chorus]

When the sovereign comes to me
(I eclipse in the shadow’s veil)

Much like Adam in Genesis 3:8, Demon Hunter hid from the Sovereign One, clinging to the shadows.

Killing all I seek to be
(For the passing vain inhale)

Though Demon Hunter sought independence, they became a slave to sin (John 8:34, Romans 6:6, Romans 6:20-22, and 1 Corinthians 6:12).

[Chorus]

A fall to the fires of Hell never failed to awaken

Demon Hunter will suffer in hell (Matthew 8:11-12, Luke 13:28-29, Luke 16:23, Luke 16:28, and Revelation 14:10-11).

Though my soul ascends, in the darkness of my heart again
I’m God forsaken

Demon Hunter acknowledges that their actions lead to eternal separation from God (Matthew 18:7-9, Matthew 25:41, Matthew 25:46, Mark 9:43, Romans 6:23, Jude 1:7, and Revelation 14:11).

A fall to the fires of Hell never failed to awaken
Though my soul ascends, in the darkness of my heart again
I’m God forsaken

Repeats lines 1-3.

[Verse 2]

With every turn I fail to learn my path
And it’s wearing down my days
To be the voice of a half-dead suffering age
A never-ending seek (that I chase to find my way)

Repeats the same point as Verse 1 with different, yet equally poetic, language.

[Bridge]

Now the grave is all I see

the second death is all that awaits Demon Hunter (see commentary on Chorus, lines 1-3).

Score: 10/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

The lyrics of this song are advanced poetry, yet, carefully chosen so that unbelievers can catch the message that Demon Hunter throws their way.  The words “hell” and “God” are dead giveaways that it’s Christian.  They should easily conclude that those who resist God will burn.

Score: 10/10

4. What does this song glorify?

It glorifies God that Demon Hunter warns the world of impending doom to those who live apart from God.

Score: 10/10

Closing Comments

Demon Hunter’s God Forsaken is dire.  Those of us who live that famous Frank Sinatra song, My Way, do so to our detriment.  We will perish in the unquenchable flames, forsaken by God to suffer eternally.  This warning glorifies Him.  Unbelievers will have little to no trouble interpreting this one.

Given the nature of this song’s message, as well as the genre of its music, I cannot recommend it for corporate worship.

Final Score: 10/10

Artist Info

Track: God Forsaken (listen to the song)

Artist: Demon Hunter

Album: True Defiance

Genre: Heavy metal

Release Year: 2012

Duration: 5:50

Agree?  Disagree?  Don’t be shy or have a cow!  Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.

*Copyright © 2012 Beep I’m Gone Beep I’m Back (BMI) Spinning Audio Vortex, Inc. (BMI) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.