Summer of Darkness

Summer of Darkness
Studio album by
Demon Hunter
ReleasedMay 4, 2004
RecordedNovember – December 2003
StudioCompound Studios, Seattle, Washington
Genre
Length54:47
LabelSolid State
ProducerAaron Sprinkle
Demon Hunter chronology
Demon Hunter
(2002) 		Summer of Darkness
(2004) 		The Triptych
(2005)
Singles from Summer of Darkness
  1. "Not Ready to Die"
    Released: 2004[1]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[2]
Cross Rhythms[3]
Jesus Freak Hideout[4]
Melodic.net[5]
Punknews.org[6]

Summer of Darkness is the second studio album by American Christian metal band Demon Hunter, released through Solid State on May 4, 2004. In the first week, the album sold 4,247 copies.[7]

Vocalist Ryan Clark described Summer of Darkness in a 2003 interview as being heavier than Demon Hunter's self-titled debut album. The band's first album, released in October 2002, was recorded in drop C tuning while Summer of Darkness was dropped down to drop B tuning. He also cited that the group had more time to record than with their previous release.[8] Guest vocalists, who were friends of the band, appear on four songs on the album and include Mike Williams, Howard Jones, Brock Lindow, and Trevor McNevan. Summer of Darkness is Demon Hunter's only album with Kris McCaddon on lead guitar, as well as the band's first album with bass guitarist Jon Dunn and the last to have Jesse Sprinkle on drums.

The album's lead single, "Not Ready to Die", received a music video and significant airplay on MTV2's Headbangers Ball and Fuse TV. In June 2004, Demon Hunter began touring the United States in promotion of Summer of Darkness. This included all major cities and extended to the East Coast where they had not previously performed. The album was later included on Demon Hunter's Double Take1 (2007) and Death, a Destination2 (2011) compilations.[9][10]

  1. ^ Portell, Paul (November 20, 2005). "Demon Hunter, "The Triptych" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved August 2, 2014.
  2. ^ Allmusic review
  3. ^ Stafford, James (December 2004). "Demon Hunter - Summer Of Darkness". Cross Rhythms (83).
  4. ^ Jesus Freak Hideout review
  5. ^ Roth, Kaj. "Melodic.net - Demon Hunter - Summer Of Darkness". Melodic.net. Retrieved 12 May 2012.
  6. ^ Brian (22 June 2004). "Demon Hunter - Summer of Darkness". Punknews.org. Retrieved 12 May 2012.
  7. ^ Blabbermouth (2004-05-12). "SoundScan Report: FLAW, SEVENDUST, DEMON HUNTER, DEATH ANGEL". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  8. ^ Wayfaerer Demon Hunter Interview Harm.us (November 26, 2003).
  9. ^ "Double Take". allmusic.com. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  10. ^ "Death, a Destination". allmusic.com. Retrieved July 5, 2023.