Demon Hunter is celebrating 25 years as a band with a new album and tour, There Was A Light Here. Joining the tour is Cultist and Convictions, two HEAVY Christian metal bands. They’re letting everyone know that your faith doesn’t mean you have to listen to soft music. As the tour is winding down, they made a stop in Virginia Beach May 6 playing right on the oceanside at Peabody’s Nightclub.
Cultist opened the night bringing their West Coast flavor to the East Coast. There was no warm up with this band, just straight into a face-melting set that immediately opened the pit. A surprise performance at the end of the set, Big Rig from Cold Hearts, jumped on the mic. They introduced the audience to singles from their upcoming album, Saint which is coming out this summer. Pre-orders will be coming out soon.
Convictions was next in the lineup and they turned the volume up to 11. The band that goes to prove that “worship can be aggressive” violently executed that message with their set, playing hits from their latest album, The Fear of God. The dichotomy of the lead singer coming on stage with the most peaceful look on his face and sweetest smile, and then dropping the most guttural screams was most appreciated.
Finally, Demon Hunter comes on stage with a simple, but impactful set design. Their logo shone bright behind them, while the lead mic stand had a cathedral pattern fixed to the stand, and the mic wielding a large cross. Ryan entered the stage with a trench coat with a symbol that signified the cross, the world, and the reach of the apostles. At closer look, the lyrics to “There Was A Light Here” are inscribed throughout the whole coat.
Demon Hunter performed for about an hour and a half, with classics, and new hits. They showcased their multitude of talents with a mix of heavy songs, and slow and acoustic, which they acknowledged the fan support through the years as their sound evolves and they continued to be supported. “Dead Flowers” was such a beautiful, haunting performance, followed by the tour title, “There Was A Light Here,” which Ryan explained was written for his recently departed mom. They then performed “I Am A Stone” which sent chills down my spine as the whole crowd sang along to.
There’s a few stops left on this tour, that ends May 17 as the band hits the festival circuit. There’s still time to catch them live if you hurry, you won’t be disappointed! And make sure you pick up all the bands’ newest albums for wholesome, heavy music.
Setlist:
Sorrow Light The Way
Collapsing
Jesus Wept
Cut To Fit
I’m Done
On My Side
Peace
Light Bends
The Pain In Me Is Gone
Cold Winter Sun
Someone To Hate
I Will Fail You
Dead Flowers
There Was A Light Here
I Am A Stone
Not I 17. Cross To Bear
The Last One Alive
Storm The Gates
