Coming out of Hollister, California, Watchers and Hunters is a Christian hardcore band that was formed in mid. 2009. Their biography states that they wanted to start something with meaning and purpose that they could show the world. That purpose was to show the world that God loves everyone on this planet. They are bringing an unyielding message of hope, and firmly attests that hope is to be found in the Gospel. Their faith is clearly the basis for their life and music, they mix no words in showing that.
Since an upheaval in 2010 after losing their lead singer to other projects. Vocalist Mark Mariscal has rejoined Watchers and Hunters, who are now reformed and ready to roll. Not only is the band itself reformed, but the band’s sound has been a bit retooled from their their previous EP, “Hope.” The new album, “Cruel World,” features a heavier, darker sound, while also showcasing some well incorporated guest appearances. In an interview, the band speaks of Impending Doom as being influential to them.
The title track “Cruel World” is the first track on the album and gives you a taste of the changes. Featuring Brook Reeves from Impending Doom providing some guest vocals on this track with the snarling line: “Where will you go when you die!” The song then goes on to speak about the battles in the spiritual realm and the need to put on the full armor of God.
“Nightwaker”, featuring Victor Cota from The Great Commission is a song about someone going through a rough time and crying out to God for help. “You never gave up on me when I gave up on myself”: an honest song that speaks of the need to depend on God.
“Unveiling” is one of the hardest songs on the album. Brutal from the beginning to the end, focusing on when the Day of the Lord is revealed. “Immersed” carries some hard hitting riffs that takes you right into the urge of bobbing your head along with all the other headbangers.
“Forgotten” gets some help from spoken word band Hotel Books. A song thast seems to be putting the issues of abandonment and neglect in the spotlight, and dealing with the anger and rage that accompanies it. The spoken word section at the end toward the end of the track is well done and adds a nice variance to the record.
“Anthem” deals with counting on the Lord for strength and guidance in times of fearing: ‘I will conquer my fear, my strength comes from above’. “Abused” is the closing track on the album. This is a remake of the opening track on the EP “Hope” in the heavier style.
Overall: This is a great album and would be appreciated by all the metalcore/ metal fans. You can get your hands on this album on a ‘name your price‘ base.
Rating: 8/10
Reviewed by Stingray
Tracklist:
1. Cruel World [Ft.Brook Reeves] 03:45
2. Dead Cities 02:56
3. Nightwalker [ft.Victor Cota] 04:10
4. Unvieling 03:17
5. Devour 02:48
6. Immersed 03:56
7. Forgotten [ft.Hotel Books] 03:40
8. Anthem 03:20
9. Regret [ft.Mike Perez] 03:41
10. Abused 03:22
Band members:
Mark Mariscal – Vocals,
Kevin Davis – Guitar,
Ryan DeAmicis – Drums
Discography:
“Hope” EP [2012]
‘Cruel World’ Single [ 2013]
“Cruel World” [2014]
Release Date: Independent, April 2014
Weblinks: Facebook / Twitter / Bandcamp
Buy the album here:
Holland: First Paradox
Norway: Nordic Mission
USA: Metal Helm
Video below ‘Cruel World’ feat. Brook Reeves [Impending Doom]