A LIFE ONCE LOST – Hunter

A Life Once Lost come from Philly and are no doubt familiar with the angst, inner isolation, and hopelessness that encompass the darker sides of any major city. Luckily, the band has managed to turn all these dark qualities into strong fuel that has set them on the warpath.

From the get go, Hunter lets you know that you’re in with a fighter that will not lie down until it stops breathing. The cover art of the one and only Paul Romano, with his caveman drawings, suits the band’s attitude to the tee. A Life Once Lost may be travelling light but they have caught the scent of the prey so there’s only one choice left for the listener: flee or fight. A Life Once lost is not giving in ’till they have crushed you.

Throughout the whole CD, no matter how intense or oppressing the band gets, it still does not hold a candle to vocalist Robert Carpenter’s abused and intense voice. Somehow this actually makes the sound only stronger and the impact of the vocals shines through.

“Needleman” loosens the grip a bit after the intense opener, and you notice that the vocals are surprisingly clear and most of the words can actually be heard. So far the answer to “disgusted or amused” lies on entertainment’s side.

“Vulture,” like the title suggests, packs a pretty nasty taste. The song promises to “Haunt you till you die,” and will at least haunt you ’till the end of the record. If only the rest of the songs could be this strong and catchy, then you’d be talking “album of the year” material. This one is an instant classic that will probably haunt the band ’till the day they die.

“Pain and Dance” keeps the same pace and drive as “Vulture,” but lacks that fool-proof chorus.

“Hunter” slows the pace down again. The vocals still sound as intense as ever. If the intense Lamb of God sound is your thing, then you’ll be drooling by now. The catchy chorus sounds a bit like brainwashing. All lawsuits can be directed to the band’s management if after listening to this your subconstance compels you to “Crush and Rebuild/ Destroy and Organize.”

“Grotesque” picks the speed up again and gives a picture of a band that will crush everything and anything that gets caught in their way. This is like being sealed inside a giant bulldozer … much better to be inside than on its path.

“Salai” is the windy breather after everything has been torn down, until the hunter starts stretching its muscles again as the drums, bass, and guitar warm up.

“Rush and Siege” has the drummer and guitarist taking little sprints throughout the song. Unfortunately, the song lacks the regret that the lyrics portray, and, in fact, if you listen closely, you can almost hear Carpenter having fun with the vocals.

“I Give In” is pure frustration.

“With Pitiless Blows” is a fitting ending to this contempt-filled fury, reminding the listener that despite their obvious knack for catchy choruses, A Life Once Lost still packs a brutal and nasty interior.

A Life Once Lost offers the kind of punishment you’d be only happy to take. This is pure, intense, and in your face … a hard core delight. Now just let those ears of yours bleed.