If you’ve taken the time to peruse the song review index, you will no doubt notice the surge in CCM reviews, with paltry other genres, especially rap, hard rock, and heavy metal. When a user submitted Demon Hunter’s More Than Bones, I wanted to jump on the opportunity to expand my repertoire of rock and roll reviews. Feel free to submit more!

Demon Hunter is well-known heavy metal band among Christian rockers. Forming in 2000, they released a total of 10 albums, including:

Demon Hunter (2002);

(2002); Summer of Darkness (2004);

(2004); The Triptych (2005);

(2005); Storm the Gates of Hell (2007);

(2007); The World Is a Thorn (2010);

(2010); True Defiance (2012);

(2012); Extremist (2014);

(2014); Outlive (2017);

(2017); War (2019); and

(2019); and Peace (2019).

The last two were released this month, in March 2019.

Lyrics to More Than Bones can be found at https://genius.com/Demon-hunter-more-than-bones-lyrics.

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?

I had a tough time with this one, reading and re-reading these lyrics numerous times in an attempt to comprehend it. I walked away initially confused and found clarity as I continued to engage not unlike excellent poetry.

Verse 1 starts with a sifting process, perhaps like that of the Bereans in Acts 17. This individual then takes portions of it and gives it to someone else, perhaps as a legacy. What is this legacy? Somehow, it is useful for hardships and troubles, though with resistance from the recipient. The Chorus leaves us with yet another question: how does this legacy aid loneliness? And what is this weapon pulled across a 24 hour period?

Verse 2 answers all these questions. The legacy is passages of Scripture. If the recipient will deeply respect the Messiah, perhaps they could strengthen their mind, with the timeless sword known as the Word of God deep within them. Yet, they will experience anger towards them for resisting, an attitude I cannot support.

I understand the usage of repeating the Chorus one last time is common in Rock and Roll songs, including heavy metal; However, the last one was a bit too much for me. Perhaps one or two fewer repeats at the end would suffice; However, the instrumental portion is highly useful for breaking up repetition.

Score: 7/10

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

It is highly Scriptural; However, I cannot say I like the speaker’s attitude at the end of Verses 1 and 2.

[Intro]

Line 1: The latter portion of the phrase “War in every breath / Peace in only death”, to which the first portion is the ending of their song Cut to Fit, the first track on their album War.

[Verse 1]

Lines 1 and 2: A filtration process, much like the Bereans did in Acts 17:10-11 and my work on this website. The resulting substance enters into the speaker’s innermost being.

Line 3: A portion of this information is given to a recipient. Verse 2 gives clarity to its content: Scripture.

Lines 4 and 5: The speaker instructs the recipient to use Scripture to invigorate their life and heal their ailments.

Line 6: Though I appreciate the speaker’s honesty, it is highly likely that he or she sins in anger, a warning Ephesians 4:26 offers to avoid.

[Pre-Chorus]

Lines 1 and 2: Verse 2 confirms the blade as the Word of God, as described in Ephesians 6:17. The speaker is correct in that merely carrying God’s Word is not enough. We must also obey it (Matthew 25:34-40, John 14:15, John 14:21-24, John 15:10-14, 1 Peter 1:14-15, 1 John 2:3-5, 1 John 4:19-20, 1 John 5:2-3, and 2 John 1:6).

[Chorus]

Lines 1-3: Ties in with Verse 1, line 3 in terms of legacy. Our obedience to the Scriptures will compel us to teach the next generation, as described in Deuteronomy 6:5-7, Psalm 78:4, Psalm 145:4, and 2 Timothy 2:2. We are also commanded by Jesus to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20).

Lines 4-6: Essentially repeats lines 1-3.

[Verse 2]

Lines 1-3: If we deeply revere and respect God, we will reap spiritual blessings, including:

Wisdom (Job 28:28, Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 9:10, Proverbs 15:33, Isaiah 33:6) Knowledge (Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 2:5, Isaiah 33:6) Prolonged life (Psalm 34:8-14, Proverbs 10:27, Proverbs 14:27, Proverbs 19:23) Salvation (Isaiah 33:6) Confidence (Job 4:6, Proverbs 14:26) Blessing (Psalm 112:1, Psalm 128:1-4) Hatred of evil (Proverbs 8:13) Cleansing from sin/Righteousness (Exodus 20:20, Psalm 19:9, Proverbs 14:2, Proverbs 23:17) Wonder (Psalm 33:8-9) Obedience (Deuteronomy 14:23, Colossians 3:22)

Lines 4 and 5: Reminiscent of the seed scattered in Jesus’ “Parable of the Sower”, found in Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, and Luke 8:4-15. The seed is the Word of God.

Line 6: See commentary in Verse 1, line 6.

[Bridge]

Lines 1 and 2: Repeats Chorus, lines 2 and 3.

Score: 8/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

It’s really hard to say. It took me several listen’s and re-reads to finally arrive at my own interpretation. I have my doubts that unbelievers will interpret this similarly or Scripturally as me; However, the word “messiah” in Verse 2 will likely put Jesus in their minds, assuming they hear it and understand the Christian claim. Surely that has to count for something?

Score: 4/10

4. What does this song glorify?

Assuming I am correct, Scriptural exaltation is at the forefront, glorifying God. Yet, the speaker’s attitude at the end of Verse 1 and 2 and likely confusion among unbelievers somewhat blunts its impact.

Score: 7/10

Closing Comments

I have mixed thoughts towards Demon Hunter’s More Than Bones. Through intense study, I found their lyrics to be Scripturally solid, though with honest and unresolved indignation. I like the message, yet think others will have a wildly different take.

I fully admit that my interpretation might be way off and would appreciate additional commentary if you believe I am in error.

Final Score: 7/10

Artist Info

Track: More Than Bones (listen to the song) (buy the song)

Artist: Demon Hunter

Album: Peace (buy the album)

Genre: Hard Rock

Release Year: 2019

Duration: 4:15

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

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