| The Triptych | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | Demon Hunter |
| Cover: | Dh triptych.jpg |
| Released: | October 25, 2005 |
| Recorded: | July 2005 |
| Genre: | Metalcore, groove metal, Christian metal |
| Length: | 51:11 |
| Label: | Solid State |
| Producer: | Aaron Sprinkle |
| Prev Title: | Summer of Darkness |
| Prev Year: | 2004 |
| Next Title: | Storm the Gates of Hell |
| Next Year: | 2007 |
The Triptych is the third studio album by American Christian metal band Demon Hunter, released on October 25, 2005. Produced by Aaron Sprinkle (Emery, Fair) and mixed by Machine (Lamb of God), The Triptych had three different album covers - implying a traditional triptych - by Dan Seagrave.
The album hit the No. 1 position on the Billboards Heatseekers chart during its first week of release in stores, with 6,000 copies sold,[1] and was re-released on October 31, 2006. The album was later included on Demon Hunter's Double Take1 (2007) and Death, a Destination2 (2011) compilations.[2] [3]
Vocalist Ryan Clark described in a 2009 interview that, while the previous two albums had him record vocals with a standing, screened microphone, for The Triptych, he used a basic handheld mic. This allowed him to move around freely and hold longer notes; however, it also allowed Clark to naturally cup the mic which consequently muffled or distanced his vocals.[4]
The album received generally positive views and was a huge commercial success, reaching No 10. in the Top Christian Albums chart in 2005 and the No. 1 spot on the Top Heatseekers chart in 2006. Eduardo Rivadavia from AllMusic gave the album 4 1/2 out of 5 stars, saying "Christian metal has enjoyed startlingly infrequent success stories over the years." Kaj Roth from Melodic.net gave the album 4 out of 5 stars, stating "This is a numetal monster of a record, what you possibly can ask for in a mega heavy record with all from a gigantic rhythm section to murderous riffs, roars of anger and blockbuster choruses . It is all here in this package called "The triptych", [sic] this really came as a surprise to me since I wasn't too impressed with Demon Hunter's previous album "Summer of Darkness" [sic]. It was a bit non-melodic and contained more growls than melodic vocals but this time, the vocals is more balanced and the band has also written better songs - you could say they have grown from medium size to X-large."
Live recording appears on both 45 Days (2008) and Live in Nashville (2009)
Re-recorded for Songs of Death and Resurrection (2021)
| Year | Chart | Position | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Billboard 200[5] | 136 | |
| 2005 | Top Christian Albums[6] | 10 | |
| 2006 | Top Heatseekers[7] | 1 |
From the official website (February 18, 2006): "We can't tell you how humbled we've been by the outpouring of support from the Armed Forces. 'The Soldier's Song' is for them and the letters, photos and friendship continues. SPC Davis, SPC Peterson and SSGT Childs in Iraq, Specialist Graham who served in the Airborne in Iraq and Afghanistan, Paxton in the Air Force, and Warrant Officer Slagle are just a few of the men and women who are true HUNTERS out there sacrificing everyday, risking life and limb and often paying the ultimate price."
On October 31, 2006, The Triptych was rereleased with four exclusive tracks and a DVD with footage from a live show in LA, behind the scene documentaries, studio footage, interviews with the band on the road, miscellaneous live footage from the tour, and the videos for "One Thousand Apologies", "Undying", "Not Ready to Die", and "Infected". The four exclusive tracks are:
DVD live show from the Glasshouse in Pomona, California
1.Double Take also includes the studio album Summer of Darkness (2004).
2.Death, a Destination also includes the studio albums Demon Hunter (2002) and Summer of Darkness (2004).