Band:	Hunter
Album:	Requiem
Style:	Alternative metal, Thrash metal
Release date:	November 30, 1995
Guest review by:	s7mon

01. Misery
02. Blindman
03. Introduction
04. Screamin' Whispers
05. Freedom
06. Time Of Hate
07. No More Cry
08. Żniwiarze Umysłów
09. Branded
10. Post Scriptum
11. Requiem
12. War
13. Amen
14. Ultimate Silence
15. Requiem (PL)

Hunter is one of the most popular heavy metal bands in Poland, but I guess not many have heard about them outside the country, so let me introduce them in few words. Hunter were formed in 1986 in Szczytno. The founding members were Paweł "Drak" Grzegorczyk and Grzegorz "Brooz" Sławiński and they're both present on Requiem, which is the band's debut album.

Although by now they have developed their own musical style, the beginnings of the band were thrashing. The album was recorded in 1993, so it's pretty obvious that the musicians were under the influence of Metallica. It concerns especially some vocals and a number of riffs. It's not a rip-off, it doesn't get even close to it, it's just that there are some moments that remind you that not so long before the release of Requiem, Metallica created their fifth effort. Oh, and there's a direct quote from "The Thing That Should Not Be", thankfully lyrical, not musical. Anyway, the Poles are pretty ambitious and try some non-obvious (for a thrash band) solutions, such as acoustic interludes within songs. A solo here and there, mostly melodic instead of whammy bar overuse. The album is inconsistent, as we get to hear some really interesting stuff, such as "Misery", "No More Cry" or the title track, but there are also pieces that seem to be fillers. The albums lasts almost 55 minutes, so if they shortened it by excluding one or two worse tracks and some unnecessary short pieces like "War", "Amen" or "Ultimate Silence" (which is basically 30 seconds of complete silence, no idea what for) it would've made the album better.

This album is a strange fusion of music inspired by some bigger artists and parts that herald their own style. Nevertheless, Requiem may not be the most innovative piece of music you'll ever hear, but on the other hand it's not bad and the time spent with Hunter's debut surely is enjoyable.