Band:	Hunter
Album:	T.E.L.I...
Style:	Alternative metal, Thrash metal
Release date:	2005
Guest review by:	s7mon

Disc I
01. Intro
02. T.E.L.I...
03. Wersety
04. BiałoCzerw
05. NieRaj
06. Krzyk Kamieni
07. Wyznawcy
08. $$$$$$$$...
09. Płytki dołek
10. Przy wódce...
11. Niepokój
12. Łosiem
13. Pomiędzy niebem a piekłem
14. Osiem
15. Outro
+ Pomiędzy niebem a piekłem [video]

Disc II [English version]
01. Intro
02. T.E.L.I...
03. Shallow Hole
04. Verses
05. The Leader
06. Screamin' Stones
07. Notheaven
08. Greedy Monster
09. Believerse
10. Redwhiteness
11. $$$$$$$$...
12. Dummy
13. Loneliness
14. Between Heaven And Hell
15. Outro

For Hunter, T.E.L.I. was a breakthrough record. In 2005 they became big on the Polish metal scene and since this CD they've remained one of the most popular heavy bands in their country of origin. On T.E.L.I. they also finally decided to stop singing in English and focus on Polish lyrics. After two different records they also showed what musical direction they took and it was the one started on 2003's Medeis.

The first thing that strikes listeners is the production of this album. It's obvious that the band put much more effort (and money as well) into their third album. Pretty much in every song there are some electronic passages or choir or some weird exotic instruments, etc. Not to mention that Jelonek, the violinist that cooperated with the band on their previous record, joined them for good. But violins are not only a gimmick, they very often actually help build the atmosphere of the songs.

What I really liked about the album is the variety of songs. From fast and aggressive pieces ("Wyznawcy", "Przy Wódce?") to true heavy metal anthems (title track, "Biało-Czerw") to mid-paced bulldozers ("Krzyk Kamieni", "Płytki Dołek") to beautiful ballads ("Pomiędzy niebem a piekłem"). This is probably why the band became so popular, every fan of the classic metal sound could find something worthy of attention. Also the band's leader, Drak, has a gift for making memorable melodies. After listening to the album I caught myself humming some of the best tracks. I'd say that this is the greatest power of this band. On the other hand, it's not an album too easily received. At first I wasn't really convinced, but when I gave it a few spins more I understood the beauty of the songs.

Hunter are an example of a perfectly developing band with their third CD beating their two previous efforts. To be honest, T.E.L.I. was the first record of the band that I heard, but once I've heard 1995's Requiem and 2003's Medeis I appreciate this record fully.