While newcomers may now be drawn to A Life Once Lost because they're on the Ferret roster or because Lamb Of God frontman Randy Blythe guest appears and helped out on the vocal production of this release, the true draw of "Hunter" is clearly the music that comprises it. A vitriolic display of belligerent metal, this album should almost be called predator instead, as it would better capture the savagery and primal intensity of the songs found upon it.

An intimidating cross of ruthless aggression that meets headlong somewhere between the works of Meshuggah, Lamb Of God and Coalesce, the majority of "Hunter" is out to break bones and tear off flesh. Grinding off-key riffs, volatile double-kick driven drums, ratty death metal inspired vocals and an absolutely crushing demeanor are all stand-out points of the band, and while on paper this is nothing new, the way they all mix together is.

By delivering an entirely dominating performance, the only time A Life Once Lost are ever derailed is when they let repetition get the better of them during their sludgy numbers. But even throughout the slower tracks the brutality levels still remain monstrous and "Hunter" rarely fails to crush. Sometimes innovation and creativity are the key and other times it's all about attitude; A Life Once Lost have taken a bit of all three qualities and carved out one of the most bludgeoning metal albums of the year as a result.