Brian Hunsaker unleashes on a cinematic Heavy Metal track, “Haunted”
Brian Hunsaker doesn’t just flirt with darkness, he grabs it by the throat and drags it into the light on his latest single, “Haunted.” This is metal at its most cinematic as he’s served up a layered, massive, and emotionally ferocious listen. Clocking in with all the hallmarks of a modern heavy metal anthem featuring roaring guitar lines, haunting orchestral motifs, and an avalanche-sized chorus, “Haunted” goes beyond sonic aggression. It tells a story of being followed by forces we can’t name, but feel in our bones.
Produced and mixed by Matt Dougherty (whose resume includes Megadeth, Disturbed, and Staind), the track pulses with an intensity that feels engineered yet never sterile. There’s a clarity to the production that allows each instrumental layer to breathe—even as they collectively crash down in overwhelming waves. The arrangements don’t merely color the background rather they become essential to the track’s emotional depth, offering an elegance against the distortion-soaked onslaught.
Lyrically and vocally, Hunsaker is in rare form. His voice cuts like a dagger, soaring to chilling highs while still grounded in vulnerability. It’s a performance that balances agony and control, the kind that makes your skin crawl in the best way possible. Whether you interpret the song’s unseen tormentors as ghosts, memories, or manifestations of trauma, “Haunted” lands its punches with universal precision.
There are echoes of Megadeth’s technical mastery, Nightwish’s dramatic scope, or Disturbed’s unapologetic punch, but the final result is uniquely his own. This isn’t homage, it’s an evolution. Especially in the genre where things can feel similar to one another, this truly thinks outside the box and tries something now.
And while it also drips with cinematic tension, it’s never overdone. For all its bombast, the track remains accessible to those who might not typically wade into metal’s murkier waters. It lures you in with its melody, then shakes you awake with its message: the most terrifying monsters are the ones we carry inside.
Instantly, the song is a triumph of catharsis and craftsmanship, a spine-tingling reminder that the best metal doesn’t just make you bang your head, it makes you feel something deeper. Go ahead and crank this one up to 11, follow along for more, and make sure to stay tuned for plenty more. Enjoy!
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