Given that Acts IV and V were written and recorded over a similar period, it’s no surprise that the two records are stylistically similar. Crescenzo’s ever-superb voice continues to drive each song forward with vocal melodies that are uplifting and memorable and another fifteen tracks float by effortlessly thanks to the variation in the songwriting and styles. Interwoven with the new material are familiar motifs from previous Acts and at this late stage of the story, they bring a warm sense of nostalgia whenever they appear.

Crescenzo transferred his composing skills to Act IV by introducing a full orchestra to complement the band’s sound and on Act V, this idea has been completely embedded. The score for this record is not just an interesting embellishment to bulk out the music, it’s a completely integral aspect that ties all of the band’s interesting ideas together into one luxurious package.

‘King of Swords’ was Act IV’s delightfully surprising number with its dance-pop style and ‘Mr Usher’ serves the same purpose on this record. It’s one of the record’s most memorable tracks, with Crescenzo assuming the role of swing band crooner, complete with double bass, a female chorus line and an infectious toe-tapping beat. ‘Mr Usher’ does a fantastic job of transporting you back in time, immersing you deeper in the story’s concept.

Although Act V doesn’t bring the innovation seen in the past, the result is another outstanding achievement. There’s still nothing else out there that marries together rock songs, classical music, an elaborate concept and faultless songwriting and Act V demonstrates the band’s arrival at the pinnacle of their sound. Though most musicians would see this as a dream location, for The Dear Hunter it’s a catalyst for change. Crescenzo has stated that this will be the last rock album of the series, choosing instead to try something different for the final Act of the story. This is sure to bring an exciting finale to the series but until then Act V serves as a glorious reminder of how special and unique The Dear Hunter truly is.

MARK JOHNSON

Check out the video below and pick up a copy of ‘Act V’ here.

It is the latest single to be taken from their forthcoming album, ‘Act V: Hymns With the Devil in Confessional’, which is released on September 9th via Equal Vision Records.

Pre-orders for the album are available now, and you can listen to ‘Light’ below.

“This may read as though I am abandoning the project, one record early,” Casey Crescenzo, the creative mind behind the project, concedes, “but the truth is simply that in knowing what Act VI means to the series, and what its story has to say – presenting it in the same form as Acts I-V would be short selling the creative opportunity it presents.”

To celebrate the announcement, The Dear Hunter have shared their new track ‘Gloria’. Pre-orders and full tour dates are available on the band’s website.

The DVD was filmed on May 9th 2012, and saw the band perform ‘The Color Spectrum’ for one night only. Check out the preview using the player below, and then get excited because it looks and sounds awesome…

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