Review: “Lake Of Death” by Hunter Omega

After a decade of destruction, two albums and a solid live reputation, Belgian Traditional Heavy Metal force Hunter decided to rebrand as Hunter Omega due to a line up change that brought in not one but two new members. Now consisting of vocalist David Walgrave (Crusader), bassist Jeroen Wauters (Monster Joe, Cardania), drummer Bram Van Collie alongside axe wielding duo Manu Van Poeck and Joost Vlasschaert (Monster Joe, Crusader, Fisted Sister) the quintet go again with fresh resolve, introducing themselves with “Lake Of Death“.

Traditional Heavy Metal riffs in the vein of Saxon or Judas Priest introduce “Ghost Of Anarchy” with that timeless sense of pomp and circumstance, the cleaner higher pitched vocals setting the tone for an old school rampage about being true to who you are. Clean and crisp from the outset the track is graced by a ripper of a solo and a perfectly executed false ending. The incendiary energy continues into the title track “Lake Of Death” with electrifying riffs and another blistering solo. This time out it’s extended to give both guitarists the opportunity to get involved, the axe attack earning their right to show off a little more after what they did on the opening cut.

“Knights Of The Black Rose Part 3” is something of a curve ball as the band blend storytelling with atmosphere with a spoken word, broken up by some punishing shriller vocal parts that threaten to pierce the ear drums. The final third is what makes the track because it’s at this point the guitars begin to flow with pace and power as if let off their leash. Fortunately you get used to those vocals over multiple spins so they become less of an issue. If you haven’t already guessed it “F.A.F.O” stands for “F*** Around and Find Out” and it finds the band returning to the style of the opening pair of tracks with vim and vigor. It almost sounds like an AC/DC track with vocal stylings, the catchy chorus and earworm riffs making it stand out like a hammer smashed thumb in the best possible way [7/10]

Track Listing

1. Ghost Of Anarchy
2. Lake Of Death
3. Knights Of The Black Rose Part 3
4. F.A.F.O

“Lake Of Death” by Hunter Omega is out 1st September 2026