The Stronger Than Hell Tour

Demon Hunter headlines the Stronger Than Hell tour, but it's Living Sacrifice, back from a six-year hiatus, that rates a prodigal-son welcome. Hailing from Little Rock, Arkansas, Living Sacrifice emerged in 1989, when the term "Christian metal" was still considered oxymoronic. Initially, the quartet played reckless thrash, like an alternate-universe Slayer that treated "Jesus Saves" as a deeply felt mantra rather than an ironic chorus. (Living Sacrifice has always been lyrically explicit about their faith.) On their most recent albums, 2000's The Hammering Process and 2002's Conceived in Fire, Living Sacrifice switched to a slower, choppier attack, with heavy tribal rhythms, staccato riffs, and gruff, aggressive vocals. The reunited lineup includes Bruce Fitzhugh (guitarist and founding member, singer since 1997); guitarist Rocky Gray (member since 1999, served a stint in Evanescence); original drummer Lance Garvin, and bassist Arthur Green. Demon Hunter, who headed into the studio for the first time just as Living Sacrifice started their sabbatical, cites their opener as a major influence. But while the resemblance is clear during high-speed blasts such as "Storm the Gates of Hell," the Seattle-based quintet prefer breakdowns to solos and clear, broadly melodic rock-radio choruses to guttural roars. With Demon Hunter, Living Sacrifice, Oh Sleeper, the Famine, the Advent. El Corazon, 109 Eastlake Ave. E., 381-3094. 6 p.m. $18 adv./$20. ANDREW MILLER
Mon., May 26, 6 p.m., 2008