Hunter Eats Hunter

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"Hunter Eats Hunter"
Single by Chevelle
from the album La Gárgola
ReleasedMarch 19, 2014 (2014-03-19)
Recorded2012–2013
StudioPasadena, California, US
Genre
Length5:45
LabelEpic
Songwriters
ProducerJoe Barresi
Chevelle singles chronology
"Take Out the Gunman"
(2014) 		"Hunter Eats Hunter"
(2014) 		"An Island"
(2014)

"Hunter Eats Hunter" is a song by American rock band Chevelle, released as a promotional single on March 19, 2014, in support of their seventh studio album La Gárgola.[1] The track was later released as the album's second official single when it was sent to rock radio in June 2014. The song achieved moderate success on Billboard's rock charts.[2]

Background and production

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Written and recorded during the band's 2012–2013 sessions in Pasadena, California, "Hunter Eats Hunter" was produced by Joe Barresi.[3] Lead singer Pete Loeffler described the track as exploring darker themes and pushing the band's sound into heavier territory.[4]

Release and promotion

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Following the release of the album's lead single Take Out the Gunman in February 2014, the song was made available for streaming and digital pre-order download on March 19, 2014, ahead of the album's release,[5] and also as an incentive to pre-order the album digitally as an immediate download ahead of its April 1, 2014, release date.[6]

"Hunter Eats Hunter" was officially released as the second single from the album and sent to rock radio on June 24, 2014. On June 30, 2014, the single debuted at number 28 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, peaking at number 10 for the week of September 6, 2014.[7][8]

Composition and sound

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"Hunter Eats Hunter" is driven by heavy guitar riffs and a dark, foreboding atmosphere. The production employs down-tuned instrumentation and a dense sonic texture with an ominous feedback ending. The song's lyrics address themes of pursuit and predation, using the metaphor of hunter and prey.[9] In an April 4, 2014, interview with Pollstar, drummer Sam Loeffler discussed the new album's themes and commented: "There's a song called 'Hunter Eats Hunter,' which is sort of about being hunted by animals as you're out in the world. It's about feeling eyes on you."[10]

Critical reception

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The song received a moderate amount of critical attention, with most reviewers noting its heaviness and darkness compared to the band's previous releases, describing it as a guitar-driven track with a dark, cinematic atmosphere.[11][12][13]

In a review of the song's parent album, The Greyhound praised "Hunter Eats Hunter" for its more restrained and melodic approach, noting how the guitar and vocals move together in the verses to create a steady, unified rhythm. The reviewer called it less crowded than some of the band's earlier songs, giving it more space and tension with a bridge where most of the instruments drop out except for the guitar and a dissonant bass line, highlighting it as a standout moment that adds real depth to the song's mood.[14]

In June 2015, Loudwire listed their Top Ten Best Chevelle Songs and ranked "Hunter Eats Hunter" at number ten.[15] Stephen Murphy of Raw Amp was more critical of the song, saying its vocals sound "rasp like the death rattle of a lifelong smoker," and that the combination of instrumentals "just seems flat and, dare I say it, boring," calling it a "disappointment."[16]

Charts

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Chart (2014) Peak
position
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[17] 10
US Rock Airplay (Billboard)[18] 30

Personnel

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All credits sourced from Apple Music.[19]

Technical

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  • Joe Barresi – producer, mixing
  • Jun Murakawa – assistant engineer
  • Josh Smith – assistant engineer
  • Dave Collins – mastering engineer
  • Mike Fasano – drum technician

References

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  1. ^ "CHEVELLE: 'Hunter Eats Hunter' Song Available For Streaming". Blabbermouth. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  2. ^ Bowar, Chad. "The Used + Chevelle Teaming Up for Spring 2015 U.S. Tour". Loudwire. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  3. ^ Laing, Rob. "Chevelle talk baritones, Barresi and breaking Europe in a interview about hard-hitting new album La Gárgola". Music Radar. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  4. ^ Full Metal Jackie. "Chevelle's Sam Loeffler Talks 'La Gargola' Album + More". Loudwire. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  5. ^ Childers, Chad. "Chevelle, 'La Gargola' - April 2014 Release of the Month". Noisecreep. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  6. ^ Childers, Chad. "Chevelle Unleash New Song 'Hunter Eats Hunter'". Loudwire. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  7. ^ "Chart Highlights: Nico & Vinz Vault To No. 1 On Adult Pop Songs With 'Am I Wrong'". Billboard. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  8. ^ "Chevelle Chart History (Mainstream Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  9. ^ Graff, Gary. "Chevelle Announces Summer Tour (Exclusive)". Billboard. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  10. ^ Pittman, Sarah. "Q&A With Chevelle's Sam Loeffler". Pollstar. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  11. ^ Childers, Chad. "Loudwire: Chevelle, 'La Gargola' - Album Review". Loudwire. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  12. ^ Graff, Gary. "Chevelle putting the pedal to the metal". Macomb Daily. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  13. ^ Humzaboy. "Review: Chevelle - Hunter Eats Hunter (The darkest song on their new album)". Sputnik Music. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  14. ^ "La Gárgola: Chevelle album review". The Greyhound. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  15. ^ Childers, Chad. "Loudwire Lists Top 10 Chevelle Songs". Loudwire. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  16. ^ Murphy, Stephen. "Hunter Eats Hunter by Chevelle (Single Review)". Raw Amp. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  17. ^ "Chevelle Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard.
  18. ^ "Chevelle Chart History (Rock Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
  19. ^ "Song Credits: Hunter Eats Hunter by Chevelle". Apple Music. Retrieved 7 November 2025.