Brian Hunsaker - Lie To You

​Brian Hunsaker

Lie To You
self-released; 2026

By Jamie Funk

Some genres never really disappear. They retreat from the spotlight, maintained by musicians who remain devoted to the details that defined them in the first place. Brian Hunsaker’s “Lie To You” does not treat 1980s metal as a source of inspiration to be modernized or reinterpreted. Instead, it approaches the era with remarkable precision, recreating its aesthetic choices with the kind of dedication usually reserved for preservation work.

From the opening moments, Hunsaker commits fully to the sound. The drum tones, guitar distortion, vocal production, and overall mix all point toward the metal sound that was very popular for a couple of years. Even the orchestral elements are used in service of making the song feel bigger, aiming for the kind of arena-sized presentation that was commonplace during metal’s commercial peak. It is impressive how consistently the production stays within those boundaries without slipping into caricature.

The songwriting follows a familiar rock structure built around strong hooks, polished performances, and a clear sense of momentum. There are few surprises along the way, but that appears to be the point. Hunsaker is not interested in deconstructing the genre or pushing it somewhere new. He is focused on delivering the experience as faithfully as possible.

Part of what makes the song work is that it understands scale. The orchestration adds weight and drama, but it never overwhelms the core band performance. The guitars remain at the center of the mix, the rhythm section provides a sturdy foundation, and the vocals carry the melody with enough force to compete against the dense production. The balance helps the song avoid sounding cluttered and gives each section room to land with impact.

Because of that, “Lie To You” will likely reveal its appeal almost immediately. Fans of bands such as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Quiet Riot will recognize the vocabulary right away. The soaring guitars, polished production, and larger-than-life presentation all draw from that tradition.

​I didn't hear this as an attempt to reinvent anything. It came across as a tribute to a specific chapter of heavy metal history, crafted by someone who clearly understands what made that music resonate in the first place. If you've been missing that sound, Hunsaker delivers it with conviction.

brianhunsaker.net

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