The music for the song was mostly written when I brought it to the band. Aside from smoothing out the verses with Ali (Bass, Producer ATS), and making them more dynamic, the final version of the instrumental part of the song didn't evolve very much from the initial idea. I wanted a more up tempo, riff driven verse, chunky pre-chorus, and a wide open melodic chorus. We used everything from EBow'd guitar to piano with heavy reverb to add soaring layers and movement. There's a little something for everyone in this song. Groovy verse, sing alongs, EDM/synth laced post chorus, punch your neighbor in the face outro, that all came together pretty organically.

Lyrically/melodically I only had the pre-chorus and half of the verse before we began working on it together. With the rest of the guys, the lyrics and melody/harmonies took shape rather quickly. I can't say it any better than Taylor (Vocals ATS) already has in reference to the subject matter of the song...

"'The Hunter' is from the point of view of someone who may or may not realize they are in an abusive relationship, be it mentally or physically. The idea that you're so in love with this person that you can't see yourself ever leaving, but at the same time knowing this person could be poison. All the while your significant other is always on the hunt looking for their own self-gratification, and doing whatever is necessary to keep their partner mentally caged..."