Summer of Darkness is the second album by American metalcore band Demon Hunter, released through Solid State in 2004. Vocalist Ryan Clark described the album as being heavier than its predecessor. Indeed, while the band's debut was recorded in C tuning, Summer of Darkness would be dropped even further to B. He also cited that the group had more time to record than with their previous release. Summer of Darkness enlists the help of several friends of Demon Hunter in the form of guest vocals. The album's lead single, "Not Ready to Die" received significant airplay on MTV2's Headbanger's Ball and Fuse TV. "My Heartstrings Come Undone" was also featured on the soundtrack to Resident Evil: Apocalypse. In June 2004, Demon Hunter began touring the United States in promotion of Summer of Darkness. This included all major cities and extended to the East Coast where they had not previously performed.