The Californian band known as Night Demon certainly made a big splash with their debut album Curse of the Damned last year, but little do most know that the band actually released a self-titled EP back in 2013 on Shadow Kingdom Records that proved a fertile starting point for the near greatness that was displayed on their debut. Now being reissued on cassette, Night Demon is chock full of the bands penchant for NWOBHM styled majesty, the dual guitars weaving and mashing around each other, the rhythms galloping, the vocals powerful, and the songs instantly memorable. Containing all the original EP tracks as well as two additional studio tracks (one a sizzling cover of the Diamond Head classic "Lightning to the Nations") and two live tracks, making for a must hear for anyone who has recently jumped on board the Night Demon train. From start to finish, it's all top notch metal, from the raging title track, to the crunchy, mid paced "The Chalice", the energetic, riff fueled "Ancient Evil", blazing twin guitar frenzy ala early Def Leppard/Diamond Head/Satan/Iron Maiden in "Ritual", or the relentless rocker "Axe Crazy". Throw in a cool live cover of the Golden Earring classic "Radar Love" (recorded at the bands first ever live gig!) and you have kick ass set of nuggets from Night Demon's early days that is well worth investigating.
Track Listing
1) Night Demon
2) The Chalice
3) Ancient Evil
4) Ritual
5) Axe Crazy
6) Lightning to the Nations (Diamond Head cover)
7) Radar Love (Golden Earring cover-live)
8) Ritual (live)