Night Demon – Outsider
Release Date: 17th March 2023
Label: Century Media Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Power-Rock, Heavy Rock, 70s, 80s.
FFO: Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Diamond Head, Thin Lizzy.
Review By: Mark Young
Night Demon are a power-trio from Ventura, California and if there are two words which inspire me with a feeling of ‘oh no’ it’s power-trio, or power metal in general. So, apologies in advance if it comes across as a potentially negative review. I think it’s the way they take themselves so seriously. Power-metal in general, not Night Demon. Obviously.
This is their third album, and it is a concept album that takes in their experiences gained over the last three years plus their musical and literary influences, and you know it’s probably one of the best albums I’ve heard in this genre. They have got themselves a great sound and a mindset that looks to their influences without directly copying the cringe parts (if that makes sense). The issue I have is that I cannot abide slow songs which have been purposely written to occupy that space in the running order, it’s always track 3 or 4 and it’s no different here. Mix it up a bit!!
There is a deep underlying passion within this release which carries it along nicely, and the songs themselves are decent enough, performed with gusto and attack which mixes a distinct European approach with traditional muscular American singing. It doesn’t sound as though it would be at home in the 80s, which is a good thing and doesn’t immediately date it.
Each of the songs wears their influences proudly, and when they put their foot down, it sounds great. They do follow a predictable pattern but what it does do is set them up for the epic solo part, which this music must have, and they do that in spades. Personal favourites were Obsidian with some cracking NWOBHM / Thin Lizzy twin guitars which are always welcome, Escape from Beyond which smacks of Iron Maiden – Galloping riffs and that distinct vocal swing and The Wrath, which is a corking, epic finish to the album.
It sounds fresh without being a parody and is a fun record which won’t make any friends outside of the power-metal / rock genre. It does lean more to rock than metal, but what I liked about this is the emotion apparent in each song, and they have used past events to write a story that will engage some. It hasn’t made me a devotee of the genre and taking my musical tastes aside there are some belting parts that evoke Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Diamond Head and of course, Thin Lizzy. And if you are in their company, you are not doing too badly. If you like this genre and love those bands, I’ve mentioned you should get hold of a copy of this because it will right up your street.
01. Prelude
02. Outsider
03. Obsidian
04. Beyond the Grave
05. Rebirth
06. Escape From Beyond
07. A Wake
08. The Wrath
09. The Last Day (Bonus track)
(4 / 5)
