The Unexpected Guest

This band is one of the "missing links" between '70s hard rock and NWOBHM. Originally on Carrere, the same label as Saxon, Demon have a bit of that band's sound...but much more as well as different.

I've just recently dug out the vinyl of this, which I listened to quite often back in the "olden days". And I was surprised at how I instantly remembered most of these songs, even after 15 years! So, I suppose that is a testimony to the songcraftsmanship on record here. I really don't know what to compare Demon to: there are many cool guitar melodies on this, but not to the complexity of Mercyful Fate. Perhaps along the same line as what Iron Maiden was doing in the early 80s, and certainly more advanced than what Judas Priest was doing. The vocalist is lower mid-range, and is quite expressive and never gets too carried away and begins to sound dorky; his voice is more raspy than clear. The production is quite nice; there is a thick, warm feeling...but I don't know if this is duplicated on cd (remember, this is a review of the vinyl). One thing that sets Demon apart is the prevailing use of keyboards. They don't have that "spacey" sound to them, ala Deep Purple, and yet they are more out-front than, say, UFO's material from the late '70s. I don't have any other reference point to compare them to. They do not "take over" the songs, rather they're an integral part of most, though the songs are for the most part guitar-oriented.

Though the theme of the early Demon material is occult, there are a few songs that sound very upbeat and almost "happy", "Victim of Fortune" and "Have We Been Here Before?" especially. However, there are some ominous-sounding songs as well, which make up the bulk of the album. I would have to say that the intro, "An Observance", points to what the listener can expect. The pace throughout is mostly mid, however they speed it up a few times and nothing really approaches doom-pace.

This is an enjoyable and well-crafted/performed listen, especially for those of you who appreciate older hard rock. I was surprised to learn the band is still active! The feel of the album is VERY British, if you know what I mean. The packaging of the vinyl is fantastic...gatefold with lyrics and photos. It was a rather interesting nostalgia trip for me, and a refreshing change of pace from my usual world of what eventually sprang from albums like this: the hideous crypt of black metal.