DEMON - Night Of The Demon 12" Vinyl LP Album

- French Release on Carrere Records

DEMON's"Night of the Demon": Ever been so metal you could summon a demon? Well, this album might not conjure any hellbeasts, but it'll sure as hell get your head banging. This French-pressed vinyl is a relic from the golden age of NWOBHM (that's New Wave of British Heavy Metal for you posers). It's got riffs sharper than a warlock's fingernails, Dave Hill's demonic vocals, and enough energy to raise the dead (or at least wake the neighbors). So grab your leather jacket, crank the volume, and prepare to be possessed... by the music, that is.

 

DEMON - Night Of The Demon French Release Carrere Records NWOBHM 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

DEMON's Night of the Demon: A Hellish Delight or Just Plain Hellish?
Album Description:

In the smoldering crucible of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), DEMON emerged not as trend-followers, but as true believers, forging their own path of sonic damnation. "Night of the Demon," their 1981 magnum opus, stands as a testament to their unholy ambition and raw power. However, does this French-pressed Carrere Records 12" vinyl LP transcend the genre's trappings, or is it simply another offering to the metal gods?

The NWOBHM Inferno

The early 1980s was a time of musical upheaval. Punk had given way to a new breed of metal bands, hungry for glory and eager to break free from the commercial constraints of arena rock. DEMON, with their horror-inspired imagery and theatrical stage presence, perfectly embodied this rebellious spirit.

Unveiling the Demon

"Night of the Demon" opens with a shriek that could curdle blood, launching into a relentless assault of razor-sharp riffs and thundering drums. Dave Hill's vocals, both commanding and menacing, weave tales of dark magic and otherworldly encounters. The album's production, while rough around the edges, captures the raw energy of the band's live performances.

A Descent into Darkness

The album's title track is a clear standout, a galloping anthem with a chorus that begs to be chanted at the top of one's lungs. But "Night of the Demon" is more than just fist-pumping anthems. Tracks like "The Grand Illusion" and "Liar" showcase the band's knack for crafting memorable melodies and hooks, while the instrumental "Blackheath" adds a touch of eerie atmosphere. Fans often cite "Don't Break the Circle" as a favorite, showcasing the band's ability to blend aggression with melody.

Musical Exploration or Genre Adherence?

While "Night of the Demon" is firmly rooted in the NWOBHM sound, it also reveals DEMON's willingness to experiment. The use of keyboards and acoustic guitars on certain tracks adds a layer of depth and texture not often found in the genre. However, some might argue that these moments of musical exploration are overshadowed by the album's overall adherence to heavy metal conventions. Some critics highlight the band's lyrical themes of the occult, horror, and fantasy as being particularly strong elements of their appeal.

The Demon's Legacy

Though "Night of the Demon" didn't achieve the same commercial success as some of its NWOBHM contemporaries, it remains a cult classic among metal fans. Its influence can be heard in countless bands who followed in DEMON's footsteps, embracing the theatrical and the macabre. The album is frequently cited as being an important stepping stone to the band's later career, which saw them tackle more serious subjects like political and social issues.

Music Genre:

NWOBHM

Album Production information:

The album: "DEMON - Night of the Demon" was produced by: DEOM

Mick Stone - Executive Producer

  • Mike Stone – Producer, Sound Engineer

    Studio architect of big, glossy rock records where clarity, punch, and radio ambition all line up.

    Mike Stone is one of those producers whose fingerprints are all over late-70s and early-80s arena rock, even if his name doesn’t always get shouted. I associate him first with his engineering and production work for Queen during their 1974–1978 run, where he helped translate layered studio excess into something powerful and playable. He then became a defining studio force for Journey between 1978 and 1983, shaping their leap from progressive leanings into polished, melodic rock dominance. In the early 1980s, he also produced Asia, applying the same clean, high-impact approach to a new supergroup context. His work balances technical precision with commercial instinct, and when I see his credit, I expect scale, separation, and confidence—Mike Stone Wiki

    Mike Stone Wiki

    • John Brierley - Sound Engineer

    Pete Hinton - Sound Mix

  • Pete Hinton – Record producer

    The Carrere A&R who signed Saxon and helped their early 80s metal hit like steel.

    Pete Hinton is the catalyst who helped turn UK metal into chartable thunder. Raised on 60s radio grit, he surfaced at Carrere UK (1978-1984) as A&R and producer, signing Saxon (formed 1976: Biff Byford, Graham Oliver, Paul Quinn, Steve Dawson, Pete Gill) in 1979 and steering the breakthrough punch of "Wheels of Steel" (1980) and "Strong Arm of the Law" (1980); he stayed in the "Denim and Leather" orbit as mixer/partial producer (1981). Early 80s he produced Demon (1982 "The Unexpected Guest" plus singles). Late 80s he jumped borders, producing Deathwish (1987) and Coroner's "No More Color" (1989). His biggest controversy was label politics: budgets shifted, producers got swapped, and he walked away in 1984 rather than play nice.

    • Will Reid Dick - Sound Engineer

  • Will Reid-Dick – Producer, engineer

    The behind-the-glass trouble-shooter who went from Thin Lizzy to Motörhead and kept the tape rolling.

    Will Reid-Dick, I first noticed him as the guy behind the glass who could make chaos sound deliberate. Coming out of the 70s hard-rock studio grind, he shows up on records right where heavy metal starts turning professional: engineering Thin Lizzy's 1976 "Johnny the Fox" (Lynott, Gorham, Robertson, Downey), then helping capture Saxon's early NWOBHM punch on 1980's "Strong Arm of the Law" (Byford, Oliver, Quinn, Dawson, Gill). In 1982 he co-produced Motörhead's "Iron Fist" with "Fast" Eddie Clarke (Lemmy, Clarke, Phil Taylor) — a tense, rushed session that became as infamous as it was loud. By the late 80s he was producing Thunderhead (1989), proof his ears travelled well.

    • Record Label & Catalognr:

    Carrere 67.800

    Record Format:

    12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
    Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

    Year & Country:

    1981 Made in France
    Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: DEMON - Night of the Demon
      Band-members, Musicians and Performers
    • Dave Hill - Lead Vocals
    • Chris Ellis - Bass
    • John Wright - Drums
    • Les Hunt - Bass, Guitars
    • Mal Spooner (1945-1984) - Guitars


    Complete Track Listing of: "DEMON - Night of the Demon"

    The Songs/tracks on "DEMON - Night of the Demon" are

      Side One:
    1. Full Moon ( Instrumental )
    2. Night of the Demon
    3. Into the Nightmare
    4. Father of Time
    5. Decisions
      Side Two:
    1. Liar
    2. Big Love
    3. Ride the Wind
    4. Fool to Play the Hard Way
    5. One Helluva Night

    Index of DEMON Selected Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

    DEMON Band Description:

     DEMON is a British heavy metal band that has been active in the music industry for over four decades. The band was formed in 1979 and has since then released thirteen studio albums, three live albums, and two compilations.

    One of the notable aspects of DEMON's music is their ability to blend various genres of music. The band's music combines elements of heavy metal, hard rock, and progressive rock. This unique style has earned them a loyal fan base, and they are considered one of the pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

    DEMON's debut album, "Night of the Demon," was released in 1981 and received critical acclaim. The album featured tracks such as "Don't Break the Circle" and "The Plague," which became fan favorites. The album's success helped the band to secure a record deal with major label CBS/Epic.

    Over the years, DEMON has undergone several lineup changes, with Dave Hill being the only original member still present in the band. Despite these changes, the band's signature sound has remained intact, and their music continues to be highly regarded.

    DEMON's music has been described as melodic and dynamic, with powerful guitar riffs, memorable choruses, and intricate arrangements. The band's lyrics often deal with themes of the occult, horror, and fantasy. However, they have also tackled more serious subjects, such as political and social issues.

    In terms of commercial success, DEMON may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of their peers. Nevertheless, the band has remained a cult favorite among heavy metal fans, and their music continues to influence new generations of metal musicians.

    Discography:

    Updated DEMON Heart of Our Time album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
    DEMON - Heart of Our Time

    Demon’s 1985 album Heart of Our Time embodies the NWOBHM spirit with melodic drive and sharp production. Issued by Clay Records, this LP features highlights like “Heart of Our Time” and “One Small Step.” Its front cover, a cosmic illustration of a nude figure balancing on Earth while holding the moon, gives the record an unforgettable surreal identity.

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    DEMON - Night of the Demon

    Demon’s debut Night of the Demon (1981) stands as a cornerstone of the NWOBHM movement, blending dark themes with melodic hard rock hooks. Released on Carrere Records, the 12" Vinyl LP features haunting tracks like “Full Moon” and the title cut. Its atmospheric cover art and powerful sound set the stage for Demon’s enduring legacy in heavy metal history.

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    Taking the World by Storm captures Demon at their most dynamic, blending heavy metal power with theatrical flair. Packed with hard-hitting tracks and a few progressive twists, the album showcases the band’s musical evolution and stage energy, all wrapped in a striking gatefold presentation.

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