In the testosterone-fueled arena of 1980s heavy metal, where leather, denim, and devil horns reigned supreme, DEMON unleashed "Taking the World by Storm," a double-live album that aimed to capture the band's raw energy and onstage theatrics. With a gatefold sleeve revealing a frenzied crowd bathed in hellish red light, this British-pressed vinyl LP promised a sonic assault of epic proportions. But did DEMON truly conquer the world, or were they merely blowing smoke?
Setting the Stage: The Rise of Heavy Metal
The 1980s was a decade of excess, where big hair, big riffs, and big dreams collided in a glorious explosion of rock 'n' roll debauchery. As the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) reached its peak, DEMON stood poised to capitalize on the growing appetite for all things loud and rebellious.
A Storm Brews: The Album's Genesis
"Taking the World by Storm" was recorded during DEMON's 1983 tour, capturing the band's electrifying performances in various UK venues. Armed with a setlist packed with fan favorites and a stage show that rivaled a KISS concert, DEMON aimed to immortalize their onstage spectacle on vinyl. Fans have often praised the album's inclusion of rarely played live tracks like "Into the Nightmare" and "One Helluva Night."
Unleashing the Fury: The Sound and the Fury
The album bursts forth with the thunderous opening chords of "Night of the Demon," immediately immersing the listener in a maelstrom of distorted guitars, pounding drums, and Dave Hill's signature high-pitched wail. The setlist spans DEMON's career, showcasing their evolution from NWOBHM upstarts to seasoned veterans. Some critics have noted the exceptional crowd interaction and energy on tracks like "Liar" and "The Grand Illusion."
The Eye of the Storm: Musical Exploration or Genre Conformity?
While "Taking the World by Storm" is undeniably a heavy metal album, it also reveals DEMON's willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles. The inclusion of acoustic guitars on "Don't Break the Circle" and the prog-rock-inspired instrumental "The Plague" demonstrate a desire to push the boundaries of the genre. However, some critics argue that these moments of experimentation are overshadowed by the album's overall adherence to heavy metal conventions. Despite this, the inclusion of the epic, nearly 12-minute "Time Has Come" has been lauded as a testament to DEMON's ability to craft ambitious and emotionally charged compositions.
The Aftermath: A Storm Subsides
Despite its initial promise, "Taking the World by Storm" failed to achieve commercial success, leaving DEMON in the shadow of their NWOBHM peers. While the album's raw energy and passionate performances were undeniable, some critics felt that the production quality was lacking, and the double LP format was excessive. However, fans often point to the album's rawness as a strength, capturing the true essence of a DEMON live show.
