A five track experience from the South Yorkshire rockers, ‘Trial By Fire’ is the follow up to the self titled debut and captures the essence of the band so much so, you would be fooled into thinking this was recorded live. That’s one of the most attractive features of Dead Demons, what you see is what you get, sweaty, loud and unadulterated British rock. So unpolished they are as raw as it can get and they capture everything that made you fall in love with rock and roll, back in the day.
‘Devil May Care’ kicks off with Chris Weatherall’s guitar, slicing through the air with no remorse. The song has that old school charisma, the vocals by Mark Hale fit the gaps with perfect hostility and the rooted drums of Jon Booth cement the rhythm. Nothing too fancy and overcooked, it grabs you like your innermost NWOBHM memories. A long and penetrating sound of a siren introduces ‘Time Is Your Enemy’, the hoards are advancing and the instrumental start, signals the onslaught. Firing on all cylinders, this is another epic piece, that has retro written all over it. The guitar solo is like a noble whirlwind as it screams into being and adds more fuel to this already blazing track.
Hearing a motorcycle engine revving is a sure way of showing your devotion to biker rock and the tale of a leather clad ‘Outlaw’ is third up on the roster. Pumping the gears and getting a feel of racing in the saddle, it’s a swiftly executed song and sums up that wild contentment, particularly for those with oil stains on their denims. The title track ’Trial By Fire’ sounds a bit ominous, but it’s harmless ! Brandishing axe work again from Chris, he’s certainly worth his ‘Demon’ weight. His stunning intro rolls into a monstrous rendition and alongside is Pete Harriman’s superb bass, this is indeed one of ‘Dead Demons’ finest moments. Fast, furious finger picking and gloriously combined backing vocals give it body and an air of superiority. I like the way it breaks and switches around and Mark’s contribution is flawless. A gentle beginning on ‘Another Time In Space’ then it gravitates with building pressure and heavy lyrics. Slowly emerging into a symphonic track and then cutting into a full on rock anthem, it has several dimensions and the powerful riff that ends it all, makes it totally unique.
A really thunderous and inspiring EP, from a band that are rising stars on the live circuit. Down to earth and unassuming they may be, but they have a sound that is the basis of classic rock and that’s something you can’t do without. Fully recommend ’Trial By Fire’ as an introduction to ‘Dead Demons’ but of course if you’ve seen and heard them already you’ve probably pre-ordered this mighty gem. To those who have yet to witness the ‘Dead Demons’ links and tags are below.
‘They have a sound that is the basis of classic rock and that’s something you can’t do without’.
HIGHLIGHTS – Devil May Care, Trial By Fire.
Photo Credit – Kevin Hargrave Photography
Video Credit – Cecil Paul Studios
EP Artwork – Dave Howarth Artist
PRE-ORDER – FORM
I recently caught up with the guys for an interview, read the full Q&A’s and learn a lot more about Dead Demons !
DEAD DEMONS INTERVIEW WITH DIANE FROM MMH – LINK HERE
Dead Demons are …Mark Hale … Vocals. Chris Weatherall … Guitar. Pete Harriman … Bass Guitar. Jon Booth… Drums
