This is the US trio’s third album, along the way I have seen this band grow in stature considerably. During the pandemic, they released a multitude of 7-inch singles that were compiled into a CD release. Thus, ‘Outsider’ represents 8 or 9 tracks (‘The Last Day’ is a CD bonus track) of new material supported by some amazing artwork.
‘Outsider’ as a track, was a lead to the albums promo campaign. If you heard that, then you get a flavour of classic Night Demon combined with updated vision in the arrangements. It’s not just gung-ho all the time. I particularly want to mention the very enjoyable riff present around 1:26 (precisely!) before the song powers into its anthem led chorus. There are plenty of time changes, a touch of doom, but I take particular note of the drum patterns during the guitar solo, these are immense and really focusses the listener to the entire band, not just the guitar. With many textures on display, I can see why this is a lead track.
‘Obsidian’ continues in older ND style, a hammer-on guitar riff at the start to build things up, then boom, the band display their British metal influences in both riffs and speed. ‘Beyond the Grave’ begins with an ominous bass line, a barrage of multitrack guitars then rear themselves then the crescendo is when the vocals start. A massive emotive veil is subsequently drawn out of the song, this emotion is spectacularly displayed and on this album, this is where ND have really grown, you feel invested, immersed in the song. ‘The Wrath’ is over 7 minutes in running time, I must admit, I am not overjoyed at the start of this one, but the saving grace comes along when the pace increases after a trio of minutes, you then enter hyperspace. Then the guitars do it again, the solo is just wow, it takes the listener to fever pitch. This is classy, you might not get what you expect, but you get what you need!
‘Escape from Beyond’ is a real rocker, a perfect sign along made for a live gig, I can just imagine the crowd in unison with fists in the air before engaging in some air guitar aerobics. ‘Rebirth’ for me has a lot of Thin Lizzy influence, smooth melody, doubled tracked guitars (as ND are a trio) and the mood of the song is that of happiness and contentment. On the CD version, ‘The Last Day’ is a bonus track. This is another classic ND juggernaut, fast, furious, holding true to ND’s NWoBHM influence of earlier releases. The band continue to explore in some parts, their softer slower side, noted more so during “A Wake”. Dare I say it, go on, to me its their ‘Californication’, their emotive masterstroke. Jarvis’ vocal ooze emotion. Fast forward through this then you have your ‘Black Diamond’ thunderstorm from the drums during the solo.
Night Demon have grown in stature, presence and musical expression, ‘Outsider’ proves this. Supported by “Rocky” on tour, the Chalice is overflowing here; it is a great step up for the band and a valued addition for the listener.
(8.5/10 Paul Maddison)
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