Band: Death Of A Demon
Title: Doomsday Euphoria
Label: Fiendforce Records - Cargo Records
Distribution: Sonic Rendezvous
Release date: November 2010
Review: CD

The quintet Death Of A Demon was an unknown one to me. Based on the band’s moniker (including the type of logo), the album’s title and the song titles, as well as the cover art and general artwork inside the booklet, I thought this would concern a Death Metal formation – highly possible, isn’t it? Yet I seemed to be confused, apparently.

Death Of A Demon were formed in 2005 by Lou (v; lyrics and music), the guy behind legendary Horror-Punk band The Spook and Punk Rock formation Heartbreak Engines (formerly he was also involved with e.g. Ash Remains, Made Of Disbelief, The Gentle Art, 69 Cunts or The Rocketboys), and drummer Jack, ex-Radioghost and formerly involved with The Spook as well. After some line-up changes, the band was put to perfection after the recruitment of some (former) colleagues: bass player Vail (69 Cunts, Made Of Disbelief, The Spook) and guitarists Jan (forming member of Breeding Fear) and Syd (Heartbreak Engines, The Gentle Art, The Rocketboys).

Doomsday Euphoria has duration of forty seven minutes and opens with the short darkened intro "Belial", another possible "Death Metallic" hint. Yet as from the first ‘real’ song on, "The Holy Name", the musical direction gets clear. No, this has nothing to do with Death Metal at all – this is Dark Rock/ Metal/ Punk material. Yet one additional notification and the last thing I will say about Death Metal: this album does implement some minor elements from Extreme Metal (Death/ Doom/ Black) (not only the titles or artwork I’m referring to – see above), especially within some riffs and, of course, the dense atmosphere. But… this kind of Rock/ Metal is melodic and rough at the same time, rhythmic, dynamic and energetic, dirty and sleazy, modern and old at the same time. The catchy grooves and melodies are closely related to Seattle Rock and Death Rock, yet of the anti-commercial kind (in spite of the relative catchiness). Some of the members’ former experiences are reminiscent, but in its basics, Death Of A Demon are ‘larger’ in their approach. Positive elements are the perfect equilibrium between the instruments (and vocals) and, without any doubt, the unclean and unpolished sound, due to a rough production by Oki.

I guess it will please fans of everything between Sabbath, Down, Black Label Society, Christian Death, Soundgarden/ Alice In Chains, Danzig/ Misfits, The Cult or Devils Whorehouse.

83/100

Ivan Tibos.