Supporting Queensrÿche
Live Review
It was a Tuesday night, and Manchester was about to be rocked by the mighty Queensrÿche, with support from the one and only Night Demon! I had seen Night Demon last year in Copenhagen when they supported Cirith Ungol, and their high-energy performance left a lasting impression. So, when I heard they were coming to the UK, I knew this was a show I couldn’t miss!
Surprisingly, this time they were playing Manchester Academy 2. The last time I was at this venue was for a SepticFlesh show—where they barely fit on the stage! But knowing that Queensrÿche and Night Demon didn’t have an elaborate stage setup, I figured this would be a perfect fit.
Now admittedly, despite being a huge band, I have never properly listened to Queensrÿche nor seen them live. So for me I really didn’t know what to expect from their show. All I knew is that of course they were hard rock/ heavy metal and were going to be doing a big set!
I got to the venue early and had a beer before checking out what merch they had on offer. Considering when I was in Copenhagen they only accepted cash, I missed out that time and so made sure was prepared for this event. I opted for a blue Night Demon blue shirt with the demonic being holding a chalice!
First up was the band I was initially here to see and that was Night Demon! As mentioned before I had seen them in Copenhagen and after an awesome show there, I was more than happy to see them again. Hanging on the stage was their Night Demon logo backdrop with two side graphic stands and even some custom Night Demon microphone stands! The venue to start was quite empty but over time it filled up and soon enough the intro music “Prelude” started.
Everything became atmospheric and the smoke filled the stage. Cheers of Night Demon came from the crowd, especially big cheers from the people I was standing by! The band one by one eventually came onto stage and the room erupted with cheers! Then kaboom, the stage exploded as the band kicked things of with the epic album title track “Outsider.”
The thunderous sounds of “Screams of the Night” followed with pulse pumping, ear ripping riffs and bone rattling drum beats! The guys ran around the stage highlighting they have so much energy to give to fans! I also loved the syncronised headbanging moments showing off that the band have true showmanship!
Next up the band set fire to the stage with the electrifying and powerful “Escape From Beyond.” The energy was non stop and you see the passion and love for they do radiating from their beings. This is one of the reasons why I love seeing Night Demon live because they absolutely cherish what they do. This was certainly a highlight for me!
Continuing to keep things moving the band gave us “Dawn Rider” from their album “Darkness Remains!” The great thing about Dawn Rider is that it chops and changes between tempos so you have those opportunties to headbang while fist pumping to the more mid tempo moments! The tom work especially channels the sounds of thunder while the solo leaves everything smoking!
“The Howling Man” kicks of with its spooky intro giving the band a moment for a breather before its big ol’ chords ring out from the stage. The band standing in front of Brain playing off one another. The song riffs along backed by the quick tapping hi-hat patterns once again giving an opportunity to bob your head and feel the music. The Howling Man especially has some awesome lead licks which make the song shine. However the emotional and powerful vocal performance from Jarvis was one of the key highlights for me. Just watching him sometimes is a performance in itself as he gets locked into the music, the moment and really goes all in with headbanging.
Beyond the Grave is soon to follow and I totally love how this song unfolds. The stage is drenched in light and Jarvis slowly sings to the crowd while the big booms of bass notes ring out to the audience. It is a slower number to begin and packs so much in terms of feelings pulled from deep down. But over the floor tremors are felt eventually when the music picks up and the band give it their absolute all. You can feel how much of an impact the music leaves on the people watching! Truly awesome stuff!
Another track from Outsider now and that is the mighty track “The Wrath.” What I love about this song is how it feels like it has a number of intricate layers woven together. You have this rhythm guitars that provide the meat of the song while you have these moments where little guitar melodies cut through the mix. Then you have this heart felt vocal lines from Jarvis that act as the glue to the song. Then the added excitement from the speeding guitar work on the lead sections as the song develops.
As soon as I heard the intro track play for “Welcome to the Night” I instantly got chills! Again this gives the band another moment to pause in the darkness because then everything goes nuts. The Demon presses down on the pedal delivering top speeds igniting their surroundings. We get the classic metal riffs and Jarvis and Armand darting back and fourth across the stage. This shows has been full of heart and that has not stopped.
Night Demon love to bring a little theatrics to there show and of course a Night Demon would not be complete without a demon! And so when “The Chalice” hit our ears a cloaked demon walked on stage with a chalice and glowing red eyes. Pointing at people throw the red drenched atmosphere and acting all sinister it was a nice touch and reminded of something similar that Iron Maiden do with Eddy!
The day was a special day as it was Jarvis’s birthday and so the Demon went off stage to bring out the cake and members of Queensrÿche to have a happy birthday sing song with the crowd. It was a very special moment and certainly something that made the show feel extra special.
Finally we came to the end of the show and the band finished with the song that shares their name “Night Demon.” In true Night Demon Style they ran around the stage like headless chickens, throwing poses and offering moments of headbanging. Being on the front of the barrier I felt like I was standing behind a jet engine as I could feel the bands adrenaline and energy.They were truly giving it all they had! Like the last time I saw them i felt it was the perfect way to finish their performance. What a show!
All in all Night Demon was an absolute blast and once again did not disappoint. They are so consistent at putting on an energetic and engaging stage show that every single time you watch them you know you are going to get 110%. All i can say is that if you have not seen the band live I would certainly recommend checking them out!
Setlist
Prelude
Outsider
Screams in the Night
Escape From Beyond
Dawn Rider
The Howling Man
Beyond the Grave
The Wrath
Welcome to the Night
The Chalice
(Birthday cake time)
Night Demon
The Nwothm 
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