NIGHT DEMON night demon NDR-002LP1

The Spark of NWOTHM: Night Demon’s Expanded Debut EP (NDR-002LP1)

Today’s entry shifts focus to the modern champions of the “New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal.” We are examining the 2024 US Remastered Reissue of the self-titled debut EP by Night Demon, released on their own label, Night Demon Records, with the catalog number NDR-002LP1.

A Modern Classic Revisited

Originally unleashed in 2012, this debut EP established the Ventura, California trio as the torchbearers for pure, unadulterated heavy metal in the 21st century. This 2024 edition is not merely a reprint; it is a fully expanded collection that turns the original four-song EP into a comprehensive historical document. Side A features the original studio cuts—including the signature anthems “Night Demon,” “The Chalice,” and "Ritual"—supplemented by their faithful covers of NWOBHM classics: Jaguar’s “Axe Crazy” and Diamond Head’s “Lightning To The Nations.”

Rarities and Roots

The B-side offers a deep dive into the band’s archives, making this release essential for die-hard fans. It includes raw demo versions of “Livin’ Dangerous” and “Killer,” providing a glimpse into the band’s development. Furthermore, it captures their live intensity with recordings from the prestigious “Keep It True” festival (“The Howling Man” and “Curse Of The Damned”). Perhaps most interestingly, it closes with a recording of Golden Earring’s “Radar Love” from the band’s very first live gig, preserving the raw energy of their inception.

Collector’s Specifications

This edition is pressed on classic Black Vinyl and housed in a standard sleeve. It retains the hype sticker on the shrink wrap, which details the remastering and the inclusion of the bonus tracks. For collectors of modern heavy metal, this is the definitive way to own the recording that started Night Demon’s rise to global prominence.