Demon

Demon is a British heavy metal and hard rock group from Leek, United Kingdom, associated with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. The band forms in 1980 and remains active.

Early line-up and first releases

The band begins with lyricist and vocalist Dave Hill and guitarist Mal Spooner, who both previously play in the glam rock band Iron Cross. Their early line-up includes Paul Riley on bass, Clive Cook on guitar and John Wright on drums. In 1980 they release their first single, Liar, through Clay Records, in a limited blood-red vinyl pressing.

In January 1981 the group records its first album, Night of the Demon, which Clay Records releases through a licensing deal with Carrere Records. The album also yields the single Ride the Wind. Around this period the band attracts attention from Radio 1 DJ Tommy Vance and records a BBC session at Maida Vale for Friday Rock Show, featuring Full Moon/Night of the Demon, One Helluva Night, Father of Time and Decisions.

Changes in membership and 1980s albums

After One Helluva Night is released as a single, Paul Riley and Clive Cook leave and are replaced by Chris Ellis and Les Hunt. The band continues with Heart of Our Time in 1985, which begins a new songwriting partnership between Hill and Watts. That album leads into Breakout in 1987 and Taking the World by Storm in 1989.

1990s split and later reunion

Demon releases Hold On to the Dream in 1991 and Blow Out in 1992 before splitting up in 1992. Dave Hill later says fatigue is the reason. Hill brings the band back in 2001 with new members, and the reunited group releases Spaced Out Monkey the same year.

Reunion-era releases and live work

After reforming, Demon releases Better the Devil You Know in 2005, Unbroken in 2012 and Cemetery Junction in 2016. These later releases receive positive reviews and lead the band to appear at festivals across Europe, including Bang Your Head!!! and Sweden Rock Festival, rather than undertaking extensive tours. In 2005 the band also tours with Magnum singer Bob Catley.

In 2018 Demon marks the 35th anniversary of The Unexpected Guest by touring the UK and playing the album in full alongside other older material. The band announces the album Invincible in 2024.