"Outsider" is the third full-length album from the American heavy metal band, NIGHT DEMON. They have been making traditional heavy metal music since 2011. This release is somewhat of a celebration of everything that makes heavy metal music great. The riffs are catchy, the lead guitar solos are energetic, and Leatherby's clean vocals draw you in. The first two tracks, "Prelude" and "Outsider" flow together perfectly. The instrumental, "Prelude," serves as the introduction to "Outsider" as well as the whole album. I'm not one for intro tracks in most cases and I was pleasantly surprised with how well this track sets the stage. "Outsider" picks up exactly where "Prelude" leaves off and immediately sucks you in, demanding your full attention. The lyrics are simple and easy to follow. It's a great track to sing along to. The epic lead guitar solo and breakdown are just the icing on the cake.

The fourth track, "Beyond The Grave," starts with a slow clean guitar melody that is subsequently joined by the rest of the instruments. The vocals keep the same deliberate pacing for the first verse while the song swells. The track is solemn at first, with an epic doom metal flavor. The vocal harmonies remind me of BARONESS. The whole song has a BARONESS vibe. NIGHT DEMON does an excellent job of melding heavy metal with epic doom metal. At times they channel CANDLEMASS, while always remaining true to their style. "Escape From Beyond" is a rager. It is the fastest track on "OUTSIDER." The chorus, however, is sung slowly. This dynamic greatly enhances the song. The chorus is an excellent counterpoint to the speed of the verses. There's a bit of lead guitar shredding thrown in for good measure as well.

The final track, "The Wrath," is an anthemic song akin to a glam metal power ballad. It starts slowly with a great interplay between the lead and bass guitars. There is great vocal harmony once again. Leatherby's emotional wails are palpable. This track also features my favorite riff on the album. Anthony outdoes himself with an outstanding lead guitar solo at the song's climax. "The Wrath" is a culmination of everything that makes this album great. It's been quite a while since I was last moved by a traditional heavy metal album. "Outsider" is truly enthralling. Despite the dark subject matter, it is a feel-good album. If heavy metal is more to you than just a bunch of shouting and distorted power chords, you owe it to yourself to check this one out. It's equal parts epic, mellifluous, and powerful. Also, it has been on my heavy rotation list ever since I got the promo.