Today, thanks to the internet and digital technologies, projects involving musicians of known names that live in different countries aren't impossible anymore. And this fact boosted the surge of many new side projects and bands, giving the fans some excellent surprises. And one of the younger of them is DEMONS DOWN, as can be heard on "I Stand", the quintet's first album. There are musicians of three different countries involved in the project: one of Chile (the singer), one of Italy (one of the guitarists) and three of USA (the other guitarist, the bass player and the drummer).

And they're experienced musicians, playing on bands as HOUSE OF LORDS, AUTOGRAPH, QUIET RIOT, ALICE COOPER, FIFTH ANGEL and others, so the expectations are extremely high. But this elegant form of Hard Rock with influences of AOR here and there that's peculiar of the 80's and 90's is up to any trial the expectations, with a coherent work of the five musicians. It's a great release, indeed. The production worked in a form that can be depicted as clean and that fits on what the band needs to express its ideas. But be prepared for some weighty moments (especially due the drums are sounding heavy and massive). It's really a charming work, done with the needed care.

Musically, "I Stand" speaks for itself in each track, and it's really charming, especially on songs as "I Stand" (excellent melodies can be heard, along great guitars and vocals, but the heavy appeal is clear, and what a lovely chorus), "Disappear" (another song built upon charming melodies, but with a horsepower heavy drumming), "On My Way to You" (a deeper and introspective ballad with elegant outfit, and the bass guitar arrangements are clear and great), "Where Will Our Tears Fall?" (a massive set of AOR melodies, adorned by excellent keyboards, will conquer the listener easily), "Stranded in the Middle of Nowhere" (another excellent set of gummy melodies can be heard, and another chorus that's easy to sing along with), and "Search Over the Horizon". The rest of the songs are excellent as well, so the best to do is to put the album to play and enjoy.

Let's hope that "I Stand" isn't the 'one son' of DEMONS DOWN. The band's music is so good to end on just one album.