One of the foremost keys in our line of music is no other than the good ol' mighty darkness. We just can't seem to live without. Darkness has never been just the definition of the word, it has been carrying a much deeper understanding, a true sense of and inner and outer body experience. Some would even argue that darkness has a mild grasp of hope, a source of peace and quiet. Therefore, when it comes to an 80s driven band, the familiar compilation of darkness ordered phrases is a seal carved in stone. NIGHT DEMON, sliding from the USA, has been living up to be one of the integral bands of the rejuvenation of NWOBHM in the second decade of the new millennium. Their debut "Curse Of The Damned" provided a clear testimony that might indicate of a much higher form in comparison to their British and Swedish counterparts under the wing of revival of British Metal. It took them less than two years to come up with their next affair with the old sound and melodies, and "Darkness Remains" was fired out of the maw of the cannon, once again via SPV / Steamhammer Records.

The thing that I liked most about "Darkness Remains" is consistency. It would appear that NIGHT DEMON, at least in this stage of their career, aren't giving up on their old school admiration. Most of their local scene might be drenched into modern Metal, yet, this trio isn't showing signs of slipping off the path of the righteous they so boldly go through. The only difference in this album, in comparison to the previous, is that it is much closer to the royalty of early IRON MAIDEN with a shot of proto Speed Metal. Jarvis Leatherby might not be Bruce Dickinson or Paul D'ianno nor Blaze Bayley, yet the general music seems to be running on the same octane fuel as the British giants. Actually, NIGHT DEMON's appreciation of MAIDEN led them to composing the song "Maiden Hell", which is a fine tribute, sailing through the latter's finest historical moments. Hence, it can be inferred that NIGHT DEMON has been developing into being a rougher version of MAIDEN, nevertheless with an essence of its own, inducing the American swagger within the melodic riffs and upbeat tempos that defined British Metal, and "Darkness Remains" pretty much proves that point.

Each of the songs on the album is a pictorial of a straightforward directive, converging in the same point right before scaling upwards to a potential sing-along or plain memorable. Within the band's constant punches, I found several that put it in a higher stature. "Stranger in the Room" surveys the late 70's nostalgia of the British scene, a slow tempo stomper, at times winking towards the Blues, but with an ounce of power that generates an electrical charge. "On Your Own" is a mid-tempo crunchy blaze showing the band's early Speed Metal thunder, a tremendous course of carrying the torch of old. It might not be the newest chip in the block, yet bursts with class. "Maiden Hell" is a can't have enough devotion to a great artist. Unlike most of their songs, the band took it into a high gear and created a MOTORHEAD experience driven by Speed Metal force. Lastly, there is the closer self-titled. To my surprise, it was made up to be quite unique, demonstrating a hazy and atmospheric vibe, almost as if it was under the influence, a cool semi-ballad that conveyed the darkness the band so greatly infested on this album.

There is no end to old school Metal until the last band stops playing it. Year after year, releases come and go, showing the truest form of being a die-hard fan while making sure that your own signature would be evident. I think it is a must to tune in to this album and gather around for experience that may take you even further deep into the heart of Metal music. Darkness is here to stay.