Dead Demons

A band that tick all the boxes...

Dead Demons

(Unsigned)

HEAVY ROCK

Review By: SAM LOUGHLAN

Band members: Mark Hale (Vocals)

Chris Weatherall (Guitar)

Pete Harriman (Bass)

Jon Booth (Drums)

Track list: Devil May Care

Trial By Fire

Outlaw

Time is Your Enemy

Another Space in Time

Today’s discovery from the underground of the alternative music scene comes from the depths of South Yorkshire. Formed in late 2019, this four-piece original heavy rock band give out the distinguished and undeniable sound that is Dead Demons.

On the 6th of October 2023 the E.P. ‘Trial by Fire’ was released, comprising of five tracks.

The introductory piece to this small, but superb collection of works is entitled ‘Devil May Care’. As a first taste of what the Yorkshire lads have to offer, this classic blend of smooth riffs and penetrating drum beats packs everything a decent rock song should have into a contrite four minutes and twelve seconds. Giving their audience a slice of their own flare mixed in with Iron Maiden vibes and a sprinkling of raw attitude, Dead Demons have brought life into some may see as the forgotten rock styles.

What really stood out for me with this one, was the memorable and undoubtedly catchy chorus:

Devil may care, But I don’t

No one swinging at the end of a rope

You walked away, So long

The Devil may care

Here at Heads Up North Manchester, we know that sometimes lyrics can make or break a track when it comes to being played on air or in a club. Dead Demons definitely ticked all the boxes when it comes to creating music that leaves audiences wanting more.

Now, the second track of the E.P. derives from the title and is so called ‘Trial by Fire’. My favourite part of this piece is thirty-three seconds in. After the atmosphere is created with soft riffs, we are hit with a sudden change in tempo as the pace quickens and the breaks in the drumming make way for the climactic voice over that is Mark Hale. This guy really has what it takes to add the finishing touches to any rock ensemble. Clear but fierce vocals that combined with consistent but complex bass and guitar riffs, create a distinct but classic sound.

Dead Demons are due to support Coyote Mad Seeds, (a band we previously reviewed), on Friday 1st of March 2024 at Corporation in Sheffield. Heads Up North Manchester wish the guys all the best in their future ventures and can’t wait to see what they have in store later this year.

But, for now we leave our avid readers with a cheeky little exclusive interview with Dead Demons vocalist Mark Hale…

1. What genre of music do you feel you most relate to?

I don’t really know if we ‘fit’ into 1 certain genre, but I would say we relate closer to Heavy Rock.

2. Who are you’re musical influences?

For me, musically it’s Iron Maiden, but there are spatters of loads in the music! Chris is a Black Label Society fan, Jonny loves his Led Zep and AC/DC, and then there’s Pete, who loves his Van Morrison! (we can’t talk about that though).

3. How hard is it to approach next level promoters?

When we first started in 2020, it was impossible. Nobody had heard of us or would give us the time of day. It’s the promoter’s job to put bands on that sell tickets, but every so often, they take a risk, and that’s where we come in! Now, in 2023, the next level for us would be venues outside of our usual zone, as well as outside of UK, building up to larger venues, which at the minute seems impossible, but ask me again in 2026, you never know.

4. What plans have you got for this year?

D For 2023, we played our final show, supporting Wolfsbane at The Greystone, Sheffield. In 2024, we’ve got a handful of shows booked in, and a few more waiting for confirmation!

5. Are you playing at any festivals?

We’ve been confirmed for 2024 already! We’re excited to return for Heaven and Hell Fest in Rotherham, as well as Savfest in Leicester. We’re also really looking forward to playing Dog and Cat Rock Fest at Trillians, Newcastle this year, our first time in the Toon!

As well as these, we are also in the running to play Call of The Wild Festival, via a Battle of the Bands called Trailblazer at the Night Train, Bradford.

6. Which artists past or present would you collaborate with?

On stage, I would say Iron Maiden for definite! In the studio, I would be more inclined to say Blaze Bayley, and maybe Dream Theater, not sure how Jonny would feel about the Double kick though!

7. Who would you compare yourselves to?

We’ve been compared to early Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, basically a NWOBHM band out of time! Personally, I don’t think I can compare us to anyone else, what I think we bring has a certain unique taste to it. Mixing Metal and Rock the way we have, you either like it, or don’t!

8. What has been your favourite performance given so far?

There are so many different parts to different gigs that have blown us away, so I’ll say that we’ve now supported Wolfsbane at Greystones twice, and both times the crowd loved us, sang along, danced along and called for more. What more could you ask for!?

9. What charity would you play a gig for and why?

We play lots of charity festivals/gigs already, but one that we haven’t done yet is for the S.O.P.H.I.E Foundation. I, like many others, had the pleasure of meeting Sylvia and sharing my story of being different and looked upon, and threatened, because I wasn’t the same as them. I would love to play a gig to honour that charity, as it really does speak volumes to me.

10. What are you working on music wise right now?

That would be telling! Right now, we’ve just released our newest EP ‘Trial By Fire’, back in October, so next year we’ll be focusing getting that out there, we are back in the writing process, but there isn’t anything concrete yet for us to be talking about.

11. Where do you draw inspiration from for your lyrics?

I just have these flashes of inspiration, that are gone as quick as they arrive. It’s usually a question I’m asking, or from my point of view, like ‘Another Space In Time’, I wrote some of those lyrics whilst thinking about my grief for the death of my Granddad, who passed 19 years ago now. I have to get it written down, whether it makes sense or not, then I can work it out after.

12. What was the best gig you’ve ever been to and why?

Darkness Christmas tour (I think?) 2003 (or was it 4?) at Sheffield Arena. First ever gig for me! And having Justin Hawkins fly around on a tiger was fantastic.

13. What do you love most about being in a band?

The crowd, hands down. Whether it’s 1 or 100,000, they are standing and listening to the music we’ve written, it’s a feeling like no other.

14. How do you deal with disinterested audiences?

Be ourselves, do our usual thing. I love having fun onstage, so they usually pick up on our vibe and join in eventually.

15. What interests and hobbies do you have outside of music?

I’m what they call a casual gamer! Along with music, my family and full-time job, I don’t get much time for many hobbies, so my video games get the last squeeze.

16. Would you be willing to show your support for our music holds no prejudice campaign?

Of course! Music is for everyone!

17. Have you got any exclusive gossip you can share with Heads up North, Manchester?

I’m pregnant! With twins! Not the gossip you wanted?

Well… I can share that we are playing at the SOSfest in Oldham in 2024, is that better?

18. Would you consider allowing Heads up North, Manchester to review your future tracks and promote any future gigs?

Of course!