Now if ever there was a band that deserved the 'underrated' tag it is this band. From their NWOBHM early days when singer Dave Hill arose from a coffin at gigs through to the progressive leanings of albums such as 'The Plague' and 'British Standard Approved', right up to their most recent album 'Better The Devil You Know' they have kept up their musical standards.

They have had many a line up change but through it all Dave Hill has remained the constant focus and his voice has kept its power down the years.

With a two disc set they can only just tap into the band's back catalogue and I am sure some fans would have wished for their particular favourites to be included. But as a primer for the band's music you can't go wrong. From the early days 'Night Of The Demon' and 'One Helluva Night' still sound fresh all these years later, whilst 'The Plague' and 'Blackheath' are the pick of 'The Plague album.

Some great head down rockers here like 'Commercial Dynamite' and 'Hurricane', whilst the epic 'Remembrance Day' stands as one of the band's finest epic songs (another good epic number 'The Time Has Come' closes the album). Two remixes on here, 'Better The Devil You Know' and 'Standing On The Edge' both from their last studio album, sound much sharper than the original versions.

If you are new to Demon by this CD now (and then get their studio albums as I am sure you will become a fan!) and for existing fans like myself it a good chance to update the old vinyl/cassettes copies of the band's output. Truly one of the best hard rock/meta; bands the UK has ever produced.

*****

Review by Jason Ritchie