I've been eagerly awaiting this album ever since 2003's "On Fire", one of the best hard rock albums I'd heard in years. It was crammed with loads of energy, powerful vocals, great riffs, 70's era keyboards, etc. But most of all it was a record with a great deal of passion, something that I think is often missing in much of today's modern rock. The new album, "Demons" is no different. It is everything I expected and more, with all the fire, passion, taste, aggression, and great hooks that made "On Fire"' so great. "Demons" picks up where "On Fire" left off. I would even go as far as to say that this is a better record (and that's saying a hell of a lot), with a little more depth.

Vocally, J.B. puts in yet another stellar performance. Does it get any better than this guy? He reminds me of one part "Burn"- era Coverdale, one part Cornell, and one part Di'Anno. But he's arguably better than all three of those guys. From the opening lines of "Throwing Your Life Away" you know this guy means it. Sometimes when JB sings, it appears that he wants to tear your head clean off. But there is more to him than sheer power, as evidenced in his mellow, soulful performance of "Through The Halls". The haunting, dark vibe of “No One Heard” wins my pick for the album’s best vocal performance, providing yet another testament to JB’s amazing melodic sense.

Michael Ammot takes more chances on guitar this time around, not only with the sounds he gets, but with regard to songwriting structures as well. Rhythmically, the album is closer to THE SABS "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath" or "Sabotage", with "One Man Army" sounding almost like homage to "Spiral Architect". Ammot approaches his solos in a manner that matches strides with JB's vocal style (i.e. abundant fire, melody and attack). The leads and riffs in “Dying Every Day” recall classic Trower, and "Treading Water" just screams!

Another key element of any Beggars album are those dirty, ballsy keyboards from Per Weiberg. This guy is picking up where Jon Lord left off. His nasty solo at the end of ''Dying Every Day'' would sound right at home on any PURPLE record, and the rhythm stabs are quite funky. New to the fold is MERCYFUL FATE / ARCH ENEMY bassist Sharlee D'Angelo. His distorted Rickenbacker fits perfectly with the dark down-tuned "In My Blood". His fuzzed-out bass intro on "Born To Die" falls in smartly with the album's overall heaviness. This guy is becoming one of the hardest working bass players in modern metal! Once again drummer Ludwig Witt is rock solid. His drumming on 'Elusive' reminds me of the great Bill Ward. Lots of time changes and some very heavy hitting.

Included on this special addition import is a bonus live disc recorded in Tokyo in 2003, featuring the band in top form. It's cool to hear JB's take on the Spice-era songs. This is by far one of the best releases of 2005 (along with GRAND MAGUS' "Wolf's Return") and I can't say enough good things about this band. It's refreshing to know there are bands still playing this kind of music. This is not only a must have for any BEGGARS fan, but a must have for any fan of balls-out rock 'n roll.

- Peters

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