Night Demon’s Limited Edition Box Set: Curse of the Damned – Ultimate Edition
Photo by Daniel Strub
Unveiling the Ultimate Edition Box Set
In the music industry, revisiting past work can be a lucrative venture. Anniversary editions, remastered tracks, and bonus content are common strategies to rekindle interest in older albums. Night Demon takes this concept to new heights with their Curse of the Damned – Ultimate Edition Box Set. This limited edition set celebrates their 2015 debut album, Curse of the Damned, and includes it in three unique versions: the “Original Master,” “10th Anniversary Remix,” and the previously unreleased “Run For Your Life” session, available on both colored vinyl and CD.
More Than Just Music: A Treasure Trove of Content
The box set does not stop with the album itself; it is packed with a plethora of archival materials including demos, videos, interviews, and live recordings. Fans can explore the extensive content, reflecting the band’s journey and evolution. The box set is set for self-release on September 5, limited to just 1,000 copies, showcasing the immense effort and passion the band has poured into this project.
Insights from Jarvis Leatherby
To gain deeper insights into the creation of this box set, we spoke with bassist and vocalist Jarvis Leatherby, who shared the story behind Curse of the Damned and the band’s evolution.
The Backstory of Curse of the Damned
Leatherby explained that the band’s initial goal was modest—simply to produce an EP of NWOBHM-inspired music. They were surprised by the positive reception from friends and fans, which motivated them to write the full-length album. At that time, the band had just welcomed a new drummer, Dustin Squires, adding to the pressure as they prepared for their first major recording.
The Remix: Improving on the Original
Regarding the 10th Anniversary Remix included in the box set, Leatherby noted that they ran out of money and time during the original production, which limited their ability to polish the album to their satisfaction. The remix, overseen by original producer Roger Camero, allowed the band to revisit the material with a fresh perspective, resulting in a refined version that better represents their sound.
Previously Unreleased Sessions
Leatherby also discussed the “Run For Your Life” sessions, which were not released initially due to the band’s desire to create a polished album. However, after realizing the raw energy of their live performances was missing, they re-recorded the album in a more authentic style, capturing the essence of Night Demon.
A Comprehensive Collector’s Item
Going Beyond Remastering
Unlike many bands that merely remaster their albums for anniversary releases, Night Demon opted for a comprehensive approach, including a DVD, comic book, posters, and a tour program. Leatherby emphasized their commitment to delivering a definitive edition that reflects their journey and honors their fans. They wanted the box set to be a celebration of their decade-long relationship with their supporters.
The Night Demon Archives
The band maintains a vast archive of recordings and memorabilia, humorously referred to as the “Jarchives.” Leatherby expressed their intention to treat all future albums similarly, ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience for fans.
Self-Releasing for Fan Satisfaction
Previously released by Century Media and Steamhammer, the decision to self-release the box set stemmed from creative differences with the labels. Night Demon was determined to produce a product that met their vision and standards, a significant investment that has already received rave reviews from their fanbase.
Highlight of the Box Set
When asked about the standout feature of the box set, Leatherby pointed to the “Curse Em All” home video, which chronicles the band’s touring experiences during the Curse of the Damned cycle. This footage captures the essence of their hard work and dedication, making it a valuable addition for fans.
Conclusion
The Curse of the Damned – Ultimate Edition Box Set by Night Demon is not just a reissue; it is a celebration of their journey, creativity, and connection with fans. With its extensive content and thoughtful presentation, it promises to be a cherished collector’s item for any dedicated follower of the band.
FAQs
1. When will the box set be available for purchase?
The Curse of the Damned – Ultimate Edition Box Set will be available for self-release on September 5.
2. How many copies of the box set will be released?
There will be a limited run of 1,000 copies available.
3. What unique content is included in the box set?
The box set includes three versions of the album, unreleased demos, live recordings, a DVD, comic book, posters, and a tour program.
4. Can fans expect similar box sets for future albums?
Yes, Night Demon plans to give similar treatment to all their future album releases.
5. Why did Night Demon choose to self-release this box set?
Creative differences with their previous labels led Night Demon to self-release the box set to ensure it met their vision and quality standards.