Damien – Candle of Life (the 1992 Demo Tape)

Ohio metal icons Damien are proud to announce the vinyl release of Candle Of Life, a hidden gem from their storied career. Originally recorded in 1992 as a promotional tape and released on CD in 2018 through our label, this rare cassette is now available on vinyl for the first time, bringing a crucial yet overlooked chapter of the band's history to fans old and new.The early '90s marked a turbulent turning point for Damien. After the success of Every Dog Has It's Day and Stop This War, the band was riding high with MTV airplay, critical praise, and headlining gigs across the Midwest. A deal with High Tide Management, sparked by Black Oak Arkansas singer Ruby Starr, signaled bigger prospects. However, their label's inexperience with metal acts led to delays, no tour support, and mounting tensions with management. Despite attracting crowds of over a thousand fans and sharing stages with acts like Flotsam & Jetsam, Chastain Anvil, internal strife and label disputes threatened to derail Damien's momentum.In 1989, the departure of vocalist Randy Mikelson, who pursued a solo project, left the band in a deadlock. Damien ends up recruiting Troy Moore for the vocal duties. Moore's higher vocal range introduced a fresh dynamic, but it polarized some fans, at a time when grunge and alternative metal were beginning to dominate the scene. With no label backing, the band recorded seven tracks in Moore's basement, dubbing a few hundred cassettes to sell at shows. These Candle Of Life sessions, limited to roughly 100 copies, sold out quickly but failed to reignite the band's spark, remaining shelved for nearly three decades.This vinyl release celebrates Damien's resilience and the raw energy of their transitional era. Candle Of Life captures a band defying the odds, delivering some of their most compelling yet least-heard material. A must-have for all die-hard Damien fans and metal collectors alike.

1. Candle of Life
2. Departure from the Storm
3. Silent Rage
4. Rat Race
5. The Mission
6. Live to Ride
7. Night Wind
8. Seen It in Your Eyes (Live)

Label: Lost Realm Records

Catalog: 25

Genre: Heavy Metal