'The Unexpected Guest' follows firmly in the footsteps of 'Night of the Demon', with the demonic imagery again very prevalent, albeit for the last time. Where this album betters the predecessor is consistency and the smooth progression of tracks, which in effect flow like a well penned concept album. The vastly underrated songwriting abilities of 'Hill' / 'Spooner' are again on top form and help concoct another noteworthy intelligent NWOBHM album. Bassist 'Chris Ellis' is the only addition to the line-up, which leaves 'Les Hunt' free to concentrate on lead guitar.

The uneasy introduction titled 'An Observation' creates a fine opening for one of 'Demon's' most noted songs 'Don't Break the Circle', which is typical of the classic NWOMHM sound, nice driving rhythm, excellent mid track soloing from 'Les Hunt' and given further edge by the sharp lyrics which 'Dave Hill' works splendidly- top track. Ensuing strongly is the short catchy mid tempo rocker 'The Spell', which comes across a little reminiscent of 'Uriah Heep' 'Abominog' era, while 'Total Possession' takes a lighter more commercial approach but still fails to disappoint despite being slightly repetitive at times. 'Sign of a Madman' opens with a delightful guitar fuelled intro which leads nicely into this hook filled hard rocker, again highlighting a good solid chorus and more choice work from 'Spooner' and 'Hunt'. The fine run continues with the carefree plodder 'Victim of Fortune' that's slightly indicative of a heavier 'Uriah Heep' and overall another exacting execution makes this a first-rate track. Not quite to my taste is the Punk influenced 'Have we been here Before?' which despite the likeable chorus is driven by a pretty bland rhythm. Much better is the harder edged Blues of 'Strange Institution', which highlights a powerful vocal performance from 'Hill' and top class penmanship and instrumental work. Taking a slightly different approach is 'The Grand Illusion', regrettably I'm not totally convinced, 'Hill's' vocals come across strangely, but that said the instrumental break is still worth a listen. Returning to the demonic imagery is 'Beyond the Gates of Hell', a slower but more rugged affair, while 'Deliver Us from Evil' is a punchy anthemic rocker and overlooking some repetitiveness is still a pretty decent cut. The album bows out as it begin with an unsettling atmospheric outro.

The remastered version of 'The Unexpected Guest' comes complete with four bonus track, regrettably though they are all reworkings of tracks reviewed above, but ultimately good versions. The '88 remix of 'Don't Break the Circle' benefits from a sharper production and as such betters the original, while the other outtakes 'Have We Been Here Before' 'Victim of Fortune' and 'Strange Institution' differ little from the originals.

Another fine platter of thoughtful NWOBHM and ignoring a couple of weaker efforts towards the end another very good release.