You’ve got to hand it to a band that’s been going strong for 46 years, and quite apart from all the releases and the tours with everyone who was everyone, Geordie and now US-based band Raven is accredited with being a major influence on the development of speed and thrash metal. It’s hard not to know about them, well if you’re of a certain age and anything metal-orientated, but surprisingly I knew very little in spite of their output other than their power rock anthem “On and On” and one or two others. Time to catch up, then.
The sound production is of a high quality and fitting for 2020, as you’d hope. Opening song “The Power” had all the energy that you would expect. It’s a great song, reminding me in its delivery of Sebastian Bach and Skid Row. This isn’t a band who should remind me of anyone – Raven did the influencing. Fast, typical high-end vocals, anthemic chorus – great fun. Here comes Iron Maiden … oh no, it’s the old soldiers of Raven again bringing oceans of life and power metal with the theatrical “Top of the Mountain”. It’s not challenging but by goodness, it’s tight and catchy. Great work from the guitarist. You can sing along to the chorus if you like. On we go with great drama and buoyancy. It’s testimony to their songs that I hear everyone in hard rock, metal and even progressive metal circles in this. It’s strange and indeed encouraging to hear power metal without hearing of sailing the seven seas and other similar clichés. But Raven first capture us with hugely infectious and sophisticated numbers, and whilst songs like “Metal City” could never be accused of being deep journeys into the psyche innermost, they’re just anthemic, great songs. Of course they’re predictable with flamboyant guitar solos de rigueur, but at least they’re well played and not pretending to be something intellectual.
“Battlescarred” is as the title suggests – belligerent with a typically rampant melody. “Raise your hand” exhort the band, this time resorting to “all for one, one for all” lyrics. But again the exuberant march won me over, and the statutory solo has character. There’s a clear style but Raven are imaginative, never resorting to default mode, which is remarkable for a band of this longevity. The deliberate quirks in the vocals add fun to an already rip-roaring affair. Vocalis John Gallagher’s little twists on “Cybertron” brought back a memory of Steve Priest (R.I.P)’s contributions on songs by that wonderful 70s glam rock band the Sweet. But it’s more than just quirkiness. The happy melody and deceptively intricate guitar work on this romp make it into fun-filled joy. Off go the drums, and away we go into more rampant thrash. Are Raven blood brothers of Motorhead? Maybe. Hard rock it may be, but there’s a lightness to the songs. Customary fluidity of structure and a memorable chorus combine on “Not So Easy”. “It’s … “ : no prizes for guessing what the rest of the chorus line is. “Break” is heavier than most but the pace and power and technical dexterity remain. This celebratory collection takes a turn with the closing “When Worlds Collide”. With a slower tempo and darker in tone, this is a sinister creation. Raven know how to exploit this atmosphere with nasty guitar work and an air of menace without losing the drama or dynamic personality of their songmanship.
As with any artist of any sort, it’s great to hear masters at work. This is what we have here. Speed-power metal is their style, and they do it immaculately and with personality and musical imagination. Great fun.
(9/10 Andrew Doherty)
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