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  RAVEN SHOW US THEIR TRUE METAL WITH THREE PULVERISING REISSUES
Raven: 'Rock Until You Drop', 'All For One' and 'Live At The Inferno' Released: 9th June 2017 (Dissonance Productions)

brian boyle
Words: Brian Boyle

raven



There can be no doubting that the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movement was one of the most successful periods in popular music culture. Powerhouse bands like Def Leppard and Iron Maiden emerged as frontrunners and to this day are still jamming in the crowds worldwide in sprawling stadiums and arenas.

However there was a plethora of bands who didn't hit those fruit bearing levels and still retain underground hardcore status. Along with Venom, Diamond Head and Angel Witch to name a few, Newcastle's Raven never properly experienced A-list adulation but their Metal hearts are still beating strong.

With the reissue of these albums, disciples of this enduring genre can relive some of it's finest moments.

'Rock Until You Drop'

raven

Formed in Newcastle in 1975 by brother's John and Mark Gallagher, Raven properly announced their arrival in 1981 with 'Rock Until You Drop'. Recorded in 'exotic' Wallsend, the album became a catalyst in forming new genres in Metal. Although not lauded properly compared to other debut Metal albums, it's still seen as a huge influence in the birth of speed and thrash.

Produced by Steve Thompson, a man who drilled fellow NWOBHM acts Venom and Tygers Of Pan Tang, his overseeing of knuckle splitting tracks like 'Hard Ride', 'Don't Need Your Money' and the bludgeoning title track still take make you sit up and say "what the fuck is this?"

The shock and awe bonus tracks 'Crazy World', 'Wiped Out' and the all out anarchy of 'Inquisitor' may not have been on the original pressing but they stand shoulder to shoulder with what's gone before them.

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'All For One'

raven

1983s 'All For One' saw Raven imposing themselves on the American market. A fledgling Metallica opened for the band on the 'Kill 'Em All For One' Tour. Sticking very much to their own formula, 'Mind Over Metal', 'Sledgehammer Rock', 'Hung Drawn & Quartered' and 'Athletic Rock' all unleash typical riff brandishing mayhem and the five extra goodies ain't too shabby either, notably the Tap-ish 'Ballad Of Marshall Stack'.

But it's the teaming up with the legendary Udo Dirkschneider on the Steppenwolf classic 'Born To Be Wild' that lands the biggest punch. Some might say its a bit of a piss take but either way it's two thoroughbred Metal voices going at it hammer and thongs.

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'Live At The Inferno'

raven

There was a time when live albums did exactly what it said on the tin, no studio nip and tuc, just in your face barbarity with beautiful imperfections and 'Live At The Inferno' is just that, nineteen tracks peformed by a band in heat.

Covering their first three studio releases, there's plenty to get your teeth into. 'Faster Than The Speed Of Light' and 'Star War' from second album 'Wiped Out' scrub up nicely in the live domain.

John Gallagher's caustic bass solo on 'I.G.A.R.B.O.' (rumoured to mean 'I've Got A Raging Boner On') compete with blood curdling screams is still a compelling listen, as is the whole album, a collection that literally doesn't let you draw breath.

With the tenacious 'Mind Over Metal' and 'Hell Patrol' still fully capable of splitting you in two, a novice Metalhead may need a bit of counseling after a first listen but for the well travelled brainshaker, it's a headbangers paradise.

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Tracklistings:

'Rock Until You Drop'
Hard Ride
Hell Patrol
Don't Need Your Money
Over The Top
3940
For The Future
Rock Until You Drop
Nobody's Here
Hell Raiser
Lambs To The Slaughter
Tyrant Of The Airwaves
Wiped Out
Inquisitor
Crazy World

'All For One'
Take Control
Mind Over Metal
Sledgehammer Rock
All For One
Run Silent Run Deep
Hung Drawn & Quartered
Break The Chain
Take It Away
Seek And Destroy
Athletic Rock
Born To Be Wild (7" featuring Udo Dirkschneider)
Ballad Of Marshall Stack (12" B side)
Inquisitor (7" B side)
Mind Over Metal (Live 1983)
The Power And The Glory (All For One Sessions)

'Live At The Inferno'
Intro/Live At The Inferno
Take Control
Mind Over Metal
Crash Bang Wallop
Rock Until You Drop
Faster Than The Speed Of Light
All For One
Forbidden Planet
Star War
Tyrant Of The Airwaves/Run Silent Run Deep
Crazy World
I.G.A.R.B.O.
Wiped Out
Firepower
Don't Need Your Money
Break The Chain
Hell Patrol
Live At The Inferno

More Brian Boyle right here...



5th June 2017


 
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