Raven - Walk Through Fire (2009)

2009 marks the 35th year of existence as a band for Raven, even though their debut released in 1981. 35 fucking years of heavy metal, can you imagine that? Worth a clap and a nod in any case, but Raven goes one beyond that because they are still releasing material that kicks ass! Walk Through Fire is their 12th proper full-length and it contains all of the energetic speed and thrash-infused NWOBHM we've come to expect. The album most reminds me of their late 80s material, which is some of their greatest (Life's a Bitch and Nothing Exceeds Like Excess).

The guitar feedback swells up for an intro piece before "Against the Grain" volleys forth like a silo of warheads aimed straight at your ass. This is hot stepping frenzied riffing with John Gallagher's fun vocalizing, which ranges from a seductive mid range to his slightly off-kilter wails and squeals. "Breaking You Down" places your balls directly in a vice and begins hammering them with 80s hard rock flair and a mean, thrashing verse, laden in brother Mark's quirky fills. "Under Your Radar" is targeted more directly for the speed/power fans, killer double-bass driven metal without any lack for spastic leads and melodic grace. "Walk Through Fire" kicks some ass with its shifty chords and meaty thrash foundation, not to mention the classic Raven vocal hook for the chorus. Excellent. "Bulldozer" is a heavy dose of blues metal which could start a brawl in any backwards pub in the universe (if not, the universe is no longer worth living in). Other great tracks include the pummeling "Grip" and the sultry, melodic "Armageddon".

Walk Through Fire sounds just like the band in their heyday, even if it benefits from a modern studio setting. Though the band thrives off its explosive energy and 'fun factor', there is surprising depth to many of the compositions. Never is a lead wasted, they are always catchy and inserted into the tracks at the exact right moment. This is easily the band's best release in quite some time...actually about 20 years. Nothing Exceeds Like Excess was probably the last Raven I enjoyed this much, and I may end up liking it even more. This is a band of survivors who deserve all the accolades one could heap upon them. The real deal. I only hope I can remain as metal as them when I reach their age.

Verdict: Epic Win [9/10]

http://www.ravenlunatics.com/

Raven - The Pack is Back (1986)

Raven has long been one of those bands difficult to take seriously; their gaudy and ridiculous stage outfits and balls to the wall attitude have likely turned off many a metal fan. Theatrics aside, they have always been one of the creme de la NWOBHM creme, delivering many albums of high quality melodic heavy metal which is both catchy and fun. They are also one of the best live bands I have ever witnessed, especially for a three piece.

The Pack is Back (their 5th full-length) may not be the equivalent of a Wiped Out or All is One in terms of memorable riffing and impact, but it deserves mention alongside the band's other killers like Stay Hard and Life's a Bitch. This is also one of the band's more accessible records, saturated in some synth and guitar effects and with numerous built for radio tunes. The title track kicks things off with a mid-paced anthem and catchy layman chorus, as well as a nice guitar melody. "Gimme Some Lovin'" is a melodic hard rocker so if you're into that cheesy strutting style ala David Lee Roth then blast it. "Screamin' Down the House" should appeal to fans of Ratt or Twisted Sister who desire some rebellious party metal. The album picks up a little with "Young Blood" which is all the more metal, yet still very catchy. "Hyperactive" and the silly head banger "Rock Dogs" return to the more commercial vibe. Some of the other standout tracks are the heavier "Nightmare Ride" and "All I Want".

As I said, this was built for some radio play. The mix is clear and professional, and I'm not sure this entirely works in its favor. A dirtier approach would have livened up a few of the tracks, and it does feel as if some of the raw energy of the band is constricted. Regardless, there are still plenty of good hooks and John Gallagher's catchy vocal melodies. Sadly, this album did not catchy on, a lot of Raven's fans don't like it because of the ramped up accessibility and excessive party metal atmosphere. However, if you can listen past your preconceived notions and accept it for what it is, it's a great album with a lot of that lost 80s hairspray/hard rocking appeal, and there is enough pure Raven here to at least pick up on a few tracks.

Verdict: Win [7/10]

http://www.ravenlunatics.com/