The English heavy metal band Raven was formed in 1974 by the Gallagher brothers, John and Mark, and is considered one of the top NWOBHM bands. Their metal has been inspirational in shaping thrash and speed metal and the intensity they bring to their music seems to increase with each release.
Their new album “Leave ‘Em Bleeding” is due for release on 30th September 2022 and is without a doubt, one any metal fan should add to their collection.
The album begins with a bang, “Top of the Mountain” has a riff that grabs you immediately, the speed of this track is furious. John Gallagher’s vocals are outstanding with impressive highs amongst the gritty verses, matched in fervent energy by the guitar and drums. It smacks you in the face and keeps assaulting you til the very end. Great way to start the album and it only gets better!
“Metal City” is a little less frantic (and I mean only slightly, the energy and drive are still very much present) but it is no less heavy, the riff is savage and the screams that John Gallagher lets loose are spectacular! The next track “The Power” is another jaw-dropping metal attack, the solo from Mark Gallagher in this song is phenomenal!
Not even halfway through the album and there is nothing I don’t love so far, the drumming from Mike Heller is solid and keeps the momentum propelling forward like a freight train. The guitar is ferocious and relentless and the vocals and lyrics are out and out of heavy metal. Raven has really made a statement with this album, proving why they are hailed as one of the pioneers of NWOBHM.
My favorite song would have to be “Destroy All Monsters”, kicking off with a powerful scream and yet another fierce riff – the song has me hooked. The lyrics of “Attack, Attack, Attack!
” and “Exterminate, Exterminate, Exterminate!” are catchy and invoke a fighting spirit within. Absolutely fantastic track with supreme vigor!
I laughed at the humor injected into the beginning of “Malice in Geordieland”, I love the vocal style John Gallagher puts into this one. You can’t help but listen to every word and you know he means business. There is a groove to this track that kept me going back to it.
There is not one filler track on this album, it’s definitely all killer. I highly recommend this for fans of thrash, speed, and heavy metal. Actually, for all fans of a metal full stop.
This is a release that serves as a masterclass in how to put together a heavy metal album that will melt your face from start to finish. I’ll definitely be purchasing “Leave ‘Em Bleeding” to add to the vinyl collection! Thanks, Raven for an absolute monster of an album!
Raven: Facebook
Release Year: 2022
Label: Steamhammer / SPV
Category: Album
Country: UK
Reviewed by ForsakenMisery
