NWOBHM legends RAVEN to release new album February 2020
NWoBHM legends RAVEN signed again with Steamhammer for two more studio albums. Expect a new album in February 2020 followed by a world tour.
RAVEN are that rare thing in music, true originals – cut these guys with a razor and they will BLEED true heavy metal - a more intense live band does not exist on this planet!
Hailing from Newcastle Upon Tyne in North East England back in 1974 (yes – 44 YEARS ago!!!) the brothers Gallagher cut their teeth playing the pubs & clubs until solidifying their line up in 1980 with drummer Rob Hunter. The trio went on to release three of the most influential metal albums of the NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) on the Neat records label which in turn inspired every band of that era and beyond. Basically, without Raven you just would not have thrash/speed metal…. after all, the band did give Metallica & Anthrax their first tours!
Following a tumultuous move to the USA, deals with Atlantic Records, indentured servitude and commercialism, Rob left the band in 1987 to be replaced by drummer extraordinaire Joe Hasselvander, who had made his name in cult doom band Pentagram, Savoy Brown and his own solo projects, adding a new dimension to the band.
Rebuilding from the Atlantic experiences, the band capitalized on their fierce live performances steadily releasing albums and touring the world. In 2001, guitarist Mark Gallagher was involved in a near fatal accident - but fought his way back from the brink and the band proved they were stronger than ever! This renewed spirit and attitude was reflected in the title of their 2010 album “WALK THROUGH FIRE” and in the career overview DVD “ROCK UNTIL YOU DROP”.
2014 found the band opening for Metallica (the band Raven took on their first tour back in 1983) in Sao Paulo in front of 70,000 fans, and completeing a 43 date headlining USA tour – not to mention completing their finest album to date – ExtermiNation” which was released to universal acclaim from fans & critics alike in 2015!
2015 & 2016 had the band on tour..playing the USA, a 43 date Euro tour, festivals and territories such as South Korea & eastern Europe for the first time as well as a triumphant return to Japan.
Following a serious heart attack in May 2017 Joe Hasselvander has had to unfortunatly relinquish the drum stool….taking over drum duties is the phenomenal Mike Heller (Fear Factory, Malignancy) who has immediately injected high energy into the band!
The guys are already working on recording material for the next RAVEN opus, taking their game to the next level…slated for a late 2018 release
In a cynical musical landscape these days, where bands are not “gangs” but corporations...where albums and live shows are click tracked & pro-tooled to death… RAVEN are a band that are REAL not FAKE – and proud of it!
Taken from the new live album "Screaming Murder Death From Above:vLive In Aalborg" - was released on January 18th, 2019!
