RAVEN (NWOBHM/Heavy Metal Legends!! – UK 🇬🇧) – Review of their new EP “Can’t Take Away The Fire” #raven #nwobhm #heavymetal

RAVEN – CAN’T TAKE AWAY THE FIRE (EP) – Review by John Erigo/KAF

RAVEN has released a new EP (containing 5 brand new songs and 3 live songs) to commemorate/celebrate the band’s 50 years of existence – you read that right – FIFTY!!! What an amazing testament of time for one of the best metal bands that has ever existed.  The EP is titled “Can’t Take Away The Fire” and it is apparent that statement applies to the band – this EP is full of FIRE!!! After I gave the EP a listen I had contacted Raven Bass Player/Lead Vocalist John Gallagher and told him how much I loved this EP and he replied “Yeah, it’s a scorcher!!” – yes indeed it is!!!!!!!

This EP is full of the usual Raven fever pitched pyrotechnic metal they have been wielding for decades – upbeat and heavy yet retaining a certain amount of catchiness to grab your ear and make their songs instant ear worms!!! All 3 band members are at the top of their game – the previously mentioned John Gallagher (Bass/Lead Vocals) still has his air raid siren like vocals in top form, and is a very gifted bass player as well – Mark Gallagher (Guitarist/Backing vocals) bringing the riffs, solos and frenetic energy to the band – Mike Heller (Drums) – the addition of Heller has taken Raven’s usual speed antics to new heights with blister like precision and execution – combine all of these combustible elements and you get a heavy metal juggernaut named RAVEN!!!

The EP starts out with the up tempo crusher “Black and Blue” – if it’s possible, this song will make you ear drums back and blue (LOL!) – a great sonic assault that sets the pace for this outstanding EP!! “Power Hungry” is another trademark Raven fast paced song with great vocal hooks and melodies. The title track (check out audio/video above) starts out like you’re at a live show and a sing along section is either starting or ending – bringing the live feel from a studio track is a rare but cool vibe to create! This is more of a mid tempo (For Raven) tune again with great catchiness and is still heavy. “Gimme A Lie” (You can hear Mark Gallagher do his best Fred Flintstone impression yelling WILMA! during the intro!!) is yet another stand out tune filled with seed and riffs. The one tune that will twist your ear is the last of the new tunes – title “The Wreckage”. What I heard here was a tribute to the masters of reality – the slower riffage has a complete BLACK SABBATH vibe to it – as John Gallagher’s cut through the air, there are parts that have that eerie Sabbath feel in the guitar parts. LOVE IT!!!

As for the remaining 3 songs – the band gives you a taste of all phases of the band’s history. “The Power” (recorded in 2022) – “Architect Of Fear” (from 1991) – a hidden gem of a song and album band that kinda got lost in the 90’s – and “Don’t Need Your Money” (recorded in 1984). Raven has always been known to be a great, fun and energetic live band. This is obviously evident by these live offerings.

All in all, for a band to last over 50 years is no easy accomplishment. Get this EP, give it a listen, enjoy it, relish, thank the rock n roll Gods you were alive while this band existed and give them a standing ovation!! Thank you Raven for 50 years of amazing music & memories  – here’s the next 50!! LOL!

You can get the new EP here —-> Official Shop or here —> Raven EP

You can also check out songs from the band (including the EP reviewed here) at the bands YouTube page

You can find ALL of the bands’ links here —> LINK TREE