RAVEN (NWOBHM/Heavy Metal Legends! – UK) – ALL HELL’S BREAKING LOOSE album review by KickAss Forever #Raven #NWOBHM #HeavyMetal

Band/Artist: Raven
Place of Origin: Newcastle, UK
Album Title: All Hell’s Breaking Loose
Album Release Date: June 30, 2023
Record Label: Silver Lining Music
Genre: Heavy Metal
For Fans Of: Anvil, Lizzy Borden, Diamond Head, Metal Church, Exciter, Armored Saint
Social Links: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Youtube / Link Tree for Raven
Review by John Erigo

 

It would be easy for a band like Raven to rest on its laurels. Their first 3 albums released in the early 1980’s are considered a holy trilogy of Heavy Metal history. Forging a unique sound that combines speed, melody and catchiness, that has still not been duplicated or attempted since. Not to say the music they’ve released since those 3 albums don’t stand the test of time, but the first 3 are most metal fans refer to. Well here comes album #15 in the Raven catalog and you can that ALL HELL’S BREAKING LOOSE stands up to ANY of their previous albums! A bold statement? Yes. Truth? YES!!!!!

I have the unique perspective of being a fan of the band since that first album was released (ROCK UNTIL YOU DROP) and I can easily say this new album fits right in line with their best albums. Like I already mentioned, their ability to combine sheer speed and frenetic (yet controlled) music coupled with catchy vocal melodies is quite unique, amazing and still to this day not replicated. I can see the relationship with their newest member, drummer Mike Heller, has the brothers Gallagher (John & Mark) pumping out some incredible new music. The continued gelling of these 3 is a gift from the Metal Gods as this is a flat out speedfest of  an album that leaves you craving for more!!

The album opens with a track called MEDIEVAL and just knocks you flat on your ass from the opening and straight on through – a great way to set the listener up for what is coming!! The amazing tightness of this band is on full display throughout the album. John Gallagher’s trademark Air Raid Siren – like vocals are just as powerful as ever. Mark Gallagher’s guitar work is blistering throughout while John & Drummer Mike Heller lay down some incredible music behind his solos. The level of musicianship combined with clear vocals and really melodic songwriting is a deadly combination that is a treat for anyone into metal. SURF THE TSUNAMI is a clear example of this. Also a tune called TURN OF THE SCREW and DESPERATE MEASURES. VICTORY’S CALL too! This is the formula that makes RAVEN an unique entity that prevents other bands from trying to sound like them, it just can’t be done!

So it seems that this newer line up RAVEN has been fuel injected and are still showing a passion for making new music, which is a treat for the Heavy Metal community. If you like any bands that play fast music, you and those bands deserve to give a tip of your cap to RAVEN because they were playing faster than any band before they came along. Again, the level of musical talent combined with the great songs and catchy choruses is so unique it is infectious! So check out the new RAVEN album ALL HELL’S BREAKING LOOSE when it comes out on June 30, 2023 via Silver Lining Music – you won’t be disappointed!!!

You can pre order the album here —> https://smarturl.it/AllHellsBreakingLoose

Thanks to Austin at Secret Service Publicity for the advanced copy to make this review possible before the albums release!!!

Thanks to John & Mark Gallagher for all the great music and also friendship since 1982!!!

Thanks to Mike Heller for bringing the best out of the Gallaghers – well done Sir!!!

Band Members:
Mark Gallagher – Guitar/Backing Vocals
Mike Heller – Drums:
John Gallagher – Bass/Lead Vocals