The Raven Age - The age of the raven is coming!

The Raven Age ****1/3 are not quite what they seem, the name suggests they are a dark European type Metal band. But this is a band, that are quite different. They mix up the sound of Metalcore bands like Killswitch Engage and In Flames with the vocal stylings of such bands as Five finger death Punch and Black label Society.

This is a band that have just been getting better and better on the live scene, out shining the main act on many occasions with a full on explosive Metal sets… that are just faultless for a band so young. This is a band that are just going to get better as they grow, and will gain a massive fan base as they go.

You really can’t believe that they only have one EP under their belt, most bands of this standard are already three or four albums in. This shows that they have a real determination to impress. They open up with an epic intro and one of their longest songs ‘Aye among the Blind’, showing that they have real confidence in their music and what they produce and are not afraid to go out on a limb and try something different.

All members are really tight but it’s two that really shine out to me. Singer Michael Burrough who’s vocals sound like they come straight out of a mainstream Rock act and on of the founding members of the band George Harris, who does quite some wizardary on the guitar. Both of these members show that this is a band that really does have the X-Factor.

Other original member Dan Wright was not in the bands ranks today, taking time to get out to get married. He is replaced for the tour by Tommy Gentry who does a good job filling in, making you not notice that a vital member of the band is missing. I really love the sound of “The Death March’ which has really clear mainstream Rock vocals that verge on a cross between Five finger death Punch and Bullet for my Valentine. This song is melodic in places and sounds really big, it’s a cross between Metal / Metalcore and early Emo.

Talking when Emo was good and bands like Funeral for a Friend and Bullet for my Valentine where first emerging. But the way The Raven Age take it into mainstream American Rock is quite brilliant. Also the construction of the songs works really well and I think as they get more experience they will become a very influential band.

This songs has good rhythms and works well as a mid set track. ‘Salems Fate’ starts off slow before it’s gradually built up and built up in pace. I think this is a track you need to listen to a few times, so you can sing-a-long with it… knowing the lyrics.

They end their set with one of their best  tracks ‘Angel in Disgrace’, which just works so well as a closing song for a very enjoyable set. The good thing about The Raven Age is that I think when you listen to their songs, you remember them and you can't say that for most bands these days.

They are heavy but also have melodies, putting them way above all these Metal / Hardcore bands you hear these days where you can't understand a word they are saying. We have really not seen the best of The Raven Age, and if you can actually find a copy of their debut self titled EP then really do because you won’t be disappointed it is brilliant.

But you might find it hard to get at the moment because it was totally Sold Out!!! on the British Lion tour. You can see The Raven Age on tour with Skarlett Riot and Mastodon later in the year. These are shows you really can't afford to miss, because soon you will be paying a lot more money to see this great band.