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Ravens'head
From The Darkness
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Back in late November, an unassuming little package arrived at TPRS.com from
Australia. Upon opening the package, I saw a rather dark, ominous cover with a
bird on it titled Ravens'head. Little did I know how this CDr demo release would
instantly garner my full attention.
Voted TPRS.com's top CD of 2001, Ravens'head - From The Darkness delivers a 1983
era styled release that comes as a welcome relief from the all the Helloween 7
Keys copycats that sound like they are playing the exact same melodic speed
metal song album after album. "From The Darkness" is devoid of all the new
millennium clichés many of the younger power metal bands are lured into these
days.
"Martyr" is one of the most immediately stunning songs I have ever heard. I was
instantly blown away by the track as soon as I put it in my car stereo. The
guitars of Gary and Chalky, Rachel's voice and the overall aura demand your
undivided attention. The mystical "Arcana" weaves an intricate tale and
musically surrounds you with a shroud of pure aggression.
The ballad "Did You Ever" is very sweet sounding composition with an
accompanying flute provided by Robbie J. It is at these times when the melodic
power of the CD subsides, the mellower vibe of recalls Annie Hanslam of 70's
progressive rock legends Renaissance. This is most evident on the track "Tears
In The Rain".
"Do You Believe" possesses a metallic gallop and a message of self determination
in terms of ones destiny. Closing track "How Many Times" is a fast paced,
relentless power metal romp which is a great way to conclude a killer release.
Througout "From The Darkness", Ravens'head keeps the attitude very metal. There
is such a diversity on the CD that fans of early Savatage, Iron Maiden will
appreciate the older stylings of the songs, while fans of extremely obscure
bands like Malisha and Avalanche will feel like they have been rewarded with a
another precious rarity. The only currently active band I can draw a slight
comparison to in terms of overall style would be Italy's Power Symphony.
The copy of Ravens'head "From The Darkness" I have is only a CD-r. I can only
imagine how impressive this collection of songs must sound on a normal silver
disc. I strongly recommend any fan of classic power metal purchase a copy of the
CD from the band. This band, like fellow Australian's Black Steel, deserve to be
heard by a worldwide audience. |
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