Raven | History of the Band
Raven | History of the Band
Speed, Innovation, and the Thrash Metal Blueprint: The Story of a Band that Defined the Edge of Metal in the 80s
Raven is one of those bands whose story unfolds in the shadowy corners of the 1980s metal scene, thriving in the space where speed, attitude, and experimentation collided. Known for their wild stage presence, genre-defining albums, and relentless drive, Raven is often cited as a pioneering force behind the development of thrash and speed metal. But despite their influential status, the band remains somewhat overlooked compared to the bigger names that emerged from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Let’s dive into the history, discography, and musical evolution of this hard-hitting trio, pulling back the layers of a legacy that’s more than worth rediscovering.
Formation and Early Years
Raven formed in Newcastle, England, in 1974, driven by brothers John (bass, vocals) and Mark Gallagher (guitar), who recruited drummer Paul Bowden for their initial lineup. However, it was with the addition of drummer Rob “Wacko” Hunter in 1979 that the band’s classic lineup took shape. Inspired by the raw energy of bands like Judas Priest and the early metal pioneers of the 70s, Raven started out as a straightforward heavy metal band, but quickly developed a style they dubbed “athletic rock,” combining aggressive musicianship with a hyperactive stage show.
In the early days, Raven was part of the emerging NWOBHM movement, which also saw bands like Iron Maiden, Saxon, and Def Leppard rise to prominence. However, Raven’s sound was grittier and faster, positioning them as an underground favorite for those seeking something more extreme than the hard rock or melodic metal of their peers.
From their debut, “Rock Until You Drop” (1981), Raven made it clear that they were not interested in following the conventional playbook. Their brand of heavy metal was fast, loud, and chaotic, featuring the rapid tempos and frenetic riffing that would later characterize thrash and speed metal. The band’s influence on the thrash movement is often compared to Motörhead, who shared Raven’s penchant for breakneck speed and anarchic live performances.
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By the mid-1980s, as thrash bands like Metallica and Slayer began to explode in the U.S., Raven’s sound also began to evolve, incorporating elements of punk energy and early American hardcore. The Gallagher brothers always emphasized that their band wasn’t trying to fit into a mold; instead, they were constantly pushing their own boundaries. This fearless experimentation would help define their contribution to the metal landscape during this time.
Discography and Notable 80s Albums
“Rock Until You Drop” (1981)
Released on the independent label Neat Records, “Rock Until You Drop” was a game-changer for Raven. The album’s mix of fast, energetic riffs and raw production made it stand out among other NWOBHM releases. Tracks like “Hell Patrol” and “Don’t Need Your Money” were underground hits, giving the band a foothold in the British metal scene. Recorded at Impulse Studios with producer Steve Thompson, this debut captured the frantic energy of their live performances and cemented their reputation as trailblazers of the speed metal genre.
“Wiped Out” (1982)
Raven’s second album, also released on Neat Records, took their sound to even greater extremes. “Wiped Out” (1982) was faster, heavier, and more chaotic than its predecessor. The band leaned heavily into their self-styled “athletic rock” approach, pushing the boundaries of speed and technical proficiency. Songs like “Faster Than the Speed of Light” and “Star Wars” became fan favorites, showcasing the band’s willingness to break new ground. By this time, Raven had earned the admiration of fledgling thrash bands like Metallica, who later cited them as an influence.
“All for One” (1983)
With their third album, “All for One”, Raven moved to a more prominent label, Megaforce Records in the U.S., thanks to the endorsement of Jon Zazula, a key figure in promoting early thrash metal. Produced by Michael Wagener, the album blended the manic energy of their early work with a more polished, accessible sound. “Take Control” and “Break the Chain” are standouts, combining blistering guitar solos with catchy hooks, while maintaining the band’s relentless energy. Raven embarked on a U.S. tour in support of the album, opening for Metallica during their “Kill ’Em All” tour—further solidifying their influence on the American metal scene.
“Stay Hard” (1985)
After signing with Atlantic Records, Raven released “Stay Hard”, an album that showcased a more commercial sound, undoubtedly influenced by the label’s desire for broader appeal. Songs like “On and On” and “Stay Hard” were more melodic and radio-friendly, but the band’s signature aggression wasn’t completely lost. The album reached No. 87 on the Billboard 200, giving Raven their first taste of mainstream success. However, fans were divided, with some purists feeling that the band had diluted their intensity in favor of commercial aspirations.
“The Pack Is Back” (1986)
Their follow-up, “The Pack Is Back”, continued down the commercial path but with less success. Produced by Eddie Kramer, known for his work with KISS and Jimi Hendrix, the album was heavily criticized for its slick production and more polished, hard rock-oriented sound. This was a clear deviation from the unbridled fury of their earlier work, and it left both critics and fans feeling disconnected. Still, tracks like “Gimme Some Lovin’” kept the band’s live shows electrifying, even if the studio effort fell short.
“Life’s a Bitch” (1987)
“Life’s a Bitch” was Raven’s last album with drummer Rob “Wacko” Hunter and marked a return to their heavier roots after a brief commercial detour. Recorded at Bearsville Studios, the album blends speed metal intensity with a more polished production, delivering hard-hitting tracks like “Pick Your Window” and the title track. While it didn’t reach the commercial heights of earlier albums, it became a cult favorite for its raw energy and aggressive riffing. Life’s a Bitch stands as a crucial bridge between Raven’s classic speed metal sound and their later, thrash-influenced work.
“Nothing Exceeds Like Excess” (1988)
After the commercial missteps of their previous two albums, Raven returned to their heavier roots with “Nothing Exceeds Like Excess”. Released on Combat Records after they parted ways with Atlantic, this album was a self-produced effort that aimed to recapture the intensity of their early work. It marked a significant return to form and featured fast, intricate compositions that would resonate with thrash and speed metal fans. Joe Hasselvander had replaced Rob Hunter on drums, adding a heavier dynamic to their sound .
Critical Reception
Throughout the 1980s, Raven was a critical darling in the underground metal scene, frequently praised for their intensity and innovation. Their early albums were lauded by magazines like Kerrang! and Metal Forces, which highlighted the band’s ferocious live performances and their influence on younger metal acts. By the time they signed with Atlantic, however, critics were divided. Some praised the band for evolving, while others felt that they had lost their raw edge in pursuit of mainstream success. Publications like Rolling Stone were more dismissive, while Hit Parader often praised their energy but noted the inconsistency of their later 80s material.
Influence and Legacy
While Raven never achieved the same level of commercial success as some of their NWOBHM peers, their influence on the thrash and speed metal scenes cannot be overstated. Their early albums were pivotal in shaping the sound of bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax, with Lars Ulrich and Kirk Hammett both citing Raven as an inspiration. The Gallagher brothers’ relentless approach to live performance also set a standard for many of the thrash bands that followed.
By the early 1990s, the landscape of metal had shifted, with grunge and alternative rock pushing many 80s metal bands to the fringes. However, Raven persisted, returning to a more aggressive sound with albums like “Architect of Fear” (1991). Their perseverance and dedication to their craft have earned them a loyal cult following, with many fans viewing them as unsung heroes of the metal underground.
Raven’s output during the 1980s may not have catapulted them to superstardom, but their role in shaping the future of heavy metal is undeniable. Their pioneering blend of speed, aggression, and intensity laid the groundwork for the thrash explosion of the mid-1980s. For fans of the genre, Raven represents a crucial piece of the puzzle—a band that took risks, broke rules, and inspired a generation of metal musicians. Their story is a testament to the creative spirit of the 80s metal scene, a time when experimentation and unbridled energy were the defining characteristics of heavy music. Raven’s legacy, much like their music, is fast, furious, and impossible to ignore.
I haven’t heard anything about them for years. I heard a couple of the albums but they never got any notoriety in the U.S. Even a band in that vein like Saxon never really gained the popularity here.
I've never heard of Raven but then again I'm thinking they weren't quite marketable to an American audience that was listening to softer crap that could hardly be called rock and roll. By the mid-80's Def Leppard and Warrant were dominating the airwaves and most punk rockers saw metal heads as "pussies."
Cool write up...I'm gonna have to check out this band.