Search - Raven :: One for All

They're Back!

loudallas | Honeydew, California | 06/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're like me, you remember the explosion of heavy metal acts in the early 80's. This trio was to the metal scene what Triumph was to rock: very tight and featuring clever riffs with motivating lyrics. I'm pleased to say that the boys in Raven still have the edge that made them such a feast for the ears back in "the day". I saw them live with Mercyful Fate (yeah baby...) in Reseda, California, in a small club, in 1984. It still holds out as one of the best shows I've been to. These guys are tight. Buy their stuff! ... Support the talent!"

Metal lives!

_-^-_ | 08/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"(It's actually more like 4.5 stars.) Raven's music is essentially a hybrid of power metal and thrash metal. It's not surprising that this album is stylistically similar to their '83 album "All For One," and while "One For All" isn't as good as that one is, it's still quite good. Similar to that album, there isn't even a trace of keyboards or pop music here, just loud & agressive riff-oriented heavy metal. Unfortunately, Mark's guitar solos & John's singing are nowhere near as good as on their '83 album. Even so, if you like that album, you'll almost cetainly like this one. "Kangaroo" is the best song here, partially because it's one of the fastest & also partially because it's one of the only songs where John sings really high-pitched like he did so often on the '83 album. If you like heavy metal music, buy this album & help the genre return to its former status."

Raven is back at peak form!

Daniel Pinto | Brooklyn, NY USA | 06/18/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Raven is keeping the dream of old school NWOBHM alive. Here's the book on 'em: The first 3 albums are great (Rock until You Drop, Wiped Out, and All for One) Then they did the proverbial "Sell Out" on Atlantic records from 1984 to 1989 (don't bother). Stay away from "Stay Hard" "The Pack is Back" and "Mad". Then they slowly ragained their roots and reputation as being one of the most dirrerent bands out there. Freeform and highly original. But not just in terms of Heavy Metal, but just for their creative approach to musicianship and craft. I just had the pleasure of seeing Raven at La'mour in Brooklyn (supporting the new "all For One" CD) and also fulfilled a very small but nessesary dream to meet the boys. I had a great time sipping a few brews and talking to the brothers Gallager about the old days of the NWOBHM, why Metallica is so accepted these days over the "real bands" we used to listen to, and whatever happend to Rob"Wacko" Hunter. It seems the boys lost contact with great freeform drummer, and as far as they know, he is a family man now and is doing well. Over all, it's great to see Raven is doing well and doing what they want for a living. They look great and haven't lost a step live and their new CD is great. Don't be scared off of the new CD because it is a return to roots for the boys. Raven is a great band, support them, they kick butt! Danny"