Hot from their support slot with the mighty Iron Maiden, The Raven Age prove they are worthy torchbearers of the genre
In their sold-out, electrifying headline set at Lafayette, it was clear that this was a band that are used to playing stadiums. Hot from their support slot with the mighty Iron Maiden, The Raven Age prove they are worthy torchbearers of the genre.
While guitarist George Harris, being the son of the aforementioned heavy metal band's bass player, may have given them a leg up in their support slots, this is a band who are more than capable of carving their own sound and audience and are deserving of the attention they receive from the music press.
With three albums already under their belt, the band have time to play their latest album, 'Blood Omen' in full, and pack a few more tracks in for good measure. Frontman Matt James, roars through the opening track 'Parasite'. Dressed in a trenchcoat he swoops around the stage at Layfayette, taking the opportunity to engage with the crowd at the intimate venue. He's theatrical, but more low-key than Dickinson, but just as gutsy and energetic.
The band are also on fire! Their riffs owe their melodic side to Maiden, but there is a heavier favour that is more influenced by Anthrax, Arcturus and Killswitch Engage that rings out in muscular tracks like 'Serpents Tongue' and 'Tomb of The Unknown Soldier'.
The band also invited a fan from the audience to play stick with drummer Jai Patel, once again re-affirming that this is a band that loves to interact with the crowd.
Fan fave 'Grave of the Fireflies' packs plenty of melody for an anthemic singalong and the 'Fleur De Lis' from the 'Conspiracy' album rounds up their homecoming show.
The Ravens are flying high, catch them on tour up close and personal, while you still can!
Photos Gerry Driver
Review Cathy Clark
