CoC : Black Raven - The Day of the Raven : Review

Black Raven - _The Day of the Raven_
by: Quentin Kalis (3 out of 5)

Italians Black Raven perform heavy metal in the classic Eighties style of Judas Priest and Accept, with nary a glance for the happenings of the past twenty years or so. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with such retro-minded acts; the only problem is that there is little room for them to manoeuvre and discover a niche for themselves, with the result that they either perform a passionate and totally unoriginal rendition of a well-trodden sound (see Hellish Crossfire) or merely sound like dated, tried and above all, irritating rip-off artists (see the Swedish Bewitched).

It is not clear which path Black Raven has embarked upon at this point. At the moment, they are tending towards the former, but could just as easily transform into some cliché-monger. It remains to be seen whether they will choose the right path.

The production is noticeably old-school, the performance somewhat loose, and whilst the vocalist is no Dio, he is capable of carrying melodies that will gain the attention of all bullet-belt wearing men. This is an acceptable demo that erupts with raw talent, but even if they weren't, how could I not like a band who proudly sing "Heavy Metal - the Thunder still sings in my veins"?

Contact: http://www.black-raven.it

(article published 15/3/2008)