{"title":"Raven","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRaven is a heavy metal band hailing from Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Formed in 1974 by brothers John and Mark Gallagher, along with Paul Bowden, the band has been a prominent figure in the genre for over four decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe current line-up of Raven consists of *John Gallagher* on vocals and bass, *Mark Gallagher* on guitar, and *Mike Heller* on drums since 2018. Over the years, they have had several former members including Paul Bowden, Pete Shore, Paul Sherrif, Mick Kenworthy, Sean Taylor, Rob \"Wacko\" Hunter, and Joe Hasselvander.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKnown for their energetic live performances and powerful sound, Raven has influenced numerous bands within the heavy metal scene. Some similar artists include Tokyo Blade,\nTygers Of Pan Tang,\nGrim Reaper,\nPicture,\nJaguar,\nAngel Witch,\nCloven Hoof,\nArmored Saint,\nThe Rods,\nDiamond Head,\nAnvil,\nWitchfynde,\nAvenger,\nPraying Mantis,\nGirlschool,Lizzy Borden,Vicious Rumors,Samson Attacker,Omen.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"all-hells-breaking-loose","title":"All Hell's Breaking Loose","description":"\u003cp\u003eSometimes, things just speak -or scream, roar, shout, maim, wound, beat, pulverize and destroy- for themselves. Exhibit one? \u003ci\u003eAll Hell’s Breaking Loose\u003c\/i\u003e, the 15th studio album from Newcastle-born Heavy Metal pioneers Raven, is released on Silver Lining Music. Founding Geordie brothers John Gallagher (lead vocals, bass, 12 string bass) and Mark Gallagher (guitar, backing vocals) have seemingly entered a time-machine and regenerated their youthful selves, and with the fierce drumming of Mike Heller propelling further power, \u003ci\u003eAll Hell’s Breaking Loose\u003c\/i\u003e shows a band clearly bursting with fire, energy, power and pride in their standing as one of the true forefathers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is no understatement to say these are 10 'banger-after-banger' tracks, each with a tantalizing flurry of twisting NWOBHM riffery. “Turn Of The Screw” bounces on the upbeats before smashing you with a thunderous chorus, “The Far Side” has as classic a metal riff as you’ll hear in 2023, “Desperate Measures” is pure '81-saturated tales of hardship and despair, if you ever wondered what Raven at the Marquee were like on a sweaty metal night in ’83, then “Edge of A Nightmare” is your portal to paradise, and “Go For The Gold” (the finisher!) thunders as hard as the opener “Medieval”. Produced expertly by the band themselves at Heaven And Heller Studios, \u003ci\u003eAll Hell’s Breaking Loose\u003c\/i\u003e is 100% peddle to the heavy metal fun and escape back to the timeless future. Get into yer denim and leathers, break out the bevvies and crank this mutha to 11!!!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Silver Lining Music","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50446143291723,"sku":"2028107","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50446142636363,"sku":"2028106","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/All_Hells_Breaking_Loose_1f65d85d_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727053466"},{"product_id":"over-the-top-the-neat-years-1981-84","title":"Over The Top - The Neat Years (1981-84)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRe-Press:\u003c\/em\u003e CD originally released in 2019 for fans of: METALLICA \/ ACCEPT \/ SPEED METAL. Three studio albums and a live double from 80s NOWBHM legends Raven plus bonus material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally released on Neat before signing to a major and continuing global success. Although Raven’s origins date as far back as 1974, they came to the attention of the British rock media with the 1980 release of their debut single, ‘Don't Need Your Money’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHailing from Newcastle, it seemed inevitable that they would sign to Newcastle-based New Wave Of British Heavy Metal label Neat, alongside other NWOBHM luminaries Venom, Fist and White Spirit. A big influence on future thrash metal legends such as Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax, their highly energised form of speed metal became known as “athletic rock”, a genre that would extend to the band wearing baseball and American football apparel on stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTheir full-length debut, the self-explanatory \u003cem\u003eRock Until You Drop\u003c\/em\u003e, was released to much acclaim in 1981, finding champions in the pages of Sounds and Kerrang! magazines. Further cementing their reputation as influential metal legends, second record \u003cem\u003eWiped Out\u003c\/em\u003e was issued in 1982, kicking off with \"Faster Than The Speed Of Light\" and including \"Live At The Inferno\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e1983's \u003cem\u003eAll For One\u003c\/em\u003e on CD3 was co-produced by Michael Wagner and Accept lead singer Udo Dirkschneider, who also joined the boys for a cover of Steppenwolf classic ‘Born To Be Wild’, included here as a bonus track. Featured on CD4 is the seemingly inevitable double live album, \u003cem\u003eLive At The Inferno\u003c\/em\u003e. Across 19 tracks the album proudly states “THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY NO OVERDUBS ON THIS ALBUM!!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing its release, Raven would sign a major label deal with Atlantic Records, relocating to the States for further fame and fortune, with the band still regularly gigging and releasing records today. Bonus tracks include 'Wiped Out', the ‘Crash Bang Wallop EP’, 'The Ballad Of Marshall Stack', 'Inquisitor' and 'Power And The Glory', as well as an extensive liner note from renowned NWOBHM expert John Tucker.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cherry Red","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50454147989835,"sku":"2011128","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_dde982f2_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727181531"},{"product_id":"rock-until-your-drop-the-4cd-over-the-top-edition","title":"Rock Until Your Drop - The 4CD Over The Top Edition","description":"\u003cp\u003eExpanded 4CD edition of \u003cem\u003eRaven’s\u003c\/em\u003e debut album \u003cem\u003eRock Until You Drop\u003c\/em\u003e. With demos, single B-sides, and two incendiary live recordings. For fans of Diamond Head, Iron Maiden, Metallica.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough \u003cstrong\u003eRaven\u003c\/strong\u003e were very much part of the NWOBHM of the late ’70s and early ’80s, brothers Mark and John Gallagher had formulated the idea of creating their own rock group way back in 1972. With John on bass and vocals and Mark on lead guitar, they played their first gig in 1975, building up a loyal following across the North East of England.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRecording a rudimentary demo in 1978, included here on CD2. Signed to Neat Records, they recorded further demos, by which time they had trimmed down to a power-trio when the Gallaghers were joined by Rob “Wacko” Hunter on drums. Neat would release their debut 45 ‘Don’t Need Your Money’ in 1980 and make \u003cstrong\u003eRaven\u003c\/strong\u003e the lead act with ‘Inquisitor’ on the cassette compilation, ‘Lead Weight’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRaven\u003c\/strong\u003e released their debut LP \u003cem\u003eRock Until You Drop\u003c\/em\u003e in 1981 successfully capturing the energy of their live shows, the album picked up instant champions across the influential UK rock press, with key features in Kerrang! and Sounds. These would lead to important shows with Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake and Motörhead, among many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese self-styled “athletic rockers” were a huge influence on future Thrash and Speed Metal bands, such as Slayer, Megadeth, and Testament, and also on Metallica, with whom they would later co-headline with.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTheir live sound was captured illicitly by a fan on tape while on tour in Italy in December 1982, and is featured here in its entirety, the collection completed by their May 1982 performance at Manchester’s Apollo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as an extensive essay from NWOBHM expert John Tucker, this “4CD Over The Top Edition” of \u003cem\u003eRock Until You Drop\u003c\/em\u003e also features a 24 page booklet featuring many rare and unpublished photos supplied from the band’s own archive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HNE","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50459045462347,"sku":"1147826","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/b9763431-b48b-4970-8eb9-b85a52a2f9e8_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727216717"},{"product_id":"faster-than-the-speed-of-light-and-covers","title":"Faster Than the Speed Of Light and Covers","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe fledgling Raven were formed by brothers Mark and John Gallagher, playing their first gig in 1975 while building up a loyal following across the North East of England. Coming to the attention of NWOBHM pioneers Neat Records, a power-trio were formed when John Gallagher on bass and vocals and Mark Gallagher on lead guitar, joined forces with drummer Rob “Wacko” Hunter, releasing debut 45 ‘Don’t Need Your Money’ in 1980, followed by debut LP \u003ci\u003eRock Until You Drop\u003c\/i\u003e in 1981. Successfully capturing the energy of their live shows, the album picked up instant champions across the influential UK rock press, rewarding them with key features in Kerrang! and Sounds.These would lead to tours with Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake and Motörhead.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese self-styled “athletic rockers” were a huge influence on future thrash and speed metal bands, such as Slayer, Megadeth and early touring partners Metallica. Becoming a big crowd draw, Raven did what they do best, and hit the road, exemplified by their live album, \u003ci\u003eLive At The Inferno\u003c\/i\u003e, released in 1984. Their last album for Neat Records before signing a major deal with Atlantic Records in the States, \u003ci\u003eLive At The Inferno\u003c\/i\u003e cherry picks their biggest hitters from their early 45s and first three Neat albums.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eJumping forwards by more than a decade, \u003ci\u003eDestroy All Monsters: Live In Japan\u003c\/i\u003e (CD2) was recorded in 1995 at Tokyo’s famed rock venue, Club Citta. Though the set does have a concentration of their early New Wave Of British Heavy Metal days, latter rockers such as ‘For The Future’, ‘Architect Of Fear’ and ‘White Hot Anger’ get a well-deserved airing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs much as Raven had been a huge influence on the metal and thrash of the 1980s, the roots of the band lay in the classic hard rock and even the heavier end of glam of the 1970s. Raven were able to pay homage to their heroes across eleven cover versions on \u003ci\u003eParty Killers\u003c\/i\u003e (CD3), including the rock classics ‘Fireball’ (by Deep Purple), ‘Bad Reputation’ (by Thin Lizzy) and finishing off with the ‘Ziggy Stardust ‘classic, ‘Hang On To Yourself’ (by David Bowie).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HNE","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50469550588235,"sku":"2015036","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Raven_HNEBOX183_cover-min-scaled_00125bc2_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727362572"},{"product_id":"stay-hard","title":"Stay Hard","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eStay Hard\u003c\/i\u003e is the fourth full-length album by the British heavy metal band Raven, released in 1985. The band is known as an important contributing force to the emerge of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and received critical acclaim from the likes of Metallica in their early days.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis major label-debut was also the first to establish Raven's more glam metal commercial sound. It features the tracks “On And On” and “Hard Ride”, the latter is a re-recording of the song from their debut album Rock Until You Drop.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Music On Vinyl","offers":[{"title":"Yellow LP","offer_id":50483988726091,"sku":"2013685","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Stay_Hard_597aa455_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727578115"},{"product_id":"screamin-down-the-house-1985-1988","title":"Screamin' Down The House (1985-1988)","description":"\u003cp\u003eFour albums and an EP from \u003cstrong\u003eRaven\u003c\/strong\u003e who were very much part of the NWOBHM movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s. With John Gallagher on bass and vocals, and Mark Gallagher on lead guitar, they played their first gig in 1976, building up a loyal following across the North East of England.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA demo recorded in 1978 brought them to the attention of the newly formed Neat Records, by which time they had formed a power trio with \u003cstrong\u003eRob “Wacko” Hunter\u003c\/strong\u003e on drums. Neat Records released their debut 45 ‘\u003cem\u003eDon’t Need Your Money\u003c\/em\u003e’ in 1980, followed by the albums \u003cem\u003eRock Until You Drop\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eWiped Out\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eAll For One\u003c\/em\u003e, plus the concert collection \u003cem\u003eLive At The Inferno\u003c\/em\u003e, becoming a huge influence on the emerging American thrash and speed metal bands such as Slayer, Megadeth and Metallica.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChampioned by Kerrang! and Sounds in the UK, \u003cstrong\u003eRaven\u003c\/strong\u003e could now be found in the pages of Circus and Hit Parader across the pond. Inevitably attracting the attention of major labels in the United States, they were snapped up by Atlantic Records, relocating from Newcastle to New York in 1984. Their Atlantic debut, 1985’s \u003cem\u003eStay Hard\u003c\/em\u003e (CD1), featured the single and MTV favorite ‘\u003cem\u003eOn And On\u003c\/em\u003e’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRecorded in New York, \u003cem\u003eStay Hard\u003c\/em\u003e found \u003cstrong\u003eRaven\u003c\/strong\u003e moving towards a more commercial sound with the singles ‘\u003cem\u003eRestless Child\u003c\/em\u003e’ and ‘\u003cem\u003ePray For The Sun\u003c\/em\u003e’, as well as a reworking of ‘\u003cem\u003eHard Ride\u003c\/em\u003e’, originally from their Neat debut LP. After making a significant dent in the Billboard 200, \u003cem\u003eStay Hard\u003c\/em\u003e was followed by \u003cem\u003eThe Pack Is Back\u003c\/em\u003e (CD2), released in 1986.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRecorded at the famed Bearsville studio with renowned producer Eddie Kramer, \u003cem\u003eThe Pack Is Back\u003c\/em\u003e featured a more radio-friendly sound, featuring the singles ‘\u003cem\u003eGimme Some Lovin’’\u003c\/em\u003e and ‘\u003cem\u003eThe Pack Is Back\u003c\/em\u003e’. Eschewing the more commercial direction they had taken with their first two Atlantic albums, the five-track ‘\u003cem\u003eMad\u003c\/em\u003e’ EP (CD2) was produced by the band themselves in 1986.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRaven\u003c\/strong\u003e left Atlantic following 1987’s \u003cem\u003eLife’s A Bitch\u003c\/em\u003e (CD3), their last record to feature drummer \u003cstrong\u003eRob “Wacko” Hunter\u003c\/strong\u003e. Influential American rock and metal label Combat Records were the perfect home for their seventh full-length album, \u003cem\u003eNothing Exceeds Like Excess\u003c\/em\u003e (CD4) in 1988. Now featuring Pentagram drummer Joe Hasselvander, \u003cstrong\u003eRaven\u003c\/strong\u003e had once again opted to produce the album themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as an extensive essay from NWOBHM expert John Tucker, this 4CD set also features an extensive booklet featuring rare imagery and memorabilia.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hne Recordings Ltd","offers":[{"title":"CDx4","offer_id":51188233109835,"sku":"2242529","price":28.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Screenshot_2025-01-31_at_15.45.12_64e12380_thumbnail_4096.png?v=1738350742"},{"product_id":"gnosis-wl","title":"GNOSIS","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover GNOSIS by Raven on Incienso. Debut album featuring warped synthesizer tones and flickering drum patterns. Available in various formats.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Incienso","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":51641667846475,"sku":"2241740","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/2241740.jpg?v=1744715640"},{"product_id":"wiped-out-2","title":"Wiped Out,","description":"\u003cp\u003eComprehensively expanded collection based on the second album by this highly influential heavy metal band. Features a BBC Session, rare live tracks and the legendary 'Crash Bang Wallop' EP. Includes DVD filmed on their 1982 Wiped Out tour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough this highly-influential heavy metal band were very much part of the NWOBHM of the late 1970s and early 80s, the roots of Newcastle’s Raven, founded by brothers Mark and John Gallagher, go back to 1972.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith John Gallagher on bass and vocals and Mark Gallagher on lead guitar, they eventually came to the attention of the Newcastle-based Neat Records (also home to Venom), forming the classic power trio when the Gallagher’s were joined by Rob “Wacko” Hunter on drums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlaying what they branded “Athletic Rock”, Neat released their debut single ‘Don't Need Your Money’ in 1980, followed by their full-length debut ‘Rock Until You Drop’ in 1981. Successfully capturing the energy of their live shows, Raven soon picked up champions in the influential UK rock press, with key features in Kerrang! and Sounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA huge influence on future thrash and speed metal bands, such as Metallica, with whom they would later tour, as well as bands such as Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax, Raven released their second LP ‘Wiped Out’ in May 1982, which soon made the UK album charts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeaturing many Raven classics, including ‘Faster Than The Speed Of Light’ and ‘Live At The Inferno’, this expanded edition also includes the ‘Crash Bang Wallop EP’, a BBC Session, plus live tracks from their hometown, plus a full show from Gouda in Holland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis five disc set is completed by a DVD of the Gouda show which, as well as many classics from their first two albums, includes a drum solo, guitar solo and bass solo! As well as an extensive essay from NWOBHM expert John Tucker, this edition also includes a booklet featuring many rare and unpublished photos supplied from the band’s own archive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HNE","offers":[{"title":"4CD\/DVD","offer_id":57626385547595,"sku":"R4445-8031","price":37.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Screenshot2026-06-19at19.50.18.png?v=1781904049"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/collections\/test_be98923f_thumbnail_4096_dd7dbe71-3e96-496b-9a01-41ccab7a3cb4.jpg?v=1727053436","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/raven.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}