Raven has been going on and on for quite some time now. It only took them 35 years to come around these new western territories. I would dare say, that it's even possible, that once again we have Anvil's success to thank for causing an interest in other bands slight waning popularity. History repeats itself in mysterious ways, right Lips? Anyway,
Saturday night and downtown is looking empty, at the venue there is no lines or people for that matter, the show had already started, unfortunately the bouncers are the first thing you have to deal with, and they want to see you have id, because once you're inside, they're the new sheriffs in town. a beer stamp later we are inside where it's pretty dark and somewhat stank, a regular sports bar where the good people of the world come to enjoy themselves. Some more than others and some none at all. The beer is 5 and up, a Guiness cost me 7 plus tip! If only I had sprung for a nice flask before the show...
Once inside, we find local bands playing their brand of accessible metal. It was like a regular tuesday night at your local watering hole, people sitting on couches in the back and everywhere people are scattered waiting for drinks, having a smoke and shooting the shit, but nobody shooting pool though, a total waste of nice tempting pool tables.
The following two bands were quasi-tributes to grunge, thrash and 90's rock in general. At times it seems like you were listening to Soundgarden meets Pearl Jam meets Pantera, but then it would veer towards more of a commercial undertone which is just the way it goes. I've heard worse.
Then, after losing count of the beers, Raven comes on, and they strike the stage with the familiar tones of Take Control!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcwIV2en7B0 (Take control! Take control! Take control!)
The setlist was as follows:
1. Take Control
2. Live at the Inferno
3. All for One
4. Breaking You Down
5. Rock Until You Drop
6. Guitar Solo
7. Speed of the Reflex/ Run Silent, Run Deep/ Mind over Metal
8. Bass Solo
9. Long Day's Journey
10. Lamb to the Slaughter
11. Bulldozer
12. On and On
13. For the Future
Encore:
14. Bass solo
15. Break the Chain / Symptom Of the Universe / Won't Get Fooled Again / Summertime Blues / Genocide / Break the Chain (reprise)
I think the beer kept coming in bigger waves because their whole set was a blur until I finally recognized Speed of the Reflex off their Mad ep. By 'blur' I mean they rocked out like pros from one track to the next, then ofcourse the ever popular "On & On" was played with much gusto, the place was jumping with drunken rockers transported all the way to 1984.
The great divide that there was with Raven's first 3 albums and the glam rock direction of their later works might have some fans on the fence but there was no denying that they could even play something like "Old Mcdonald had a Farm" and rock your socks off. I could swear that I had some sort of nwobhm baptism ritual experience, or is that 'beerptism'?
Raven formed in 1974, and 36 years later we got to see them repeat the intensity and charm that made them key players in that wholesome pre-thrash era. All the way from Virginia, these brits are the real deal. Sorry Anvil, you guys just can't compete with Raven.
I got to thank John and also got to remind him that their Mad Ep was a really good memorable album, which they should play more of live. But much like other bands with a long list of studio recordings I get the standard defense line ... "You can't please everyone".
I probably shouldn't have asked him if Metallica ever took them out after the "Kill 'em All For One" tour... but I did. Oh well, that's showbusiness for you. I then shook his brother's hand while he was busy signing shit and told him exactly what I thought about him. "You're awesome man".... that was my insightful comment to the madman behind Raven's tasty riff legacy. Did I mention I had a couple of beers? oh yeah, good show, kick ass band. The Pack is back, again, rocked until I dropped!
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