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RAVAGE
www.myspace.com/swwr
The Boston, Massachussets band Ravage were formed back in the mid-90s by two young brothers who have become known to fans as Al Ravage and Eli-Joe. Their second album, ‘The End of Tomorrow’ is greatly influenced by classic heavy metal and NWOBHM. Opening track ‘The Halls of Madness’ is a short instrumental with the very Maiden-esque riffs really impressing. ‘Reign Fall’, ‘Freedom Fighter’ and ‘Damn Nation’ are all instantly likeable and continue the high standard with the guitars excelling once again. The “woh-oh-oh-oh’s” in the latter are memorable, which should make it a real crowd pleaser when played live. The cover of Priest’s excellent ‘Nightcrawler’, which forms part of the ‘The Nighmare’s Hold’ mini concept, is faithful and credible although the vocals do lack anything resembling the trademark Halford-esque piercing voice and screams. The aforementioned ‘The Nightmare’s Hold Parts 1 and 2’ combined is ambitious epic metal of the highest quality. The band end on a real high as the awesome title track, which features a classy intro, a catchy and very melodic chorus and some gorgeous twin harmony lead closes the album in fine style. ‘The End of Tomorrow’ is fluent and has some interesting ideas even though it stays close to its metal roots throughout. Eli-Joe and Nick Izzo’s guitar playing never fails to excel and proves to be the outstanding feature whilst Al Ravage’s vocals are enjoyable enough reminding me of Blaze Bayley and, to a lesser extent, the late Midnight (Crimson Glory), particularly in respect of his phrasing and use of melody. Blaze, to be fair, is perhaps not considered one of the better vocalists in metal although I believe the former Maiden/Wolfsbane frontman is quite underrated. With sufficient promotion and a few lucky breaks Ravage can make an impression in the world of metal and, as such, I have no hesitation in recommending ‘The End of Tomorrow’ for fans of classic heavy metal, particularly Maiden and Priest, NWOBHM and especially for anyone who enjoys being constantly battered by riff after glorious riff.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Metal Blade Records
Album
THE END OF TOMORROW
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Review by Dave Crewe
RUNNING TIME:
50:20
RELEASE DATE:
17th August 2009
TRACK LISTING
1) The Halls of Madness
2) Reign Fall
3) Freedom Fighter
4) Damn Nation
5) The Shredder
6) Into the Shackles
7) In Shattered Dreams
8) The Nightmare's Hold: Part 1
9) Nightcrawler
10) The Nightmare's Hold: Part 2
11) Grapes of Wrath
12) The End of Tomorrow
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
USA
"...for fans of classic heavy metal, particularly Maiden and Priest, NWOBHM and especially for anyone who enjoys being constantly battered by riff after glorious riff."