Raven - All For One (1983, 2019)

Heavy Metal band from Newcastle upon Tyne (England).
Codec WMA Lossless

Recorded in London in 1983, and produced by Udo Dirkschneider of Accept, this was a major record for Raven. They had previously with their first two albums, and touring, solidified a strong fan base (doing tours with bands like Girlschool, and gigs with bands like (then) "young metal attack Metallica") which formatively uped the stakes so to say, or better put, it gave the band the ego boost they needed to move into the sound they were slowly growing into, and a hope of really cashing in one day as far as sales are concerned.

I'd argue that this is a turning point for Raven. The first two albums were total NWOBHM, with out a doubt, but this album really shows what the band was going to be turning into on future albums like Stay Hard, and Life's A Bitch, a more progressed sound with a more mainstreamed feel, but it still does have those NWOBHM leanings in its sound at points. Good or bad, this is a turning point, and this album gave Raven the opportunity for a major record label release (well their legendary live shows had a bit to do with that also).

Musically the bands really tight, and totally doing what only they did. Non-stop catchy rythms coated in high end vocal wails, shreding leads, and solos, and an attitude thats undeneibly metal. There are alot of total old school heavy metal riffs on here, but in alot of ways at the base of their music, Raven has always been a progressive hard rock band on speed, and playing at 11. Also, there is no lack for talent on this record. All the musicians are fully competent, overly energetic, and highly creative. These guys put alot into these songs, and its apparent. You wont find an album quite like this.

The production values are limitless, this is classic heavy metal with a sound unique to its time. Everything, from the vocals, to the drums, to the guitars has been masterly produced to hold a sound that is extinct. I highly recomend this album to anyone interested in classic 80's metal.

Tracklist:
1. Take Control
2. Mind Over Metal
3. Sledgehammer Rock
4. All For One
5. Run Silent Run Deep
6. Hung Drawn & Quartered
7. Break The Chain
8. Take It Away
9. Seek & Destroy
10. Athletic Rock

Bonus Tracks:
11. Born To Be Wild (feat. Udo Dirkschneider)
12. The Ballad Of Marshall Stack
13. Inquisitor (feat. Udo Dirkschneider)
14. Power And The Glory

Personnel:
Bass, Vocals - John Gallagher
Drums - Rob Hunter
Guitar - Mark Gallagher