Review | Raven – EP ‘Can’t Take Away The Fire’

Silver Lining Music

Raven’s latest EP ‘Can’t Take Away the Fire’ is a blistering statement enforcing their enduring power of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal pioneers and main stakeholders. Finally set for wider release through Silver Lining Music, the EP celebrates the band’s 50th anniversary with a ferocious collection of new tracks and live cuts that showcase their undiminished energy. Fists up!

SPEED DEMON

The EP kicks off with ,,Black and Blue’’, a speed demon of a track that immediately grabs listeners by the throat with its ravishing pace and aggressive riffs. The drums are as ferocious as the powersurge implied and are open mixed into the balance. The combustion of forces is in between the dynamics of drums and bass, with guitars switching from taking the lead into falling in line with its chords and drums patterns. Following this injection of relentless drums and guitar wallop, ,,Power Hungry’’ delivers a hefty dose of old-school metal vibes. While the title track ,,Can’t Take Away the Fire’’ offers a slightly more mid-paced but equally powerful anthem.

,,Gimme a Lie’’ shifts the EP back into high gear, featuring fiery solos and John Gallagher‘s commanding vocals. He moans, he growls, with packed intensity. The studio section of this EP concludes with ,,The Wreckage’’. A semi-ballad showcasing Raven’s ability to hit the brakes without losing their edge and zeal. It unleashes the doomy gloom of Black Sabbath emphasizing the band’s influence on the genre. It rips, it roars, and it soars with tremendous power, with wonderful bass playing at its core.

LIVE BONUS TRACKS

For fans, the inclusion of 3 live bonus tracks is a treat. It spans different eras of the band’s career. From the raw energy of their early days with ,,Don’t Need Your Money’’ (Amsterdam, 1984) to more recent performances like ,,The Power’’ (New Jersey, 2022). Making ‘Can’t Take Away the Fire’ an addition to every fan’s collection. It delivers new material in line with their classic releases while providing a nostalgic trip. The signature intensity-packed sound, combining elements of speed, thrash, and traditional heavy metal, is as brisk as ever. ‘Can’t Take Away the Fire’ proves Raven is still pushing the edge while combining their live vigor with modern songwriting.

RAVEN – IN CONCLUSION

The Gallagher brothers and drummer Mike Heller crafted an EP that serves as a celebration of their past and a statement of their present and future. It’s a reminder of why Raven is such a respected name in metal for five decades. And a promise that they’re far from done.

For die-hard fans and newcomers, ‘Can’t Take Away the Fire’ is a joy-ride through the genre!

Release date: 14 February 2025