Richard HolmesSong
Metal Militia
Artist
Raven
Raven backstory
Newcastle’s very own Gallagher brothers – bassist/vocalist John and guitarist Mark – quickly established themselves as NWOBHM trailblazers.
With drummer Rob Hunter in tow, they went hard and fast from the get-go, unleashing Rock Until You Drop in ’81 and Wiped Out the following year, laying the foundations for thrash metal, and turning heads across the Atlantic.
By 1983, they were hitting the States on the Kill ‘Em All For One tour, supported by a bunch of Californian hellraisers who’d just released their debut. You may have heard of them…
Now decades later, that relationship has been revisited, thanks to a new tribute album, No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All.
Featuring covers by the likes of Testament, The Almighty and Dave Ellefson, plus NWOBHM stalwarts Diamond Head, Saxon and Tygers Of Pan Tang, No Life ‘Til Leather was released last week via Silver Lining Music. And Raven, fittingly, delivered the final blow with Metal Militia!
In John Gallagher’s own words
“We are very happy and honoured to have been asked to be part of this awesome tribute to our old sparring partners.
“Our cover version is many things as you will hear… in the best tradition of the guys themselves, but I think we captured that Metallica ‘snarl,’ especially by changing a few key elements!”
The verdict on Metal Militia
This must have taken the grid down when it was recorded. The energy that Raven harness, more than 50-years after their inception, is simply astonishing.
Powered by Mike Heller’s thunderous kitwork, Raven’s Metal Militia is a a true celebration of Hetfield and co.’s explosive early work… and a reminder that the bands shared buses, stages and beers as they rampaged across ‘80s America.
Mark joins his brother on vocals, John cheekily drops in the Bell Tolls bassline, the solos rip and everything is turned up to 11. It’s heartwarming, exhilarating and a rip-roaring reminder of Raven’s prowess.
“Joining together to take on the world, with our heavy metal”. We couldn’t have put it better ourselves…
What’s next for Raven?
Raven released the Can’t Take Away The Fire EP back in February, but it’s been a rough year for the band, with John having been diagnosed with a Subdural Hematoma in August. Understandably, this led to the cancellation of their European tour, but trio have vowed to reschedule those dates. And most importantly, John is on the road to recovery – all at Rushonrock wish him well.
A Go Fund Me has been launched to support John, which you can donate to here.
Raven live photo by Mick Burgess.