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First album of the 90's for 'Raven' and it's business as usual for this Power mad trio, as they assault your speakers with their own brand of raw NWOBHM tinged Speed Metal. Not a great deal to say about this album, it's typically 'Raven', but for me thirteen tracks at 55 minutes is a little too much for a band playing this style, as the lack of variation and constant high pitched vocals become a little wearing by the end.

After a short atmospheric intro it's straight into the titled track, a raw energy rocker which highlights a solid solo from 'Mark Gallagher' while his brother 'John' certainly gives it plenty, not sure they lyrics fit the music particularly well, at times coming off out-of-synch. Better in my view is old school sounding 'Disciple' which ebbs and flows with conviction thanks to a great rhythm, lyrically it keeps it simple but utilises the tempo better than the opener. The momentum falls a little for 'Got the Devil' a fairly awkward and somewhat tedious piece which doesn't suit 'Mark's' vocals, while 'Part of the Machine' promises but is let down by the trite and whiny chorus. A short synthesiser intro so untypical of 'Raven' opens 'Under the Skin', a rowdy if entertaining affair, but the keyboards do give it a different edge and adds a little variation. The classic early 'Raven' sound is resurrected with the nasty 'White Hot Anger', whilst 'Can't Run & Hide' follows in a similar fashion, the chorus doesn't quite work but a good solid effort. 'Blind Leading the Blind' ensues in slightly tedious fashion and is only saved by a strong solo, this gives way to the furious but slightly crude and thrashy 'Relentless', while the tempo is dropped for the interesting ballad come rocker 'Just Let Me Go' which brings about some much needed variation. An awful intro announces the brisk paced 'Heart Attack', a good old fashion Speed Metal rocker, 'John' certainly delivers the goods here and overlooking the opening is a strong cut. Last up is 'Sold Down the River' a song with potential in the late 90's 'Sinner' mould, but doesn't quite come off with the chorus again not clean or melodic enough.

Some decent cuts here, but certainly not the first 'Raven' album I would reach for.

Raven:- Architect of Fear Release:- 1991 Band Members:- Mark Gallagher, John Gallagher, Joe Hasselvander, Krillion's Rating:- 78%
First album of the 90's for 'Raven' and it's business as usual for this Power mad trio, as they assault your speakers with their own brand of raw NWOBHM tinged Speed Metal. Not a great deal to say about this album, it's typically 'Raven', but for me thirteen tracks at 55 minutes is a little too much for a band playing this style, as the lack of variation and constant high pitched vocals become a little wearing by the end. After a short atmospheric intro it's straight into the titled track, a raw energy rocker which highlights a solid solo from 'Mark Gallagher' while his brother 'John' certainly gives it plenty, not sure they lyrics fit the music particularly well, at times coming off out-of-synch. Better in my view is old school sounding 'Disciple' which ebbs and flows with conviction thanks to a great rhythm, lyrically it keeps it simple but utilises the tempo better than the opener. The momentum falls a little for 'Got the Devil' a fairly awkward and somewhat tedious piece which doesn't suit 'Mark's' vocals, while 'Part of the Machine' promises but is let down by the trite and whiny chorus. A short synthesiser intro so untypical of 'Raven' opens 'Under the Skin', a rowdy if entertaining affair, but the keyboards do give it a different edge and adds a little variation. The classic early 'Raven' sound is resurrected with the nasty 'White Hot Anger', whilst 'Can't Run & Hide' follows in a similar fashion, the chorus doesn't quite work but a good solid effort. 'Blind Leading the Blind' ensues in slightly tedious fashion and is only saved by a strong solo, this gives way to the furious but slightly crude and thrashy 'Relentless', while the tempo is dropped for the interesting ballad come rocker 'Just Let Me Go' which brings about some much needed variation. An awful intro announces the brisk paced 'Heart Attack', a good old fashion Speed Metal rocker, 'John' certainly delivers the goods here and overlooking the opening is a strong cut. Last up is 'Sold Down the River' a song with potential in the late 90's 'Sinner' mould, but doesn't quite come off with the chorus again not clean or melodic enough. Some decent cuts here, but certainly not the first 'Raven' album I would reach for.
Track Listing:- Architect of Fear Intro, Architect of Fear, Disciple, Got the Devil, Part of the Machine,Under the Skin, White Hot Anger, Can't Run & Hide, Blind Leading the Blind, Relentless, Just Let Me Go, Heart Attack, Sold Down the River,