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RAVENOUS
Stark Raven Mad Volume 1

Self-released (2022)
Rating: 4/10

Okay, so before I set off on this review I must point out that I really do struggle when it comes to diving into rather mechanical, modern-sounding “power metal”, more so when it’s a record brim full of cover versions.

I do admire these guys (also known as Ravenous E.H.) for having the balls to lend their style to Bolt Thrower’s ‘…For Victory’ and the Candlemass tune ‘Bewitched’, but they basically turn these classic songs into glossy, modern metal designs overwrought with solos, mechanical drumming and the commanding yet irritating vocal escapades of R.A. Voltaire. But each to their own, and this Canadian posse obviously felt that by covering a diverse range of tracks that some of you would be entertained.

The entertainment factor does come into play more so with covers of Andrea Bocelli’s ‘Cakaw Te Partirò’, Robert Mitchum’s ‘The Ballad Of Thunder Road’, David Watson’s ‘Stones’ and last, but not least, My Chemical Romance’s ‘Welcome To The Black Parade’ – as if it wasn’t hard enough being exposed to the original. However, I’ve given this record time and it has confirmed my belief that cover albums are just bad news. If I wanted to hear a tepid yet Euro-Goth style rattle version of Bolt Thrower then I’d have to be unhinged, more so at the fact that this album is performed in a serious manner.

You’ll find cover versions of a variety of artists ranging from Blind Guardian, to Rush, and from Malukah, Jim Croce and Neptune Power Federation, but it’s all very much an acquired taste while every song sort of becomes a generic, metallic gallop of mediocrity.

The joke is lost on me, so I’ll hobble off back to the ‘Orgy In Dog’s Blood’ by defunct Californian death metal troupe The Ravenous who you must not confuse with these guys, nor ever let this Canadian act cover.

Neil Arnold

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