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The long running flag bearers for the NWOBHM sound, Raven, have kept their engine firing on all cylinders since 1974. That's over 40 years if my old head can calculate the passage of time accurately. Talk about dedication...

The main core of the Raven camp is the Gallagher brothers, John and Mark. The brothers, without putting down drummer Joe Hasselvander, are still what make Raven Raven. Without either, Raven would not be the same.

ExtermiNation, the band's 13th album, was crowd-funded by the fans of the band and I am sure everyone that invested their hard-earned money got back exactly what they wanted; full-blooded, energetic Raven that does not disappoint.

I for one am far from being disappointed. After spinning the album over and over again, it's safe to say the Gallaghers have managed to put together a very decent release once again. All the trademarks of the band's core sound can be heard. Mark's virtuoso guitar style, John's unique vocals (that are truly one of a kind) and Joe's accurate and tasty drumming all together create "the Raven style" and ExtermiNation is full of it. Raven's aggressive, up-tempo Heavy Metal (or 'Athletic Rock' as it was nicknamed due to band's use of sport gear onstage) is entertaining and fun to listen to. It puts a smile on everyone's face and that alone can be considered the winning concept for this British trio.

If you have ever been a fan of Raven you will like ExtermiNation, no doubt. They simply can do no wrong. They have maintained their integrity from one album to the next by staying loyal to their style, having a high work ethic and profound morals and never bothering to see if the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Why to fix something that isn't broken? Raven's music is simply lovable.