Raven (British band)
Raven | |
|---|---|
Raven performing live in 2023 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Newcastle, England |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1974–present |
| Labels | |
| Members | John Gallagher Mark Gallagher Mike Heller |
| Past members | Paul Bowden Paul Sherrif Mike "Mick" Kenworthy Sean Taylor Pete Shore Rob "Wacko" Hunter Joe Hasselvander |
| Website | ravenlunatics |
Raven are an English heavy metal band, formed in 1974 by the Gallagher brothers, bassist and vocalist John and guitarist Mark. They have released fifteen studio albums to date, and had a hit with the single "On and On". Often referred to as "athletic rock", the band gained notoriety as part of the early-to-mid 1980s new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM) scene and is considered to be an influence and inspiration on the development of the thrash metal genre, including "the big four" (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax), as well as other bands such as Testament, Exodus, Overkill, Kreator, Destruction, Sodom, Onslaught, Death Angel, Flotsam and Jetsam, Coroner, Annihilator, and Razor. Raven are also notable for headlining Metallica's first-ever national tour in 1983.