Finally, after a long wait, the metal band Riven by Ravens has released their debut album “Venerate”. They’ve been building anticipation for a whole year by releasing singles, and now, the release has finally happened!14 tracks – a whirlwind of powerful riffs, melodic vocals, and goosebump-inducing solos. Riven by Ravens are not afraid to experiment, combining elements of classic rock with more modern sounds, creating their own unique style.

Brutal riffs and soaring melodies incoming! Forget your standard hard rock fare, Riven by Ravens are here to tear things up. Formed in 2022 by shred veterans Brian Havrilla and Paul Wilson (ex-Ghost Army), unleash a progressive metal beast with a heavy alt-rock twist. The sound of Riven by Ravens is emotional alternative post-metal with a cinematic foundation. Their music tells complex stories through layered soundscapes and goes beyond the boundaries of traditional rock.

photo by Elle Jaye

Imagine yourself standing before the towering doors of an ancient castle, steeped in the mysteries of old legends. As they slowly creak open, a sense of anticipation fills the air, beckoning you to step inside and embark on a journey through time and imagination. This is the atmosphere captured in the opening track, “The Assistant,” inviting you to venture forth into the realm of Riven by Ravens’ music. In this mysterious place, where shadows play on the walls, this story begins. Deceptively acoustic, it starts its narrative, whispering forgotten secrets of the past. Heavy keyboards slowly fill the space, and the vocals, like a vampire’s assistant, guide you through the dark halls. In the best traditions of vampire sagas, “The Assistant” becomes an overture to a feature film about a confrontation with the supernatural. A fierce clash with a dark force occurs in the track “Say What You Mean,” which hovers in the air, ready to engulf entirely. The vocals, sometimes harsh and heart-wrenching, break through the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead. “Say What You Mean” is rhythmic and mighty, filling the space with power, while the explosive drums and guitar solos heat the blood in the veins.

To soften the atmosphere, Riven by Ravens offers several tracks in a calmer rhythm. I was particularly impressed by “Drift,” which is like a black cherry on this unsweetened cake. It envelops with piercing vocals, magnificent guitar pirouettes, and a thunderous rhythm section. A tough and mesmerizing hard rock. A powerful song in the style of hard-n-heavy that can be called an absolute classic. The album’s narrative reaches its climactic midpoint with the track “The Pieces, Pt. 1,” which features a clear and beautifully melodic line. This interesting and slightly mainstream song, with its unexpected moments, makes the track particularly engaging and sets the stage for the next musical twist. And it catches up with me in “Not All Angels Are Saints,” where the bassline and relentless drums equally with the lead guitarist and support a dense, driving sound. “Not All Angels Are Saints” serves as a springboard to “Grey Sky.” A fast-paced heavy metal track with a luxurious sound and stunning vocals. This is real hard rock! The album concludes with the track “Quiver Of Sorrows,” where the keyboards take the leading role. This adds brutality to the song. The voice sounds confident, like the final off-screen word of the author in the series finale.

photo by Elle Jaye

To all that has been said above, I can add that “Venerate” by Riven by Ravens is one of the best hard-n-heavy albums I have listened to in the past two years, incredibly clean and simultaneously powerful. The album left a strong impression on rock music stars such as Chad Gray from Mudvayne and William Duvall from Alice In Chains. They even created a reaction video for its release.

Many people mistakenly believe that once an album is released, the work is done and they can rest on their laurels. In reality, the most interesting and challenging part begins after the release. During this period, musicians actively prepare for live performances, honing their material, working on their stage show, and charging up with energy to meet their fans. The band Riven by Ravens is a prime example. The guys are rehearsing hard, preparing for the presentation of their new album “Venerate”, which will take place on October 20, 2024 in Goldfield, Roseville, California. They will be joined on stage by Joe Ambrecht (guitar) and Mikey McAvoy (bass). We wish them luck! And in the meantime, we can fully enjoy the new record and the world of “Venerate” that Paul and Brian have created.