RAVEN March 18th, 2026
NWOBHM legends RAVEN began their 40-date Can’t Take Away the Fire tour in Louisville, KY. As this was the first night of the North American tour, the band sounded hungry, and delivered their set with over-the-top lunacy and intensity. Celebrating 50 years as a band, Raven is still just as heavy, tight, and ferocious as ever. With a new EP released last year, they showcased a career spanning set starting with the title track, an anthem that reminds me of their classic Take Control! The show felt special, like a retrospective of a prolific career, as they pulled out deep cuts and songs that haven’t been played in years. The speedy “Pick Your Window” from Life’s a Bitch sounded killer, with drummer Mike Heller igniting a new flame in the band’s sound.
They played classics like Hell Patrol and Rock Until You Drop, but the highlight for me was hearing Lambs to the Slaughter, as this is a personal favorite. I first heard the song covered on Kreator’s Out of the Dark EP, so hearing it live was awesome. The set was not short of showcasing tracks from their last two full-lengths, Metal City and All Hell’s Breaking Loose. Surf the Tsunami is a wild, explosive rocker that had guitarist Mark Gallagher going metal mad! He amazed fans with his incredible guitar skills and one-of-a-kind solos. Bassist/vocalist John Gallagher also had the spotlight with a twisting, heavy solo with crazy effects that led into a jam of Heavy Metal staples like Budgie’s Breadfan, UFO’s Rock Bottom, and Hellbent for Leather from gods Judas Priest. The band plays together so well, and their chemistry is solid. It’s clear that the band has no signs of slowing down, regardless of the challenges they face.
The show went “On and On” with the Stay Hard track, and had the crowd singing along with the two brothers. Fists were in the air for “Break the Chain”, and the band dominated the stage with call-and-response shouts and screams. Raven never disappoints live, and I’m always so thrilled to see them again and again. They are always entertaining and treat the fans like family. It’s excellent seeing a band, 50+ years into their career, kicking ass and rocking harder than ever. If you have never seen Raven, I strongly urge you to check them out on this tour and get a taste of one of the all-time greats.
Review By Sam Bean
Metal Mayhem ROC Listener
Setlist:
Can’t Take Away the Fire
Hell Patrol
Pick Your Window
Top Of the Mountain
Surf The Tsunami
Lambs To the Slaughter
Rock Until You Drop
Faster Than the Speed of Light
For The Future
All Hell’s Breaking Loose
On and On
Break The Chain
Chainsaw
Watch our interview with John Gallagher:
Tour Promo Video:
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