Ravenhead
Ravenhead sounds heavy enough to support its large vocal parts. Orden Ogan keep the guitars working hard, with sharp riffs and solos that develop the melodies. The choruses are expansive, but the backing never disappears behind them. That gives this power metal a satisfying combination of directness and weight.
Sebastian Levermann's voice has a useful rough edge. He sings clearly enough to make a melody immediately recognisable without allowing the music to become too smooth. The vocal layers expand the sound and strengthen its storytelling. Fortunately, the band keep the instruments distinct enough to offer more than a choir with accompaniment.
The title track establishes that balance quickly. The guitars are fierce, the drums remain firmly present and the chorus follows naturally from their energy. Its solos have enough pace and melody to be interesting in their own right. The appeal comes from strong interaction, not simply the size of the arrangement.
F.E.V.E.R places greater emphasis on the chorus. It has a clear appeal without requiring the band to abandon its firm sound. Later, Deaf Among The Blind gives the record another sharp edge. The heavier rhythms and fast passages stop everything from depending on the same kind of large vocal melody.
The tracks are not all equally strong. Some passages make less impression, and the quieter ending lacks the conviction of the best material. The foundation will also be familiar to regular listeners of modern European power metal. But Ravenhead uses that approach especially well. The production gives guitars and drums enough force while the melodies remain easy to remember. Orden Ogan understand that a large gesture works better with strong riffs beneath it. This record gives those riffs enough room to make the difference.
