Bobby Liebling of PENTAGRAM fame once aptly characterized his band's style as "street doom". I think that in what we now call Traditional Doom Metal there is a certain current that is distinct from the Epic Doom Metal style of bands like CANDLEMASS or WITCHFINDER GENERAL. The description fits bands like PENTAGRAM or SAINT VITUS perfectly, be it because of the rawer sound or the this-worldly lyrics. The label "street doom" fits COUNT RAVEN rather nicely too. COUNT RAVEN are a bit less theatrical than CANDLEMASS, but that's not to say that their music lacks drama. The lyrics are this-worldy, they often have political or conspiratorial content and obviously are super dark and despondent. In one song they even take jabs at Glam Metal bands and at the effeminate looks of guys in those bands.

At the core of their music are obviously simple, repeating guitar riffs, but COUNT RAVEN are outstanding songwriters and know when and where to change things up a little bit to make the songs interesting. Occasionally we get cool grooves, guitar leads or synths that add to the atmosphere, and the guitar solos are outstanding. The solo on "Until Death Do Us Part", for example, sounds really savage. The songs can get a bit monotonous and sound a bit goofy (especially the singing), but when you get used to it, you can find grace in their simplicity. The album has eight songs (plus intro bonus material on the re-edition), if I were to pick a favorite one it would be the very indignant song "How Can It Be" because of it's rally catchy chorus. COUNT RAVEN know how to  write good hooks, but not all choruses here are this catchy. I also really dig the despondent atmosphere on "A Devastating Age" which is one of the few songs that feature a synth melody.

COUNT RAVEN is a very interesting Doom band and it is great that Metal Blade re-releases their whole early discography for the public to binge on at their own convenience. "Storm Warning" is a really raw and fun listen. Their riffs and songs can sound a bit samey at times, but there is enough material on this album to make it a very interesting listen - it is something of an acquired taste though. If you are a Doom fan or a fan of Classic Rock and Heavy Meta,l you will definitely appreciate this. COUNT RAVEN is IMO one of the most interesting bands that came from the 1980s and 1990s Swedish Heavy Metal and Doom scene.