Formed in Northern Ireland back in January of 2018 we got symphonic power metal band RAVENLIGHT. One of the very first reviews I did for Metal-Temple was for this band and their album "Project Genesis" which I really enjoyed so I was excited to see this E.P and really wanted to review them again. RAVENLIGHT have been making a big name for themselves here in our native country of Ireland since releasing their debut single and E.P "End of the World" and have even gone on to support Swedish power metal back EVERGREY. Unfortunately for the band their debut album (as mentioned I reviewed previously) came out during the Covid-19 pandemic which put a stop to any live shows for the band (as of writing this article in September 2021 they have only slowly started to come back) so to tide the people over till their next album release they have released a covers E.P titled "Intermission". So I have been looking forward to this and I am sure you all have as well so lets give it a listen.

First song up and we got "Blinding Lights" with the original by THE WEEKEND. We all know that the weekend is a pop/R'N'B singer but this song by him is actually very decent as it has this 80's synth wave feel to it. The song opens and with the strings and the piano it gives a slight Celtic feel to it. The keyboards and guitar come in and keeps that synth line from the original with soft vocals for the verse. It then builds up to that big chorus (I know you all know it) for us to sing along with. It may seem like an odd choice for this band to cover a song like this but it has a lot of energy to it and this cover keeps the fun feel of the version by THE WEEKEND but RAVENLIGHT managed to put their own stamp all over this and the song seems to fit the band well.

Next up we got "Black Diamond" which was originally played by Finish power metal band STRATOVARIUS. On this one the band has guest musician STEVIE MCLAUGHLIN (SANDSTONE, TIM 'RIPPER' OWENS and solo) playing keyboards on this one. This track really suits the band and their style. There are lots of speed and precision with the guitar and drums locking in as the vocals adds a nice layer over while command the song. The Lead guitar here just nails it and there was a great job done of that competing solo's section between the keyboards and guitars.

Lastly we got "Zenith" which was originally played by GHOST. When I listened to this the first thing that came to me was that they really caught the emotion that is in that piano line from the original. When the guitars come in they seem to have more life in them then they do in the original version. The song is very dark and gloomy but with REBECCA FEENEY'S vocals they add this angelic contrast which works well. There was some nice work with layering the vocals to get that ritualistic chanting section. Great job with attention to detail on this one.

When listening the this "Intermission" E.P you can hear that RAVENLIGHT are having a lot of fun. The songs are very faithful to the original but they also got their own stamp all over them putting their own little twist on them. It is a great way to keep their profile up while we eagerly await their next album. The production on here is great with lots of killer tones. With Ireland finally opening up again you can be sure that RAVENLIGHT will be back on a stage very soon.