RAVEN BLACK NIGHT, what an interesting band. Another Doom Metal band formed from aspirations of becoming the next BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, or LED ZEPPELIN. Many have come and gone, and there is a handful that remains to carry the torch of 70s era Metal that was the foundation for much of the Metal we have come to know, and love, today. However, this must be another band that I just "don't get". Here's why.

The album, "Barbarian Warriors", is their latest release, and well, I'm not feeling it. At all. After three listens I have the same annoyances that I can not look past. The vocals, are just killing me. The Lemmy Kilmister midrange vocals are fitting, but there are upper range backing vocals (which are sometimes primary) that really detract from the overall feel of the song. They seem out of place and borderline sharp. The songs would have been just fine without them. Next up on my list, the guitars. Excellent riffing and some stellar solos roam through each song, yet the sound is so fuzzy the intricate work becomes muddled and difficult to appreciate. It's like being on a date with some hot as hell knockout, only to find out they are as dumb as the day is long. It may work for some, but not for this reviewer.

Finally, the bass work is good, but average, just like the drums. The potential here is far greater than what I am hearing. Pity. For a rating, I would say 6 out of 10. As always, stay well, and live free my friends!