Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: THE RAVEN AGE; signed independantly, hailing from England - performing Melodic Groove Metal, on their 2nd album entitled: "Conspiracy" (released March 8th, 2019).

Since formation in 2009; the band in question have an EP, 4 Singles and 2 albums in their discography so far. Having been acquainted with THE RAVEN AGE through ANTHRAX (having seen them live with aforementioned bandsat the The Forum in London, Kentish Town - in Camden, 2017 (a sold out spectacle)); I was quite happy to receive "Conspiracy" in my inbox, 12 tracks ranging at around 57:25 - the band arrange an intricately designed formula of heavy-hitting Melodic Groove Metal developments. The acoustic introduction: "Bloom Of The Poison Seed" begins the record; until the "Betrayal Of The Mind" conveys amplified adrenaline, boistrously bouncy harmonics and concretely gritty gnarliness – creating diversely dynamic grooves and a host of hostile flamboyancy in which ultilizes versatile variety with relentless skill.

Consisting of Matt James on vocals; the frontman demonstrates clean, guttural pipes of raw ramifications that scream with a vengeful vehemence. "Fleur De Lis" is an anthemic hymn; hardened into hasty barrages of frenzied finesse, catchy inventivity and blistering aesthetics from complex guitar duo: Tony Maue & George Harris. Distributing diligent dexterity, organic rhythms of thunderously technical substance which progressively quakes with quintessential melodies of meticulous distinction. "The Day The Earth Stood Still" is another angelic anthem; constructing distinguishable crunchiness, and a borderline foundation of emotionally high-pitched lyrism – amalgamated with punchline persistency that chugs and gallops with profusely robust mayhem in mind...manifesting uniquely unprecedented stability that injects infectiously implemented elements.

Audible bassist Matt Cox frolics his axe with thumpy precision; pummeling with adroit attributes, and prodigiously wondrous pursuits of salubriously stomping stampedes of profusely robust ramifications. "Stigmata" establishes formulaic fabrication of this sub-genre style; blended characteristics craft inventive immersion, detailing frantically composed consistency...forging elegantly exquisite hooks in which experiment fluidly polished sound production mechanics with originally memorable songwriting perseverence. Hammering drummer Jai Patel pounds and pummels his set with steely slams; showcasing solid slabs of rapidly swift nimbleness, and prestigiously momentous musicianship. "Surrogate" embellishes on enjoyably entertaining atmospheres, rich soundscapes with sophisticated tempos that shine with seamlessly sonic systematics.

"Seventh Heaven" embodies electrifying firepower and expertise; assisting driven bursts of blast beats, DJent-esquire flair of single-note riff subjugations and hinted ambiency... an excellently executed collective of harmonious combustion. "Forgotten World" culminates catchy instrumental chaos and ambitious mayhem, orchestrating majestic waves of musical remedies and professional materiality. "The Face That Launched A Thousand Ships" integrates practical styles of remarkable submerges that transistions jumpy triggers with tenacious quirkiness, volatile velocity and methodical techniques that performs with successful aptitude. "Schimitar" slashes with razor-sharp virtuosity; primitively unparalleled tactics that shines with potential, promising virtue and a splendid supply of talented prominence.

Overall concluding "Conspiracy" with the epic; finale song: "Grave Of The Fireflies", the bottom line here is that THE RAVEN AGE certainly outdone themselves with this one - definitely check it out.<