New Shockwaves Skullsessions Podcast episode #65, hosted by Bob Nalbandian, is now online, and features Megaforce Records Chief Jon Zazula along with Raven bassist/vocalist John Gallagher regarding Jon Z’s new audio book HEAVY TALES: The Metal. The Madness. The Music.
Jimmy Kay and Alan Dixon for The Metal Voice recently spoke to NWOBHM band Raven’s singer/ Bassist John Gallagher about Motorhead Day plus news about Raven’s up and coming studio album. The interview was done on Zoom via Youtube Live on May 8 2020.
Can you give us an update on their up and coming new studio album
“We have had this pain in the ass process of getting this new album together, with just about every hurdle and impediment that got got in the way of it. However it will be coming out September 2020 and we would like to have one single out beforehand probably around July 2020. It will blow a lot of people’s minds.”
Musical Direction of the new album?
“I guess you can take the live album we put out last year and that points to where the new studio album will be, it’s an introduction to what we will be dealing with on this new studio album. It’s fast, it’s crazy a lot of insane playing on it and we really went balls out on it all the way through. So far people who have heard it are saying, are you F$$$ kidding me? ”
Is the new album in the can and ready to go or just demos?
“The album is in the can and ready to go just a few odds and sods to clean up like getting the artwork stuff together but ya it’s ready to rock.”
Which album in the Raven back catalog would you compare it to?
“It’s basically if time traveled to 1982 when we were doing the album after ‘Wiped Out’continuing in that vein. There are a couple of really really fast songs. its opens up with a killer one called ‘The Power’, then a fast one called ‘Human Race’ and there is an epic song called ‘When worlds collide’ and some good rock and roll Raven style songs as well. ”
RAVEN’s latest album, “ExtermiNation”, was released in April 2015 via SPV/Steamhammer
Jimmy Kay and Alan Dixon from Canada’s The Metal Voice recently spoke to RAVEN Frontman John Gallagher during a live stream REAPER-A -Thon to raise money for Steve Grimmett medical and recovery costs.
Prior to the Live feed in Ecuador The Metal Voice asked Gallagher about a the time frame for new RAVEN album. Gallagher replied, “the band has new management with EMP (David Ellfson Megadeth) as well as the band going into the Studio to record a new album in September 2017. Gallagher said,”We’ve been writing like fiends, I have at least 20 really good songs, going to be a kick ass new album which we will go in and record in September 2017, we are still planning out who we will be doing it with. We also have a new website up go check it out.”
Gallagher amongst other Metal Artists will participate in a ALL STAR re-recording of Grim Reaper songs to raise funds for Steve Grimmett’s medical and recovery costs
The Reaper All-Star include Gary Holt (Slayer, Exodus) Tim ‘Ripper’ Owens (ex-Judas Priest), Doro Pesch, Lips (Anvil), Neil Turbin (Deathriders), Tony Dolan (Venom Inc) Ross The Boss (Manowar), Jonas Hornqvist (Bleed the Hunger), Sy Keeler (Onslaught), Bobby Blitz (Overkill), Marta Gabriel (Crystal Viper), Blaze Bayley (ex Iron Maiden) Nick Bowcott (ex-Grim Reaper), John Gallagher (Raven), Mantas (Venom inc), Joe Cangelosi (Whiplash, Kreator) Chuck Billy (Testament). The songs will be produced by Chris Tsangarides (Judas Priest, Anvil Producer )
Steve Grimmett has been hospitalized in Ecuador since mid-January; the singer was amidst a tour in support of GRIM REAPER’s latest album, Walking In The Shadows. Millie Grimmett has been updating fans around the globe of the singer’s condition. Grimmett has endured multiple operations that have resulted in the near complete loss of his right leg.
Watch the interview here:
