Ryan's Gig Guide - April 2018

WWW. R YA N S G I G G U I D E . C OM rgg Apr 2018 - p.13 Dudley stoner groove metal five piece Eyes Of The Raven return with six brand new songs. Lyrically they're a lot more inventive on this re- lease; opener 'Black Sun Rising' is an angry attack on a foe climbing to success on the "backs of the beaten" (great line); title track 'Crown Of Ser- pents' appears based on the fall of a false prophet (perhaps a Welsh one?) and 'I Endure' is an excellent tale of facing fears. Musically EOTR have really excelled themselves, there's an abundance of metal bands on the circuit so un- less you graft hard you can easily appear pre- dictable or dated but 'Crown Of Serpents' in my opinion is their strongest release, more focused and a pure solid direction forward. Highlights are their epic title track and 'EmbraceTheVoid', both ideal for top metal radio stations playlists but personally 'I Endure' is my favourite. Recom- mended for fans of Orange Goblin, D own, Disturbed and Black Label Society. www.facebook.com/eyesoft heraven EP of the month Crown Of Serpents by Eyes Of The Raven Wolverhampton based alternative folk rock metal band Under A Banner return to the spot- light with the brand new single 'Light Breaks Through' and a pre-sale crowdfunding campaign to promote their upcoming EP titled 'Riot' which RGG received exclusively and comes out in May. Musically UnderA Banner are the Marvel Avengers of music; vocalist Adam Broadhurt is a brilliant rock lyric writer and his work on here is inspiring; everyone in UAB adds such a unique quality to the band and together they create such an original big sound.This five track EP be- gins with a phenomenal minute and a half intro to title track 'Riot' which also is an amazing mix of all the members skills. Highlights are Iron- Maiden-esque alternative folk tune 'TheWrong Hands', the arguably Queens OfThe StoneAge inspired 'WeWant Hope' with it's Doors- like keyboard; actually talking of keys, pianist Kat Davis is like an amalgamation of the greatest synth players in rock and on 'Last Orders' and 'Riot' adds an Elton John 'Good- bye Yellow Brick Road' standard of professionalism.A stunning EP and one of the best bands to come out of the area. www.facebook.com/Under.A.Banner HOTTEST BAND of the month EP: Riot by Under A Banner