http://ravens-shadow.blogspot.co.uk/p/banners-and-links.html
Get the code!
Friday, 2 November 2012
Grab our site Banners!
Have you got a site or a blog? We would really appreciate it if you can put one of these up somewhere on your site. In return We can put your banner up on this blog! Be a great way to drive traffic in both directions. Thanks in advance! Stay Raven!
http://ravens-shadow.blogspot.co.uk/p/banners-and-links.html
Get the code!
Get the code!
http://ravens-shadow.blogspot.co.uk/p/banners-and-links.html
Get the code!
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Supporting a band: A fan's perspective
I'm sure everyone appreciates that running a band is HARD work, really hard work. It's time consuming, expensive and tiring. Not that I have ever been in a band situation but I try to put myself in their shoes. At the end of the day, they will have no idea how their work will be received by it's target audience. So for all the hard work, could in the end amount to nothing. Of course musicians have a passion for making music. If they did not, they would not even bother, but in order to get the music out to the masses, and further more promote the band and in the future be able to set up a tour, it is going to cost. Right now, especially in this day and age, where crafting out an identity in a very saturated industry and be able to gain some recognition is very much dependent now on what us fans can do. There are a multitude of resources available now and I am typing this out on just one of them. I'm sure there are people out there that can do a little something within their capacity and expertise to help, in this case, Ravenscry. Who could use some help to have their work recognized in the metal world.
Come to [insert Country]
But the CD is not available in my region
How about going digital? I am sure there are many itunes and Amazon users around who like to download content. Most times it takes the lack of CD availability out of the equation and is often cheaper than buying a disc. You also have the option to preview and download single tracks for very little! It all adds up in the end and we have done our bit as fans with regards to obtaining the material we want to listen to and thanking the band for the hard work they have put in, to producing something for our listening pleasure.
Gangs of New York
Of course the word gang tends to refer to a group of individuals up to no good, but when you take the expression strength in numbers, it holds totally true and relevant to represent a united force for good and positive association. I am of course talking about street teams, who surely have their place in helping to promote bands by carrying out various activities in their town or city. We do have the internet now and perhaps the physical street teams aren't seen so often these days, but there are always opportunities at concerts and festivals to get together with fellow fans and hand stuff out, have a chat with other like minded people and generate interest.
Tweet till you drop!
Yep we love tweeting, facebooking, youtubing so what better way than to drop the name of your favourite band to friends and your wider circle of friends, friends and beyond! Do you have a blog? Why not review the latest album, or comment on the live gigs you have seen. Or anything band related, you can easily present to your audience. Remember we aren't flying solo here so collaboratively, we can spread the name far and wide. So lets see those blogging skills put to use. Those who are a little braver, how about a vlog on youtube? You'll get your 4 minutes of fame and you name drop a band you like, and speak a little about them.
It's your call and no one is being forced to do anything, but if you feel it in your heart that a band is worth supporting and I mean that in every sense of the word, then we should show a little appreciation for the hard work and energy put in by every band member and give something back. I think that's fair and just way to say thanks and hopefully with a strong and active fan base behind Ravenscry, you may just help ensure longevity and some success. No one is expecting miracles and over night fame, but it's not about that, it's about building something, leaving a legacy, a small dent in the music world, and we can be a part of that, if we just open our hearts and our minds, and show a little support. So let's do this folks!
It's your call and no one is being forced to do anything, but if you feel it in your heart that a band is worth supporting and I mean that in every sense of the word, then we should show a little appreciation for the hard work and energy put in by every band member and give something back. I think that's fair and just way to say thanks and hopefully with a strong and active fan base behind Ravenscry, you may just help ensure longevity and some success. No one is expecting miracles and over night fame, but it's not about that, it's about building something, leaving a legacy, a small dent in the music world, and we can be a part of that, if we just open our hearts and our minds, and show a little support. So let's do this folks!
Stay Raven!
Friday, 12 October 2012
Ravenscry fans rock!
Read this fan made poem, inspired by the song, Nobody.
Nobody
by ~Syrazel
Underneath there might not be anybody,
Nobody remains.
After all the anger, the hate
And the games.
Do I dare give myself over to you,
Trust you to fill me up
In case I'm not there...
Every princess has her chains
Even if she's encased in armour.
Do I dare reveal myself
All the way?
Is there anymore than the gasp of a dying soul inside
Writhing in these daily wrenching pains?
Or is there nobody
Nobody
At all~
In a world full of pain
Does anyone remember my soul's name?
Can they see it in my eyes when I don't speak
Or see it in my rage?
After everything done by them
And then finished off by me...
I know you care for me.
I know you want to do everything you can.
Dare I let you have your wish?
My soul, it could be barren.
It may have been me that ate it all,
But if there's some left, call my name...
Or is there nobody
Nobody
At all~
Nobody
Nobody
Nobody to see me faltering here
Nobody to help me in my fear
Are you my somebody to hold me high
You wont be the somebody to leave me
To die?
Somebody to resurrect what might be lost
Help me find me in the dark
Bring back my smile
And soul?
Or is there nobody
Nobody
After all~
I am sure that Ravenscry fans that are among us carry many talents, we would love to see some inspired works, fan art, poetry, videos, anything you can conjure up. Stay Raven!
Nobody
by ~Syrazel
Underneath there might not be anybody,
Nobody remains.
After all the anger, the hate
And the games.
Do I dare give myself over to you,
Trust you to fill me up
In case I'm not there...
Every princess has her chains
Even if she's encased in armour.
Do I dare reveal myself
All the way?
Is there anymore than the gasp of a dying soul inside
Writhing in these daily wrenching pains?
Or is there nobody
Nobody
At all~
In a world full of pain
Does anyone remember my soul's name?
Can they see it in my eyes when I don't speak
Or see it in my rage?
After everything done by them
And then finished off by me...
I know you care for me.
I know you want to do everything you can.
Dare I let you have your wish?
My soul, it could be barren.
It may have been me that ate it all,
But if there's some left, call my name...
Or is there nobody
Nobody
At all~
Nobody
Nobody
Nobody to see me faltering here
Nobody to help me in my fear
Are you my somebody to hold me high
You wont be the somebody to leave me
To die?
Somebody to resurrect what might be lost
Help me find me in the dark
Bring back my smile
And soul?
Or is there nobody
Nobody
After all~
I am sure that Ravenscry fans that are among us carry many talents, we would love to see some inspired works, fan art, poetry, videos, anything you can conjure up. Stay Raven!
Thursday, 4 October 2012
Mauro working out his Schecter Omen Extreme 7
What a sweet tone and perfectly executed by Axe master Mauro! Enjoy folks!
Friday, 21 September 2012
New Poll question!!
Anyways, the question! If you could spend a day with one band member, who would it be? Well I'm not one for popularity contests, but I do like to stir up chaos and mayhem. This is just the beginning!
The Raven's Shadow is cast over the band once more. Show me your answers! Poll is situated to the top right of the page.
Stay Raven!
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
The Raven's Spotlight
This is a new feature and it's about shining a spotlight on other influential bands out there and introducing them to you all. What can be better than sharing the music we love right? Throughout our musical journey we will come across many bands which will strike a chord with our tastes and moods. Music gives us a backing track for reflection or nostalgia. It can invoke happiness or help put in to perspective a personal ordeal or trauma, if and most often is the case, the lyrics are something you can relate to. Every now and again I will feature a band which has had a significant effect on my life's journey and has helped me put a few pieces together. Ravenscry are an awesome band and have totally put across a thought provoking glance at the rigors and hardships of every day existence. We often need food for thought and there are a few genius bands out there which tap into the essence of the human psyche as well as blend the exceptional lyrics with incredible musicianship and originality.
The first band I will introduce you to, is one which I discovered in 2006 (if I remember correctly!) I started getting in to progressive music a couple of years earlier, after spending a good many years listening to power metal. I started to love the complexity of the compositions, the technical wizardry and the way songs could fragment in to different sections with aggressive guitar work and then more gentler, reflective and atmospheric elements coming in to play. To me this was complete music, as it took you through a ride of emotions and feelings. My thirst for progressive music began to grow and I wanted to get the opportunity to see some of the bands that i was starting to like. After a little research, I came across a festival which was to take place for the first time in the UK, called Prog Power. It was the perfect showcase for the best progressive and power metal bands out there. These days there is a lot of crossover appeal with bands playing a blend of melodic metal with progressive elements.
This brings me to the band in question which I managed to see live at the second prog power event in the UK in 2007. This was also how I discovered the band, as they were on the lineup for the festival.
Introducing from Helsingborg, Sweden I give you
Cloudscape
Under Fire - videoclip from self titled album 'Cloudscape'
This video is for the song from their debut self titled album, Cloudscape, released in 2004. It immediately caught my attention. Aggressive, melodic, and with a theme running through it, which was socially aware and current. I wanted to learn more about the band so I scoured every resource and bought the albums, they had two released by the time I had discovered them. The original line up consisted of frontman Mike Andersson, backed up by guitarists Bjorn Eliasson and Patrik Svard. Charismatic bassist Hans Persson and Roger Landin on drums. This team of musicians injected a wave of energy in the prog/melodic metal world. As still yet relatively unknown but received acclaim for their work by metal critics on their solid, up tempo diverse and imaginative sound.
Cloudscape album sampler
This sampler gives you a taste of the overall sound of the debut album. It is dark and haunting in places, extremely melodic, energetic and fresh. A very underrated and unknown album but musically and lyrically stunning and would not be out of place in any metal collection as it truly holds its own. It is very difficult to pick stand out tracks from a disc that simply oozes with excellence, but if I were to name a few then Some of the stand out tracks include Under Fire, In these Walls, Aqua 275, Out of the Shadows and Dawn of Fury. Truth is, you really need to listen to this album as a whole and judge it as a whole because to say some tracks are better than another is doing the band with their strong themes, music and lyrics a disservice.
Out of the Shadows - Cloudscape
Crimson Skies
The second album, entitled Crimson Skies released in 2006, continued on from the foundations laid out in the debut album. A little more darker in tone and theme with some stellar keyboard work as can be heard in this sampler. The album is not necessarily more progressive but the instrumental work is more refined and tighter. Pretty much what gave the band it's identity and trademark sound is still intact and it offers up more great music skillfully woven once more by the five piece outfit.
Crimson Skies album sampler
Again this album is best enjoyed and rated as a whole but if I were to pick out a few stand out tracks it would have to be Shapeshifter, Shadowland, Take the Blame, Breach in my Sanity, 1000 souls, We Will Remain (Featuring Guest vocals from current Nightwish front woman, Annette Olson!)
A live performance at Sweden Rock Festival 2006
Cloudscape could be compared to other bands out there but I think they totally add their own twist creating a distinctive sound which becomes recognizable after just a few listens. They entered the genre with a big bombastic melodic sound that fully embodies the spirit of melodic metal and takes it through a few dark twisty turns. Sprays it with a little prog and finishes it off with a big helping of catchy vocals, thought provoking and captivating lyrics, thus forging the Cloudscape sound.
In addition to their prog power UK appearance in 2007 the band were back in the UK a year later to perform at the Bloodstock Open Air festival. Bloodstock is pretty much the premier Metal festival here and gaining a spot at such an event would have done very well in Exposing the Cloudscape sound to a British Audience. I also had the pleasure of meeting the band backstage and they are not only fine musicians but very personable and friendly. They have always given me time and we have worked together on a fans forum which is now sadly closed as Facebook swept through the social networking world. It is rare for a band to be so outgoing and inclusive with regards to their projects and if you like what you see and hear, then by all means, make contact, have a chat with Mike and get to know the band and their work.
The first band I will introduce you to, is one which I discovered in 2006 (if I remember correctly!) I started getting in to progressive music a couple of years earlier, after spending a good many years listening to power metal. I started to love the complexity of the compositions, the technical wizardry and the way songs could fragment in to different sections with aggressive guitar work and then more gentler, reflective and atmospheric elements coming in to play. To me this was complete music, as it took you through a ride of emotions and feelings. My thirst for progressive music began to grow and I wanted to get the opportunity to see some of the bands that i was starting to like. After a little research, I came across a festival which was to take place for the first time in the UK, called Prog Power. It was the perfect showcase for the best progressive and power metal bands out there. These days there is a lot of crossover appeal with bands playing a blend of melodic metal with progressive elements.
This brings me to the band in question which I managed to see live at the second prog power event in the UK in 2007. This was also how I discovered the band, as they were on the lineup for the festival.
Introducing from Helsingborg, Sweden I give you
Cloudscape
Under Fire - videoclip from self titled album 'Cloudscape'
This video is for the song from their debut self titled album, Cloudscape, released in 2004. It immediately caught my attention. Aggressive, melodic, and with a theme running through it, which was socially aware and current. I wanted to learn more about the band so I scoured every resource and bought the albums, they had two released by the time I had discovered them. The original line up consisted of frontman Mike Andersson, backed up by guitarists Bjorn Eliasson and Patrik Svard. Charismatic bassist Hans Persson and Roger Landin on drums. This team of musicians injected a wave of energy in the prog/melodic metal world. As still yet relatively unknown but received acclaim for their work by metal critics on their solid, up tempo diverse and imaginative sound.
Cloudscape album sampler
This sampler gives you a taste of the overall sound of the debut album. It is dark and haunting in places, extremely melodic, energetic and fresh. A very underrated and unknown album but musically and lyrically stunning and would not be out of place in any metal collection as it truly holds its own. It is very difficult to pick stand out tracks from a disc that simply oozes with excellence, but if I were to name a few then Some of the stand out tracks include Under Fire, In these Walls, Aqua 275, Out of the Shadows and Dawn of Fury. Truth is, you really need to listen to this album as a whole and judge it as a whole because to say some tracks are better than another is doing the band with their strong themes, music and lyrics a disservice.
Out of the Shadows - Cloudscape
Crimson Skies
The second album, entitled Crimson Skies released in 2006, continued on from the foundations laid out in the debut album. A little more darker in tone and theme with some stellar keyboard work as can be heard in this sampler. The album is not necessarily more progressive but the instrumental work is more refined and tighter. Pretty much what gave the band it's identity and trademark sound is still intact and it offers up more great music skillfully woven once more by the five piece outfit.
Crimson Skies album sampler
Again this album is best enjoyed and rated as a whole but if I were to pick out a few stand out tracks it would have to be Shapeshifter, Shadowland, Take the Blame, Breach in my Sanity, 1000 souls, We Will Remain (Featuring Guest vocals from current Nightwish front woman, Annette Olson!)
A live performance at Sweden Rock Festival 2006
Cloudscape could be compared to other bands out there but I think they totally add their own twist creating a distinctive sound which becomes recognizable after just a few listens. They entered the genre with a big bombastic melodic sound that fully embodies the spirit of melodic metal and takes it through a few dark twisty turns. Sprays it with a little prog and finishes it off with a big helping of catchy vocals, thought provoking and captivating lyrics, thus forging the Cloudscape sound.
In addition to their prog power UK appearance in 2007 the band were back in the UK a year later to perform at the Bloodstock Open Air festival. Bloodstock is pretty much the premier Metal festival here and gaining a spot at such an event would have done very well in Exposing the Cloudscape sound to a British Audience. I also had the pleasure of meeting the band backstage and they are not only fine musicians but very personable and friendly. They have always given me time and we have worked together on a fans forum which is now sadly closed as Facebook swept through the social networking world. It is rare for a band to be so outgoing and inclusive with regards to their projects and if you like what you see and hear, then by all means, make contact, have a chat with Mike and get to know the band and their work.
That wraps up part 1 of this spotlight charting the early years of Cloudscape. The second part will focus on the recent years, lineup changes, new material and more!
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