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John Gallagher recently claimed this year is the 40th Anniversary of the formation of the once Newcastle-based trio (although the first single wasn't released until 1980). Residing Stateside since the mid-80s, he and brother/guitarist Mark have kept the Raven name alive, in good times and bad. On the other hand, Ventura, California's Night Demon have just secured their first record deal (with SPV in Europe, Century Media everywhere else) on the strength of a four-song EP that created an international buzz. so much so that the threesome have already appeared at numerous European festivals. How many "unsigned" bands get to support a metal legend? Nov. 22nd, South Street's legendary Dobbs played host to a throwback evening, two hard-charging NWOBHM inspired acts on a minuscule stage.

Night Demon sport dual Flying Vs, OK, singer Jarvis Leatherby's bass isn't really a Vee, but opposite left-handed string bender Brent Woodward, the two even (visually) form a V onstage. Aurally, there's a definite Diamond Head quality, driven home by their opting to cover the Brits' "Lightning To The Nations". Tons of sweaty headbanging throughout. "Satan" sees the stage covered in fog. They rip through the infectious romp of "Ritual", "The Chalice", and a blazing rendition of Riot's "Road Racin" before ultimately ending with their signature tune. The tightly packed crowd ate it up, earning many converts in the process. They'll be co-headlining a club tour, with Canada's own Skullfist, beginning in January. If they come nearby, do yourself a favor, check them out and pick up Curse of the Damned, when released.

Seen Raven multiple times in the last year or so (NJ Sandy relief show, Germany's Bang Your Head festival, the ill fated Rock Harvest weekend, outside Baltimore and opening for Accept in NYC) and they're still the wacky nutters they've always been onstage. "Hard Ride" kicks things off. Apart from the sexual innuendo it's something of a mantra (the last two decades or so) if you know the lyrics. Despite being hamstrung by the tiny stage, the brothers Gallagher weren't able to tear around and run into things (including each other), but they managed worked up a sweat, especially Mark, on guitar, who mugs and pulls plenty of faces throughout the night. On the other hand, bassist John, squeals/yelps out the lyrics to classics like "Live At The Inferno" and "All For One', both up early in the running order. The crowd sings the chorus to "Rock Until You Drop" (another Gallagher credo). Under green lights, Mark cranks out a solo that leads into "Speed Of The Reflex". "Mind Over Metal" is welcomed like an old friend, then "On & On" closes out the proper set. The clock pushing towards 2am, the encore begins with John's solo, morphing into "Break The Chain" which is interwoven with snippets of cover songs, like Black Sabbath's "Symptom Of The Universe" and Humble Pie's oft covered  "I Don't Need No Doctor". Like a fine wine, Raven just keep getting better, with age. They've promised the upcoming ExtermiNation will be great. If it's only half as good as they envision, it will be mega. Can't wait!