1. Intro: Count Raven 2. Inam Naudemina 3. True Revelation 4. In The Name Of Rock 'n' Roll 5. Sometimes A Great Nation 6. Within The Garden Of Mirrors 7. A Devastating Age 8. How Can It Be 9. Social Warfare 10. High Beliefs 11. Frightened Eyes Never Lie

Born at the end of the glorious 70s, the Raven started its flight within a Storm that shook the world of doom metal (and not only) in 1990. Originally released by Active Records, “Storm Warning” was hailed as something more than just a promising debut of some Black Sabbath maniacs from Sweden, and brought some decent exposure and recognition to the band. However, the real value of the album was yet to be realized...

So what we have here is simply one of the greatest gems of doom metal art, nothing more, nothing less. Count Raven’s music was totally worshipping Black Sabbath, to the point that some accused the band of just paying a tribute to the fathers of all that is heavy. This statement is far from true, since the album’s sound is authentic, pure and (yes) original. With many influences by musical styles like N.W.O.B.H.M., Count Raven’s debut defines doom metal in its own special and unique way, while being their darkest and more sorrowful album. In the haunting intro of the album, we listen to a weeping creature while a sinister melody is heard in the background, pretty much an ideal introduction to the doom feast that continues! From that point and on, disaster commences, with the crashing rhythm of “Inam Naudemina” leading the way towards the absolute DOOM. Bone breaking rhythm section and heavenly guitars from a guy called Dan Fondelius, a riff master, comparable with the most faithfull Iommi disciples, like Victor Griffin, Dave Chandler or even his majesty, Wino himself. His inspiration is truly remarkable, and his playing is a perfect example of soulful and emotional riffing, with a typical, yet uncompromising sound, that is bound to be praised (to say the least). It’s needless to say that every single guitar riff/harmony/melody of the album stands above any form of critique. “Storm Warning” is filled with a mysterious aura, which doesn’t exist in any other album of the band. The songs are full of emotions and can easily destroy the listener’s mood. Sadness, disgust, depression, pain and anger are expressed in a convincing and profound, yet direct way, with the help of Christian Lindersson’s divine and completely Ozzy influenced voice. His performance can be angelic, sometimes creepy, but always passionate and highly intense, so beautiful and warm that I don’t think anyone could resist it. Lord Chritus strongly gives his painful touch in hymns like “In The Name Of Rock'n'Roll”, “Within The Garden Of Mirrors” and the lamentation “A Devastating Age” which are just some small samples of Count Raven’s unbelievable talent. The album’s two bonus tracks, “High Beliefs” (from the “1989 Demo”) and the amazing “Frightened Eyes Never Lie” (from the “Indignus Famulus Demo”) only make me wonder how much more great music the band keeps hidden.

I hope that most of you didn’t really need any introduction to the music of this album. For those who haven’t tasted the bliss to hear this album yet, I only have to say this: Listen to the masters and see how doom metal was meant to be played and glorified.

www.countraven.com
www.cyclone-empire.de