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Orden Ogan - Ravenhead review



Reviewer:
8.7

215 users:
8.27
Band: Orden Ogan
Album: Ravenhead
Release date: January 2015


Disc I
01. Orden Ogan
02. Ravenhead
03. F.E.V.E.R
04. The Lake
05. Evil Lies In Every Man
06. Here At The End Of The World
07. A Reason To Give
08. Deaf Among The Blind
09. Sorrow Is Your Tale
10. In Grief And Chains
11. Too Soon
12. F.E.V.E.R [8-Bit version] [limited edition bonus]
13. The Things We Believe In [Folk version] [limited edition bonus]

Disc II [limited edition DVD live at Summer Breeze Open Air]
01. To New Shores Of Sadness
02. The Lord Of The Flies
03. We Are Pirates
04. To The End
05. Angels War
06. The Things We Believe In

Over the river and through to woods, to Orden Ogan's new album we go! If you thought that predecessor To The End was epic then wait till you hear Ravenhead. The band delivers another chapter of the goodness we have come to love from them, with new journeys, battles, grief, and pure fucking glory. They simultaneously expanded and refined their signature sound of catchy, resplendent, and beautifully mournful power metal.

They've never quite behaved like other power metal bands, and this album continues to agree. Warm, mid-range vocals with a slight rasp (instead of stratosphere-scraping, ball-shrinking, notes-only-a-dog-can-hear vocals) tell stories of legends, sorrow, adventure, eternal human nature, and so much more. Their group sing-a-long choruses that you know and love are back to assist in full force. Folk elements appear once more to sweep us away and while they do not dominate the landscape here they complement the power metal so fully due to perfect integration into the metal.

2012's To The End let in a healthy dose of variety, complete with a few "is this still the same record?" moments. With Ravenhead, Orden Ogan shed the dross and delivered a stunningly streamlined album. While there are many up-tempo, hard-hitting songs, and a very high energy level throughout, these tunes manage to carry a quality of sadness and darkness behind them and live often in minor keys. Favorites "The Lake" and "Sorrow Is Your Tale" are superb examples of this, along with the title track.

I've encountered several bands lately who do cheesy in a wonderfully non-cheesy way. It seems to be a current theme of melodic metal supremacy to be able to take what we love about classic cheese and make it palatable and cringe-free. While not everyone is successful at separating the curds and whey, Orden Ogan is leading the charge and should be an example to all apostles of power metal in how to incorporate classic elements of epic and symphonic power metal without ever crossing the line.

A gem among ballads closes this album: "Too Soon" emerges with the lyrics, "This is autumn's end / How the leaves now fall / All the time we've spent here / I cannot recall." I'd love to go on as the words exemplify the great cold beauty and extreme sense of loss that the music evokes so astutely. Each time Sebstian Levermann's warm and honest voice sings "I'd die just to bring you back" he pulls you into this emotion and breaks your heart just a little bit.

I hope I've made clear that the headbangable journey through Ravenhead is also a journey for your heart.






Written on 17.01.2015 by Susan appreciates quality metal regardless of sub-genre. Metal Storm Staff since 2006.

Twitter: @HeavyMetalSusan

Guest review by
WayTooManyCDs
Rating:
8.6
For years I have looked for a power metal album that doesn't rely on the high-pitched wails that are so defining of that genre and Ravenhead is the closest I have come to fulfilling that dream. I love the atmosphere Orden Ogan is able to craft here, making the perfect soundtrack to an epic adventure whether you're sailing the high seas or battling the various evils of the world.

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published 31.05.2016 | Comments (1)


Comments

Comments: 18   [ 1 ignored ]   Visited by: 334 users
17.01.2015 - 22:06
Rating: 9
Darth Mitchell
Mitchell
Beautifull written Susan! As you said, Seeb's vocals can really bring out the emotion he wants to deliver for the song. One of my favorit songs is "Evil lies in every man". The chorus is catchy and the lyrics are meaningfull. Let's hope most releases this year will be as good, or even better than Ravenhead!
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17.01.2015 - 22:17
Rating: 9
Susan
Smeghead
True indeed! If even half the albums this year are as good as Ravenhead then this 2015 will be one for the record books
----
"A life all mine
Is what I choose
At the end of my days"
--The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs
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18.01.2015 - 02:59
Marcel Hubregtse
Grumpy Old Fuck
MMMMMMM I saw this band live on the Rock Hard festival stream about two years ago and they were one of the most horrendous if not the single most horrendous European power metal bands around. A disgrace that such a band as this gets hailed by people as being good.
----
Member of the true crusade against European Flower Metal

Yesterday is dead and gone, tomorrow is out of sight
Dawn Crosby (r.i.p.)
05.04.1963 - 15.12.1996

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18.01.2015 - 04:27
Rating: 9
Susan
Smeghead
I saw there was a comment from Marcel and before it loaded I figured it would just say "this is pure shit." Thank you for a more thoughtful comment than I had imagined
----
"A life all mine
Is what I choose
At the end of my days"
--The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs
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18.01.2015 - 13:12
Zap
Guest
His comment still comes down to "this is pure shit" though
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18.01.2015 - 15:12
Darkside Momo
Retired
Only halfway convinced by the video - some parts seriously ARE cheesy as hell (so, no way for your "cheesy in a wonderfully non-cheesy way", Susan ). The guy's got a nice voice, though.
----
My Author's Blog (in French)


"You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you"

"I've lost too many years now
I'm stealing back my soul
I am awake"
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18.01.2015 - 17:35
Rating: 9
Susan
Smeghead
Written by Darkside Momo on 18.01.2015 at 15:12

Only halfway convinced by the video - some parts seriously ARE cheesy as hell (so, no way for your "cheesy in a wonderfully non-cheesy way", Susan ). The guy's got a nice voice, though.


I will not argue with this at all, since "cheesy" is completely subjective!!
----
"A life all mine
Is what I choose
At the end of my days"
--The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs
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18.01.2015 - 17:37
Darkside Momo
Retired
Written by Susan on 18.01.2015 at 17:35

Written by Darkside Momo on 18.01.2015 at 15:12

Only halfway convinced by the video - some parts seriously ARE cheesy as hell (so, no way for your "cheesy in a wonderfully non-cheesy way", Susan ). The guy's got a nice voice, though.


I will not argue with this at all, since "cheesy" is completely subjective!!

indeed
----
My Author's Blog (in French)


"You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you"

"I've lost too many years now
I'm stealing back my soul
I am awake"
Loading...
18.01.2015 - 22:00
Scrooloose

This band is so incredibly talented and unique. I love how they have re-invented themselves with each album, refining their sound and building on an already unshakeable foundation. The groove is fantastic, lyrical content is powerful and well thought out, and not one instrument overpowers the next. Each musician in the project manages to shine in their own space, without being overpowered by the next.

The tracks that I have managed to listen to off Ravenhead are the makings of greatness, I believe that it will be hard for most bands to top this effort.
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19.01.2015 - 02:17
Rating: 7
musclassia

Heh, I really haven't been all that interested in power metal for quite a while, with the last album that really got to me being Seven Kingdom's latest, but I rather liked that embedded song, so I'm tempted to give it a go
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20.01.2015 - 03:04
Rating: 10
hamG

I am super happy Orden Ogan backed up 'To The End' with another great CD. I like this band so much I would almost wear a top hat as tribute.
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24.01.2015 - 00:03
Jason W.
Razorbliss
Dude, you really know how to make a review ooze enthusiasm! This really isn't my style of power metal (I'm on the subjective side that this is ridiculously cheesy due to the choired vocals ), but in terms of riffs and over the top solos, if I were a fan of this type of power metal, I'd be all over this! "F.E.V.E.R." is super catchy.
----
"After silence that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley
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25.01.2015 - 21:52
Rating: 7
FelixtheMetalcat

Very nice review of a band I got acquainted with on the To The End album. I've yet to hear this one but hope its just as good even though I am a little hestitant due to restraint or reduction of scorching guitar leads. Either way it'll get a fair listen as this band is just talented on every level. Saw them live at Prog Power USA in Sept 2014 & they were fantastic !
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25.01.2015 - 21:55
Rating: 7
FelixtheMetalcat

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 18.01.2015 at 02:59

MMMMMMM I saw this band live on the Rock Hard festival stream about two years ago and they were one of the most horrendous if not the single most horrendous European power metal bands around. A disgrace that such a band as this gets hailed by people as being good.



You musta been drunk. Or you simply hate this type of music. Saw them at Prog Power USA this past year & the blew the roof off the place. Tighter than a gnats ass & far more musical than their cd's.
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27.01.2015 - 19:52
Rating: 9
Susan
Smeghead
Written by FelixtheMetalcat on 25.01.2015 at 21:55

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 18.01.2015 at 02:59

MMMMMMM I saw this band live on the Rock Hard festival stream about two years ago and they were one of the most horrendous if not the single most horrendous European power metal bands around. A disgrace that such a band as this gets hailed by people as being good.



You musta been drunk. Or you simply hate this type of music. Saw them at Prog Power USA this past year & the blew the roof off the place. Tighter than a gnats ass & far more musical than their cd's.


He simply hates this type of music and will stop at nothing to belittle it.

Dude that sounded like an amazing show!!!!!
----
"A life all mine
Is what I choose
At the end of my days"
--The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs
Loading...
30.01.2015 - 16:22
AssailantForce

I honestly gave this a try reading this sweet review (and the matching user reception). I like this record and I can attest most everything on this review to be true I was skeptical of the ratings, but then I heard some other newer power metal. Now, I guess its fair. Now, this is not a review! :p However I have certain additional opinions which may sound absurd (perhaps.. perhaps ) but, free speech right?

The songwriting and production especially the rhythm section comprising guitar and drum choices do not often qualify as classic speed/nwobhm elements of power metal. It's too modern, unlike anything I heard like BG's ATEOT or Ensiferum's From Afar (Yes, From Afar IS power metal. Wikipedia is like the Bible sometimes.. by that I'm referring to our tendency to accept or believe) Certain external review attributed this as fear factory inspired - industrial 'edge' to albums sound. This isn't bible talk, but plain stupid.

If we analyse the tracks 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 ignoring (sorry, terribly.. sorry) the epic vocals and try to spot the passages that don't represent power metal elementally - One can dissect and point to plenty such passages: mostly in intro's , verses, interlude passages between verse chorus cycles etc throughout literally half of the album. Its obviousness may not even be realised in-spite of it being more 'voluminous' than folk elements on the record, for a good reason i'll elaborate below. These rhythm patterns are not speed riffs or Iron maiden-like gallops but rather can be more associated with old As I lay dying and certain elements typical to Devil Wears Prada. Yes, I'm pointing at Metalcore. I get that Amaranthe** would be an easy reference to power metal fans (i'm guessing) to accept this metalcore laden power metal with synth-sprinkled-on-top approach but, to them I'd say, please don't insult Orden Ogan with an repetitive asking alexandria sound-alike :p

In fact I'd call this record - 'Power metal/Powercore' I know that 'elite' Judas Priest loving psuedo hipster voice in the back of your head might whisper - "But duude, metalcore? Gaaay!" without realizing the literal Irony in that homophobic statement - Ask it to stfu. The beauty of this record is that is does not go overboard with metalcore smitten passages rather transposes into a full blown power/folky section at every passing. The core elements used are pretty generic but it works in the records favour since it does not hinder the power charges rather spices it up. In fact, I googled powercore (I thought I was first, alas ) to see if anything turns up and a familiar name turned up! Mutiny Within from USA. I had long forgotten about this band. They are/were a powercore band and never capitalized on their stellar debut 2010 record. I understand some of you may refrain from the label '-core' since it comes with a negative connotation in the face of this overly self righteous metal community, but you know what? Screw you. The female vocalist of Battle Beast has more balls than you and and the rest of that band for making that lousy song and spiced up music video parading as a face of power metal. Sorry that was off topic, but worth it. In fact, let me seal my banter by leaving this song by Mutiny Within, and assert why Orden Ogan sounds like Powercore in the making. Although not as progressive, Orden Ogen aces at song-writing and arrangement and i'm interested to know how with their musical direction evolve.

3.7/5

** If someone's a fan of Amaranthe don't ask me how they are nothing more than Asking Alexandria drenched in more pop.:bitch: You don't want to know! Wow i'm so jobless.

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05.02.2015 - 05:02
Rating: 6
The Evergreen

I just listened start to finish. This is one really good album! Unlike so much power metal these days, it's memorable. I think it's also the heaviest Orden Organ yet, which is nice. I have always loved their sound, but thought they spent too much time in the slow zone. Not so here.
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22.04.2015 - 04:28
Lionthrone

The only Power Metal group I've ever really enjoyed has been Whispered, but I must say, these guys are pretty fantastic. Thanks for the great review. I wouldn't have checked them out otherwise.
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