LIVE FROM THE PIT: The Raven Age and Bright Black

THE RAVEN AGE threw an intimate, UK exclusive show in London earlier in April, and although they did not expect a big audience – after all, it was the first Easter weekend, they were delighted with the amount of fans who showed up to celebrate. 

Opening the night were the Midlands-based BRIGHT BLACK. The Alt Hard Rock-Metal four piece brought a huge wave of energy with them the second they walked onto the stage, and their mission was clear – to make the crowd move. The vocalist combined her vocal fries with cleans, followed by the constant flow of guitars and drums, that provided almost melodic sounds. While the set was not very long, nor the band or the audience – whose numbers slowly grew over the set, did not fall behind on interactions and energy, and although BRIGHT BLACK did not receive a mosh pit from London, appreciative head-bangs and bodies moving side-to-side provided a safer, yet still strong signal the band was very welcomed in the capital.

After a quick change-over and a few more new faces joining the crowd, THE RAVEN AGE were ready to start their set. The fans only had a month to secure their spot at the event, and they were more than excited for the five-piece to start their hometown show. As the lights suddenly dimmed down, a tape-track quickly followed, resulting in the venue bursting into big cheers. As Matt Cox, Jai Patel, Tommy Gentry, Gav Chester and Matt James walked onto the stage, the energy on the floor visibly shifted around – if the energy during the openers was more relaxed, this was a complete chaos. Some people started singing, some started moving around frantically, and here and there were some people, who were not scared to push through the crowd to get as close as they could to their favourites.

Offering fifteen songs in total during their performance, THE RAVEN AGE’s frontman Matt James took every opportunity given to talk to the audience. From constantly expressing his gratitude to everyone present, to introducing their new guitarist Gav, to talking about some upcoming and very exciting news, there was always something to talk about in between the songs. Although their performance was buzzing and every member did their best to pour their best into it, there were few instances throughout the night that made the stage seem too small for the five-piece – particularly a few moments when Matt Cox turned around to face the drummer, only to be accidentally hit by Tommy, which they both just laughed about and Tommy kept apologising to Matt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kvb8QPiA6Lk

With many songs played from their back-catalogue, it was unfortunately time to say goodbyes for the night, and while the crowd was not happy about, they had no other option than to give the band their last round of applause and cheers. The night was a statement that THE RAVEN AGE deeply care about their fanbase and want to stay in touch with them as much as they possibly can – even if they do not have any home-country appearances planned until the following year.

Words: Katerina Stepanikova

Photos: Artemi Falzon