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Expanded 4CD edition of RavenÆs debut album æRock Until You DropÆ.With demoÆs, single B-sides, and two incendiary live recordings. Although Raven were very much part of the NWOBHM of the late Æ70s and early Æ80s, brothers Mark and John Gallagher had formulated the idea of creating their own rock group way back in 1972. With John on bass and vocals and Mark on lead guitar, they played their first gig in 1975, building up a loyal following across the North East of England. Recording a rudimentary demo in 1978, included here on CD2. Signed to Neat Records, they recorded further demos, by which time they had trimmed down to a power-trio when the Gallaghers were joined by Rob ôWackoö Hunter on drums. Neat would release their debut 45 æDonÆt Need Your MoneyÆ in 1980 and make Raven the lead act with æInquisitorÆ on the cassette compilation, æLead WeightÆ.Raven released their debut LP æRock Until You DropÆ in 1981 successfully capturing the energy of their live shows, the album picked up instant champions across the influential UK rock press, with key features in Kerrang! and Sounds. These would lead to important shows with Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake and Mot÷rhead, among many others. These self-styled ôathletic rockersö were a huge influence on future Thrash and Speed Metal bands, such as Slayer, Megadeth, and Testament, and also on Metallica, with whom they would later co-headline with.Their live sound was captured illicitly by a fan on tape while on tour in Italy in December 1982, and is featured here in its entirety, the collection completed by their May 1982 performance at ManchesterÆs Apollo.As well as an extensive essay from NWOBHM expert John Tucker, this ô4CD Over The Top Editionö of æRock Until You DropÆ also features a 24 page booklet featuring many rare and unpublished photos supplied from the bandÆs own archive.