One of my main objectives of running MR over the years is to give a voice to independent artists who otherwise might fly under the radar of potential fans.

Seven Ravens is a self-funded, self-recorded, self-released album featuring guitarist/producer James LePack and songwriter/producer Scott Bazzett – the very definition of an indie release, but one that demands your attention.

No expense has been spared on this record, with powerhouse vocalist Michael Bormann hired to sing, Matt Starr is on drums, the album was mixed by Pete Newdeck and mastered by Harry Hess. Also on board is the always brilliant Tony Franklin on bass and Bobby Jarzombek on drums.

Over the years I have seen names brought into a project to cover up inadequacies within, but the sum of all the names involved here only enhances what is already a monster base.

This is a big sounding hard rock record, in the traditional American sense, Bormann singing like the legend he is, but the album is founded on a huge guitar sound and a really tough production, putting it into the quality of material a major artist might be proud of.

The songs aren’t necessarily instant, but they are there, and repeated listens uncover those layers and melodies and also unlock so much more riffing!

This is a record for fans of classic Dokken and heavier Jaded Heart, with all bases covered as far as production, mix and even packaging. It’s a class release from top to bottom.

https://www.rathole.com/7RAVENS/