At the start of the Eighties a new golden era of music was just taking shape here in the UK, and the name given to that wonderful genre was The New Wave Of British Heavy Metal or NWOBHM as we all know and love it today.

I remember being fascinated by the scene, listening intently to my Iron Maiden and Saxon albums, dressed in the obligatory uniform of cut off denim, studded wrist bands worn proudly along with the customary bullet belt, dreaming of a time when I would be allowed to attend one of these band's legendary gigs that I would read about in the weekly music press.

To compromise I would indulge my metal appetite by watching local NWOBHM heroes Kazmyr playing on the local village square, fascinated by the sight of a flying V guitar being played only yards away.

That was a wonderful time for rock music; a time when a UK tour actually meant a UK tour and the music didn't come second to the latest fashion statement or hairstyle. Right at the forefront of that burgeoning rock resurgence were Newcastle heavy metallers Raven playing their own brand of 'athletic rock'. It's been 29 years since the band literally set the rock world shaking with their legendary debut 'Rock Until You Drop' and now, some three decades later, the band returns with this, their twelfth studio offering.

Never officially disbanding, Raven has been on an extended hiatus whilst the band has overcome various tragedies, including a near fatal accident to guitarist Mark Gallagher.  Thankfully Mark conquered his injuries and has literally come back fighting. The expression what doesn't kill you sure makes you stronger couldn't have been any more fitting, as 'Walk Through Fire' is an album made by three men with a veritable inferno raging in their bellies.

The band fire straight in with the no nonsense 'Against The Grain' proving that Mark Gallagher is back where he belongs wielding his axe like fate had intended. John Gallagher still belts out the tunes with ease, from the melodic classic rock of 'Long Days Journey' to the full on metal assault of 'Grip'. There are some great blues based rockers on the album in particular 'Bulldozer', a great traditional rock number, and the classic rock splendour of 'Hard Road'. But it is definitely the back to 'old' school numbers like 'Breaking You Down', 'Walk Through Fire' and 'Under The Radar' where the band really excel, proving that absence certainly makes the heart grow stronger.

I can't leave the review without mentioning my favourite and possibly the most accessible track on the album, the infectious rock beast that is 'Trainwreck', after one listen to the album I was singing along to the number in my head and believe me that doesn't happen too often.

In recent years we have witnessed the Barnsley Barnstormers Saxon experiencing their most successful period since their Eighties heyday, along with Canadians Anvil's career being resurrected thanks to "that" documentary.

In 2010 remember to save some of that love for Raven, believe me on the evidence of 'Walk Through Fire' they truly deserve it.

Oh and if any younger metal fans, discovering old school metal thanks to the likes of the glorious Bloodstock festival are reading this, you should pick up a copy of this and listen to Raven and discover why legendary bands such as Metallica and Anthrax name check them as an influence. Better still catch them at various metal festivals across Europe this summer. You won't be disappointed.

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