Who are they?
Formed in London back in 2009 by guitarist George Harris (yep – son of Iron Maiden legend Steve Harris) and mate Dan Wright, The Raven Age are a melodic heavy metal band that have built their name on blending classic metal spirit with modern power and atmosphere. They started as underdogs on the UK scene but quickly earned their wings, rising through the ranks to become one of Britain’s most exciting new metal exports.
⚡ The Sound
The Raven Age specialise in big, sweeping soundscapes that hit hard but stay melodic:
- 🎸 Twin guitars – harmonised riffs and leads, nodding to Maiden’s legacy but drenched in modern heaviness.
- 🎤 Epic vocals – emotional, soaring, and built for festival fields.
- 🥁 Tight, pounding rhythms – Jai Patel’s drumming locks the chaos into groove.
- 🎶 Cinematic vibes – lots of atmospheric intros and layers, giving songs that larger-than-life feel.
Imagine Trivium having a pint with Alter Bridge, with Iron Maiden’s DNA stitched into the riffs.
🪓 The Band – Current Line-Up
- Matt James – Vocals
- George Harris – Guitar
- Tommy Gentry – Guitar
- Matt Cox – Bass
- Jai Patel – Drums
Former members include co-founder Dan Wright and vocalist Michael Burrough, but this current line-up has locked in the definitive Raven Age sound.
💿 Discography – The Flight So Far
- Darkness Will Rise (2017) – Debut album. Dark, heavy, and atmospheric, featuring fan favourites “Salem’s Fate” and “Angel in Disgrace.”
- Conspiracy (2019) – Polished, melodic, and powerful. Standouts: “Betrayal of the Mind”, “Seventh Heaven”, and “Fleur de Lis.”
- Exile (2021) – A mix of acoustic reimaginings, live tracks, and new material – showing their range.
- Blood Omen (2023) – Their heaviest, most cinematic record yet. Songs like “Parasite” and “Forgive & Forget” are built for arenas.
🎪 Live Reputation – From Underdogs to Arena Slayers
The Raven Age built their name the old-fashioned way: touring like madmen.
- 🌍 Supported Iron Maiden on multiple world tours (family ties opened the door, but their performances kept them there).
- 🎤 Hit the road with Anthrax, Tremonti, Killswitch Engage and more.
- ⚡ Festival crushers – Download, Bloodstock, Graspop, Wacken – they’ve played them all.
Their live show mixes precision musicianship with emotional punch, making them perfect for both sweaty clubs and massive arenas.
🏴 The Vibe
- Modern yet classic – Maiden roots, but not a tribute act.
- Epic & emotional – they make metal that feels massive without losing heart.
- British metal’s young blood – carrying the torch for the next generation.
🚀 The Future
With Blood Omen raising their profile worldwide and an army of fans behind them, The Raven Age look set to climb higher on festival bills and eventually claim their spot as arena headliners in their own right.
🎧 Final Verdict:
The Raven Age are melodic metal heavyweights-in-waiting – soaring choruses, crushing riffs, and epic atmospheres. They’ve got the pedigree, but more importantly, they’ve got the songs. 🦅🔥
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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