March 2021

This time I am writing something I have not done yet, a gig review. In order to give the best impression and feeling of the gig I’ve teamed up with Golden Dragon photography who captured the band on that night.

In this gig review I will discuss Ravenlight album launch of Project Genesis. The review will entail the following topics: first impression, general structure, song by song analysis and a summary.

First impression

Generally, if you’ll Ravenlight entering the stage you know exactly what you are up to – Symphonic Metal. Rebecca’s dress gives it all away as it fits well with the gentleness of the music they play. Also, the black colours worn by John (the guitarist) and Michael (the drummer) fit the gothic genre. What is more, the red colour Rebecca’s dress is like an extra cherry on a cake as to speak, because this particular colour choice centres the viewer’s attention on Rebecca. As a result, the female fronted aspects which are so central in symphonic metal are strengthened.

General structure

Having just released their first album it isn’t an odd choice Ravenlight follows the structure of the album a bit. Especially the first songs and last ones are the same as the album Genesis. After all, most listeners are seeing the band live for the first time and they might or not have heard the music before. Following a similar song structure helps to memorise Project Genesis. For first time listeners when they put the cd into the player they will hear a familiar sound reminding them of the gig and for those who listened them before they will recall the album easily.

I believe tweaking the song structure for the gig a bit was a good call. For me the music offered a lot of variety. As a result I could do different things: enjoy the music, headbanging, wave on the rhythm of the music and dance. Every song was a nice surprise.

Song by song analyse

The band kicked off with “Circle” which is also the first track on the album. According to me it is an excellent choice as it has a very characterising sound. What’s more, this kind of sound perfectly lends itself to introducing the viewers to Ravenlight and starting off the gig.

The second one was “Echoes” which was a nice one as this is a typical symphonic gothic metal song. As a result, you are getting sucked into the genre notably. Rebecca’s voice helps a lot as her vocal capabilities come close to Tarja. 

The next one “Spell” continues the gothic symphonic vibe.

Before, you are carried away listening to the nice tunes, Ravenlight shakes you away with “Sanctuary”. This is their heaviest song perfect for a moshpit or just headbang your head off.

Before your head rolls off a slow song starts “Where The Stars Grow” sucking you back into the gothic symphonic metal genre.

Midway, my favourite song is played “Words Unspoken”. This song is a great representation of the versatility of Rebbeca’s voice. It has so much depth and different vocal ranges. Causing your jaw to drop after this song.

However, there isn’t much time to be standing amazed as an excellent song for headbanging is being played: “End of the World”.

The next one “Strong Enough” is much slower in tempo and brings you back to the gothic symphonic metal vibe.

Ravenlight rounds up the gig with their favourite songs “Wild Hunt” & “Call of The Wild” which are both inspired by the Witcher game. These songs are perfect for the last dance and the last moment of headbanging.

Although, before it is time to go home one last song is played – “Blinded By The Lights”. Here the band cheats a bit as this song is a part of their new EP called Intermission, which I’ve already reviewed by the way. However, there couldn’t be a better way to finish the gig. Colourful glasses are thrown into audiences symbolising the song. Also, the band puts them on. It is a very catchy song that finishes off the gig in a memorable way.

Summary

Ravenlight has proved they are not only excellent musicians but also great entertainers knowing exactly how to interact and engage with the crowd without losing the momentum. Especially considering the fact they have only started their musical journey…