Raven - Life's A Bitch Metal 12" Vinyl LP

- Genuine NWOBHM, Heavy Metal

Released in 1986 on Atlantic Records, "The Pack Is Back" marks a turning point for British metal legends Raven. Produced by Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin), this NWOBHM album showcases their signature raw energy and aggressive spirit, yet with a more polished production. Featuring the anthemic title track, "On and On," and "Gimme Some Lovin'," this classic showcases a refined yet relentless sound, solidifying their legacy in heavy metal history.

RAVEN - Life's A Bitch 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

Raven's "Life's a Bitch": A Mature Yet Unrelenting NWOBHM Statement
Album Description:

Released in 1987 on Atlantic Records, Raven's "Life's a Bitch" showcases a band that has matured and refined its sound without sacrificing its signature intensity and energy. Produced by the legendary Roy Thomas Baker (known for his work with Queen and The Cars), the album presents a more polished and commercially viable version of Raven's NWOBHM sound, while still retaining the raw power and aggression that made them a fan favorite.

Historical Context and Genre

By 1987, the NWOBHM movement had evolved significantly, with many bands adapting their sound to appeal to a wider audience. Raven's "Life's a Bitch" reflects this evolution, with a more polished production and a stronger emphasis on melody and songwriting. However, the band's signature elements—the galloping rhythms, the shredding guitar solos, and the raspy vocals—are still present and accounted for.

The album's music is a blend of heavy metal, hard rock, and speed metal, with influences from punk and thrash. The Gallagher brothers' guitar work is as fast and furious as ever, but the production gives it a cleaner, more defined sound. John Gallagher's vocals retain their signature rasp and power, but he also explores a wider range of vocal styles, from aggressive screams to melodic harmonies.

Musical Exploration

"Life's a Bitch" showcases Raven's growth as songwriters and musicians. The album features a mix of hard-hitting anthems like "Lock and Load" and "Overload" and more melodic tracks like "Playing with the Razor" and "On the Wings of an Eagle." The band's willingness to experiment with different sounds and tempos, while maintaining their signature energy and aggression, makes for a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

Lyrically, the album explores themes of life's challenges, social commentary, and the struggles of the working class. The lyrics are often dark and introspective, reflecting the band's frustrations with the world around them.

Production and Recording

The album was recorded at Bearsville Studios in Woodstock, New York, and mixed at the same location. Roy Thomas Baker's production brought a new level of polish and sophistication to Raven's sound, without sacrificing the raw energy and aggression that made them a fan favorite.

Music Genre:

NWOBHM / Heavy Metal / Hard Rock 

Album Production Information:

The album: "Raven Life's A Bitch Nwobhm New Wave Of British Heavy Metal 12" Vinyl LP" was produced by: Raven and Chris Isca

This album was recorded during Nov-Dec 1986 using the "Total Death" Method at Bearsville Studio.

Album cover concept by Tony Incigeri and John Gallagher:

Record Label & Catalognr:

Atlantic 781 734-1

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram 

Year & Country:

1987 Made in Germany for European Distribution
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: Raven Life's A Bitch Nwobhm New Wave Of British Heavy Metal 12" Vinyl LP
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • John Gallagher - Lead vocals, Bass
  • Mark Gallagher - Lead Guitar
  • Rob "WACKO" Hunter - Drums
Complete Track-listing of the album "Raven Life's A Bitch Nwobhm New Wave Of British Heavy Metal 12" Vinyl LP"

The detailed tracklist of this record "Raven Life's A Bitch Nwobhm New Wave Of British Heavy Metal 12" Vinyl LP" is:

    Track-listing :
  1. The Savage and the Hungry (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:47
  2. Pick Your Window (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:29
  3. Life's a Bitch (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:47
  4. Never Forgive (Gallagher, Hunter) 4:38
  5. Iron League (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:21
  6. On the Wings of an Eagle (Gallagher, Hunter) 6:35
  7. Overload (Gallagher, Hunter) 4:18
  8. You're A Liar (Gallagher, Hunter) 2:39
  9. Fuel to the Fire (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:43
  10. Only the Strong Survive (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:45
  11. Juggernaut (Gallagher, Hunter) 5:08
  12. Playing With the Razor (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:21

 

Front Cover Photo Of RAVEN - Life's A Bitch 12" Vinyl LP Album

RAVEN - Life's A Bitch 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

 

 Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Photo Of The Back Cover RAVEN - Life's A Bitch 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

RAVEN - Life's A Bitch 12" Vinyl LP Album back cover

First Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve RAVEN - Life's A Bitch 12" Vinyl LP Album

Nine photos of the Raven Band members in action on the live stage

Nine photos of the Raven Band members in action on the live stage

Second Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve RAVEN - Life's A Bitch 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

RAVEN - Life's A Bitch 12" Vinyl LP Album custom inner sleeve

Close up of record's label RAVEN - Life's A Bitch 12" Vinyl LP Album Side One

"Life's A Bitch" Record Label Details: Atlantic 781 734-1

"Life's A Bitch" Record Label Details: Atlantic 781 734-1
 

The Ultimate Gallery and Discography of RAVEN's Vinyl LP Albums in the NWOBHM Genre

RAVEN - All For One (French and Italian Releases)
   RAVEN - All For One ( 1983, France ) 12" LP
Neat Records

Raven's "All For One," released on the French label Bernett Records in 1983, is a high-octane explosion of New Wave of British Heavy Metal. This album, the band's third, showcases their signature blend of speed, aggression, and melody

- All For One (Italian Release) - All For One (French Release)
RAVEN - Live at the Inferno
RAVEN - Live at the Inferno ( 1984, Netherlands ) 12" LP
Roadrunner RR 9808 , 1984 , Netherlands

Raven's "Live at the Inferno," released in 1984, is a raw and electrifying document of the band's energetic live shows during the height of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. This double LP captures the band's signature blend of speed, aggression, and melody, showcasing fan favorites

Live at the Inferno ( 1984, Netherlands ) 12" Vinyl LP
RAVEN - The Pack is Back
 RAVEN - The Pack is Back   12" LP
ATLANTIC 781 629 , 1988/1989 , Germany

Released in 1986, Raven's "The Pack Is Back" marked a shift in the band's sound, embracing a more polished production while retaining their signature energy. Produced by Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin), this NWOBHM album features the anthemic title track and "Gimme Some Lovin',"

The Pack is Back 12" Vinyl LP
RAVEN - Stay Hard
 RAVEN - Stay Hard ( 1985, Germany ) 12" LP
Atlantic 781 241-1 , 1985 , Germany

Released in 1985, Raven's "Stay Hard" marked a turning point, showcasing a more polished sound while maintaining their aggressive energy. Produced by Michael Wagener, this NWOBHM album features the anthemic title track, "On and On," and "Hard Ride," highlighting the band's evolution

Stay Hard ( 1985, Germany ) 12" Vinyl LP
RAVEN - Life's a Bitch
RAVEN - Life's a Bitch ( 1987 ) 12" LP
Atlantic 781 734-1 , 1987 , Germany

Released in 1987, Raven's "Life's a Bitch" showcases a matured yet unrelenting NWOBHM sound. Produced by Roy Thomas Baker, this album features a mix of hard-hitting anthems like "Lock and Load" and melodic tracks like "Playing with Fire," demonstrating the band's versatility and solidifying their NWOBHM legacy.

Life's a Bitch ( 1987 ) 12" Vinyl LP
RAVEN - Wiped Out
RAVEN - Wiped Out ( 1982, Italy ) 12" LP
NEAT 1004 , 1982 , Italy

Raven's "Wiped Out" LP, a rare Italian pressing on NEAT Records, signifies the band's evolution and transition from the label. This pivotal album blends speed metal and NWOBHM influences, encapsulating Raven's signature style.

Wiped Out ( 1982, Italy ) 12" L