Raven - Live at the Inferno 12" Vinyl LP Album

- NWOBHM, Heavy Metal

"Live at the Inferno," the scorching live offering by the heavy metal pioneers Raven, commands attention on a 12" Vinyl LP Album. Released in 1984, this album captures the raw energy and intensity of Raven's live performances during the era of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). As the band's first live album, "Live at the Inferno" stands as a sonic testament to Raven's stage presence and enduring influence on the metal genre.. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.

large album front cover photo of: Raven Live at the Inferno

Raven's "Live at the Inferno": A Sonic Blast from the NWOBHM Frontlines
Album Description:

Released in 1984, "Live at the Inferno" is a raw and energetic live album from the British heavy metal trio Raven. Recorded during their 1983 US tour, the album captures the band's intense stage presence and the unbridled energy of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) scene.

Historical Context and Genre:

"Live at the Inferno" arrived at a time when the NWOBHM was at its peak, with bands like Iron Maiden and Def Leppard achieving international success. Raven, known for their wild stage antics and aggressive sound, were one of the movement's most exciting live acts. The album serves as a time capsule of this era, capturing the raw power and passion of the band's live performances.

The album's music is a relentless assault of speed, aggression, and melody. The Gallagher brothers' guitar work is fast and furious, with intricate solos and harmonized riffs. Mark Gallagher's bass lines are thunderous and driving, while Rob "Wacko" Hunter's drumming is a whirlwind of energy. The band's vocals are a unique blend of screams, shouts, and melodic harmonies, creating a sound that is both powerful and catchy.

Musical Exploration:

"Live at the Inferno" showcases Raven's ability to blend classic heavy metal with elements of punk and thrash. The album features a mix of original songs and covers, including their signature tracks like "Crash Bang Wallop" and "Don't Need Your Money," as well as covers of Thin Lizzy's "Bad Reputation" and ZZ Top's "Cheap Sunglasses." The band's performance is tight and energetic, with each member showcasing their musical prowess.

Production and Recording:

The album was recorded during various shows on their US tour and mixed at Pyramid Sound Recording Studio, Ithaca, New York . The production team, led by engineer Norman Dunn, captured the raw energy and intensity of the band's live performances while maintaining a professional sound quality.

Stage performance

"Live at the Inferno" is the band's electrifying stage presence and the overall energy of the live performance. The album captures the raw power and excitement of a Raven concert, with the crowd's enthusiastic response adding another layer of intensity to the music.

Album Summary: 

Liner notes: Special Thanks to All Raven Lunatics Everywherem Youre the Best

Music Genre:

NWOBHM Music

Album Production Information:

Produced by Raven

Published by Neat Music Publ / Athletic Rock Publ.

Mobile Engineers: Alex Periales, Peter Bombar

Mobile Facilities provided by Pyramid Sound.

Mixed at Pyramid Sound Studio, Ithaca, New York

  • Pyramid Sound Recording Studios – Recording Studio (Ithaca, New York)

    Downtown Ithaca’s secret weapon: the room where a ton of ’80s riffs learned discipline and learned to punch.

    Pyramid Sound Recording Studios is a long-running Ithaca, New York recording spot launched by Alex Perialas (the guy with the “your snare will be heard” philosophy). From the mid-1980s into the early 1990s, it became a thrash-metal magnet—bands like Anthrax, Overkill, Testament, Nuclear Assault, and S.O.D. rolled through to capture that tight, aggressive East Coast bite. It didn’t stay boxed into metal either: later decades saw punk/hardcore and other genres pass through the same rooms, because good engineering doesn’t care what jacket you’re wearing. The studio’s downtown location (105 E. Clinton Street) has even had its share of real-world drama tied to nearby construction over the years—because of course the universe can’t just let a legendary studio exist in peace.

    Pyramid Sound Recording Studios Wiki

    •  

    Mastered at Sterling Sound, New York City by Jack Skinner

    Sleeve Concept: Raven,

    Artwork: Sharold Studios

    Front cover photography Geoffrey Thomas

    Back cover photography Bob Leafe

    Inside photos: Buko and Randy Bachman

    Concert Sound Engineer: Norman Dunn

    Lighting Designer: Mark Mehlman

    Counselor at War: Michael Toorok

    Collection notes:

    Production Team & Musicians Details:

  • Alex Perialas – Audio Engineer, Mixer, Record Producer

    In my book, his credit is the “this is gonna hit hard” stamp—Pyramid Sound vibes all day.

    Alex Perialas is an American audio engineer, mixer, and record producer who helped lock in the tight, punchy thrash sound of the mid-1980s through the early 1990s from Pyramid Sound Studios in Ithaca, New York—working with bands like Anthrax, Overkill, Testament, Nuclear Assault, S.O.D., and Flotsam & Jetsam. Later on, his work stretches into other lanes (Bad Religion, Pro-Pain), and he’s also been tied to teaching sound recording at Ithaca College—because apparently someone had to explain to the next generation how to make guitars sound like a chainsaw with manners.

    Alex Perialas Wiki

    • Peter Bombar a sound engineer who has been working together with Alex Perialas, Norman Dunn, Jon Zazula. During the 1980s he has been responsible for the sound recording for albums of the Heavy Metal bands: Attila, Raven, Thrasher, T.T. Quick and others.

     

    John Gallagher (GBR) - during the 1980s "John Gallagher" has been playing bass and singing with the "Raven (GBR) band, during this period they recorded 7 full-length albums. John Gallagher is the brother of "Mark Gallagher" who is also a band-member of the Raven band. Both John and Mark Gallagher have spent their entire musical career (since 1974) with the Raven band.

    Mark Gallagher (GBR) - during the 1980s "Mark Gallagher" has been playing guitars and occasionally singing with the "Raven (GBR) band, during this period they recorded 7 full-length albums. Mark Gallagher is the brother of "John Gallagher" who is also a band-member of the Raven band. Both Mark and JOhn Gallagher have spent their entire musical career (since 1974) with the Raven band.

    Norman Dunn a sound engineer and in the 1980s responsible for the recording of several metal albums for bands like Anthrax, Carnivore, Crumbsuckers, Raven, Whiplash.

  • Jack Skinner – Mastering engineer

    The “Supercutter” whose New York deadwax can make a record feel louder without cheap tricks.

    Jack Skinner is the New York mastering and lacquer-cutting guy who can make a tape punch without turning it into sandpaper. His cuts feel like a clean blade: tight lows, crisp transients, no hype. Sometimes credited as Jack "Supercutter" Skinner, he worked through Sterling Sound, K Disc Mastering, and Europadisk. Early 1980s: helping hard rock and metal hit clean, including Metallica (1983). Mid-’80s: dialing in Talking Heads (1985–1988). Late ’80s into early ’90s: still in demand on records tied to Savatage (1987), The Afghan Whigs (1992), and Peter Murphy (1992).

    • Record Label & Catalognr:

    RoadrunneR RR 9808

    Album Packaging:

    Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design. This album includes the original thick paper/light cardboard custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and photos. 

    Media Format:

    12" Vinyl LP Record 160 grams vinyl

    Year & Country:

    1984 Made in Holland

     

    Band Members and Musicians on: Raven Live at the Inferno NWOBHM
      Band-members, Musicians and Performers
    • John Gallagher - Lead vocals, Bass
    • Mark Gallagher - Lead Guitar
    • Rob "WACKO!" Hunter - Drums
    Complete Track Listing of: Raven Live at the Inferno NWOBHM
      Songs:
    • Live at the Inferno (Gallagher, Hunter) 1:21
    • Take Control (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:22
    • Mind Over Metal (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:30
    • Crash Bang Wallop (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:13
    • Rock Until You Drop (Gallagher, Hunter) 4:12
    • Faster Than the Speed of Light (Gallagher, Hunter) 4:12
    • All For One (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:48
    • Forbidden Planet (Gallagher, Hunter) 1:52
    • Star War (Gallagher, Hunter) 5:19
    • Tyrant of the Airways (Gallagher, Hunter) 6:41
    • Run Silent, Run Deep (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:48
    • Crazy World (Gallagher, Hunter) 4:53
    • Let it Rip (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:48
    • G.A.R.B.O. (Gallagher, Hunter) 2:03
    • Wiped Out (Gallagher, Hunter) 4:02
    • Firepower (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:29
    • Don't Need Your Money (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:22
    • Break the Chain (Gallagher, Hunter) 3:58
    • Hell Patrol (Gallagher, Hunter) 7:23
    • Live at the Inferno (Gallagher, Hunter) 6:54

     

    Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Raven Live at the Inferno NWOBHM
    Photo of Front Cover 
    High Resolution Photo Album Front Cover of RAVEN - Live at the Inferno https://vinyl-records.nl
    Photo of Album's Back Cover  
    High Resolution Photo Album Back Cover of RAVEN - Live at the Inferno https://vinyl-records.nl
    Photo of Raven on the inside cover  
    High Resolution Photo of the Original Custom Inner Sleeve (OIS) #1 of RAVEN - Live at the Inferno https://vinyl-records.nl  
    Photo of Record Label 
    Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's label RAVEN - Live at the Inferno https://vinyl-records.nl  

     Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. 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 ).

     

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

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

    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 ( 1984, Netherlands ) 12" LP
    RAVEN - Live at the Inferno

    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 12" LP
    RAVEN - The Pack is Back

    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 - Life's a Bitch ( 1987 ) 12" LP
    RAVEN - Life's a Bitch

    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 - Stay Hard ( 1985, Germany ) 12" LP
    RAVEN - Stay Hard

    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 - Wiped Out ( 1982, Italy ) 12" LP
    RAVEN - Wiped Out

    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