- Genuine MWOBHM, Heavy Metal
"Stay Hard" is the fourth full-length album by the British heavy metal band Raven, released in 1985. It is the first album recorded in the United States for the major label Atlantic Records, after the British band had passed under American management.
Released in 1985 on Atlantic Records, "Stay Hard" marks a transitional period for the British heavy metal trio Raven. While staying true to their New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) roots, the album showcases a more refined and polished sound compared to their earlier work. This evolution, guided by renowned producer Michael Wagener (known for his work with Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne), elevated the band's musicality and songwriting without sacrificing their signature energy and aggression.
Historical Context and Genre
By 1985, the NWOBHM movement had reached its peak and was beginning to evolve. Many bands were experimenting with different sounds and production techniques, seeking to expand their reach beyond the underground metal scene. Raven's decision to work with Michael Wagener reflected their desire to evolve while maintaining their signature NWOBHM sound.
The album's music is a blend of classic heavy metal and hard rock, with a touch of speed metal's intensity. 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, while the rhythm section remains tight and energetic.
Musical Exploration
"Stay Hard" showcases Raven's growth as songwriters and musicians. The album features a mix of hard-hitting anthems like the title track and "Hard Ride" (a re-recorded version of a song from their debut album) and more melodic tracks like "On and On" and "Break the Chain." This diversity demonstrates the band's versatility and their ability to balance aggression with melody.
Lyrically, the album explores themes of perseverance, determination, and the pursuit of dreams. The lyrics are often inspirational and motivational, reflecting the band's positive outlook and their refusal to give up on their musical aspirations.
Production and Recording
The album was recorded at Amigo Studios in Hollywood, California. Michael Wagener's production brought a new level of polish and professionalism to Raven's sound, without sacrificing the raw energy and aggression that made them a fan favorite.
| Album Fact Sheet: RAVEN - STAY HARD |
| Music Genre: NWOBHM, Heavy Metal / Hard Rock |
| Album Production information: The album: "RAVEN - STAY HARD" was produced by: Michael Wagener and Raven Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Norman Dunn Assistent sound engineers: Alex Perialas, Peter Bombar This album was recorded at: Pyramid Sound Studio, New York Mastered by George Marino, at Sterling Sound, New York City. Album art direction: Bob Defrin |
| Record Company / Catalog number / Label: Atlantic 781 241-1 |
| Record Media Format and Weight:
12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record |
Year & Country: 1985 Made in Germany |
Additional Information on Production Team Members
Michael Wagener is a renowned music producer, mixer, and engineer hailing from Hamburg, Germany. He is highly recognized for his work with countless prominent hard rock and heavy metal bands, particularly during the late 1980s.
Read Wagener's Story
Alex Perialas legendary producer, shaped 1980s heavy metal with iconic bands like Anthrax, Metallica and many many more. Read His Biography
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.
George Marino: legendary mastering engineer behind iconic albums by Metallica, AC/DC, and more. Explore his life and groundbreaking career in music. Bob Defrin, a prominent figure in the world of graphic design and album cover art, is best known for his significant contributions as the director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records. Born on April 13, 1946, Defrin's creative journey began in Brooklyn, New York, where he developed a passion for art from an early age. Defrin's career in the music industry took off in the 1980s, a pivotal era for Heavy Metal music. His unique artistic vision and ability to capture the essence of a band's sound through visual imagery made him a sought-after figure among musicians and record labels. As a director and graphic designer at Atlantic Records, Defrin played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identities of numerous Heavy Metal bands during this period. One of Defrin's notable accomplishments was his work on album covers. He understood the power of album artwork in conveying the spirit and energy of a band's music. Defrin's ability to translate the raw power and intensity of Heavy Metal into captivating visuals earned him widespread recognition and accolades. His designs often featured bold, eye-catching imagery, intricate details, and striking typography, perfectly complementing the music within. Defrin's portfolio boasts an impressive array of iconic album covers. Among his most renowned works are the covers for AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" (1979), "Back in Black" (1980), and "For Those About to Rock We Salute You" (1981). These covers captured the band's energy, attitude, and electrifying sound, becoming iconic symbols of Heavy Metal culture. Additionally, Defrin's artistic contributions extended beyond AC/DC. He collaborated with numerous other influential bands, including Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, Krokus, and Skid Row, among others. Each album cover he designed encapsulated the essence of the respective band's music, making a lasting impact on the visual landscape of Heavy Metal. Bob Defrin's expertise in graphic design and his ability to understand and interpret the musical vision of Heavy Metal bands made him an invaluable asset to Atlantic Records. He left an indelible mark on the music industry, helping to shape the visual identities of some of the most influential Heavy Metal acts of the 1980s. Beyond his work with Atlantic Records, Defrin's influence continued to resonate in the field of graphic design. His unique style and contributions left a lasting impression on album cover art, inspiring generations of designers to think creatively and push the boundaries of visual storytelling. Bob Defrin's legacy as a director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records endures as a testament to his immense talent and profound impact on the Heavy Metal genre. His ability to merge music and visual artistry has forever left an indelible mark on the history of album cover design.
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Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: RAVEN - STAY HARD |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "RAVEN - STAY HARD" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "RAVEN - STAY HARD" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "RAVEN - STAY HARD" |
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Album Back Cover Photo of "RAVEN - STAY HARD" |
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Photo of "RAVEN - STAY HARD" Atlantic Record Label - Side One: |
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Photo of "RAVEN - STAY HARD" Record Label - Side Two: |
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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. |
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'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
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
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
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'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