Raven Soul

The band’s concept creation was mainly inspired by the Gothic culture and essentially focused in its exoteric literature. Edgar Allan Poe has always been the most venerable lyrical influence for the Raven Soul song writers, as the Portuguese worldwide known poet Fernando Pessoa and Florbela Espanca. Most of the songs lyrics are based in real stories, lived by the writer himself or by someone close to him. Contemplation of human beauty on its spiritual way, the joy of living and the sweetness of love and romance are common themes that can be found at the Raven structured poems-based lyrics, which frequently and paradoxically struggle against feelings of loss and regret, long forgotten and shattered dreams, painful and twisting relationships and darkness as a refuge and source of inner peace. Although this dark aura that takes most of the songs, There is no kind of religious connotation and beliefs, worship or veneration to any transcendental entity. Although the bands name may suggest the opposite, the former members chosen Raven Soul after they listened one ancient version of the Raven fable, told by an old Portuguese fisherman. A beautiful story that deserves to be discovered by everyone who believes in pure love and its immortality. The Rock’n Roll based songs of Raven Soul are extremely melodic and intense: two powerful C toned and incisive guitars produce a muscled rock/metal crossover, the keyboards weaves most of the different textures which hold the lyrical context, the rhythmic section offers an energetic and consistent groove and the warm and semi-clean lead voice leads the listener through several living experiences and states of mind in every single song. The band never claimed to be chained to any specific musical style, although has always admitted its admiration for several gothic Rock/Metal bands, such as Sisters of Mercy, HIM, Charon, Entwined, Sentenced, Paradise Lost, The 69 Eyes, Lácrimas Profundere and many others from this stylistic quadrant. However, some other classical influences as Metallica, Iron Maiden, Helloween, Europe and Kreator were and still are the band foundations and crossbeams. The band released its first demo in 2006, Born in Ashes, a small and home-made record, containing four songs, limited to 500 units. Three years later, in May 2009, the first official release has met the day of light: 100 Bleeding hearts. The band supported all the production costs, before knowing that in a near future some important and international Labels would be interested in the final product. In September 2009 Raven signs with Arctic Music Group, an important American Label that hosts bands such as Malevolent Creation and Cult of Azazel. Over the last six years, Raven Soul played in several places along Portugal and won four music contests. Raven Soul have already had the honour to share the stage with the most respected Portuguese artist, named as The Father of Portuguese Rock’n Roll - Mr. Rui Veloso – and with the greatest Portuguese Metal band - MOONSPELL. MUSIC CONTESTS 2004 - MEIRINHAS ROCK FESTIVAL- 2nd place 2005 - GOLPILHEIRA BANDS CONTEST: 1st place 2007 - VIEIRA ROCK: 4th place 2008 - RM JOVEM: 1st place 2009 - RIBA ROCK: 3rd place 2009 - DI BOX: 1st place 2009 - BIBOROCK: 1st place 2010 - UNITED IN SOUNDS 3: 1st place DEBUT ALBUM 100 BLEEDING HEARTS - IN STORES NOW!!! - Official Raven Soul Facebook Page. Our music leads the listener through several living experiences and states of mind in every single song.