Traditionally, "Raven" was as pure a rock band as there ever was. Commercialism and melody were effectively restrained by maximum intensity and a lust for abrasiveness. A slight 45 degree shot at the mainstream, coinciding with major label housing for a brief but damaging turn in the mid '80s, was more than enough proof that for this band there was no other way than that which these three classic Spitfire reissues revealed.

If someone told you back in 1986 that this band would still be recording and touring nearly a decade and a half later, the spit and drool from the resulting hilarity would be enough to send you hurtling in the other direction. Respect, though justly deserved, was all too elusive for this slovenly, yet talented, rock act. Resilient to the core however, the band continues to do it their way, and now for many, here's a terrific chance to hear them at their gloriously off-key best, pounding out the rhythmic noise the way only they could deliver it.

"Rock Until You Drop" was a fitting arrival that proved draining enough to wind the most serious of listeners. "Wiped Out" proved no less intimidating than its predecessor, and perish the thought of any letting up while.

"All For One" and its "solid as a rock with swords in the air" calling was probably their most crowning achievement and the one that many fans might best remember. Filled with blazing metallic anthems, the guitar chops were no less severe, while the song structures were just a little bit tighter, but never enough to take away from the uniqueness of three bedeviled individuals, seemingly smashed out of their gourds and just plugging in and hammering away.