Outlaws Of Ravenhurst
Book I

June 2012
Released: 2011, Indie
Rating: 3.5/5
Reviewer: JP

Our regular readers will know I love a good concept album. Many people don’t have the time or patience to embrace a story line on an album, but I love it. It demonstrates a greater degree of commitment and creativity to try to write a bunch of songs and make them work with lyrics, characters and melodies that follow the ebb and flow of the plotline. The Outlaws of Ravenhurst have done just that.



Released last year independently, this Calgary, Alberta band has issued their 12 track, 42 minute debut album simply titled BOOK I. It’s a nice package for an indie product; a digi-pak with some nice artwork and a foldout booklet that explains the entire story and although there are no lyrics you can understand the vocals easily enough to follow along. The whole concept is set in medieval times with quirky characters like Uncle Roger, the evil-wizard who rides a gator-horse that is half horse, half alligator, naturally. It’s apparent the trio don’t take themselves too seriously but at the same time, it’s not just a joke either. The whole concept is topped off by narration. There is nothing better than a concept album narrated by some guy with a British accent with a deep, majestic and booming voice!



Musically these guys employ a sound that is not common at all these days. All the signs of BOOK I point to Epic Power Metal but it is not the case at all. It’s more of a mix of 70’s Hard Rock styles and some early 80’s Metal mixed in. Imagine 70’s Rush (circa 2112) and mixed with perhaps Manilla Road, Slough Feg and the lighter moments of Cirith Ungol and Tenacious D is riding shotgun on the gatorhorse. There is lots of acoustic guitar and rollicking drum work. The band never overplays and doesn’t get too indulgent in terms of guitar solos, the songs have lots of room to breath, rock and roll. A sense of fun and probably lots of beer, pot and D&D, pervade this record, even if it is unintentional.



As an older music fan I really appreciate this style and sound and recognize the musical salutes to the past. Outlaws of Ravenhurst have really hit on something here, quirky, fun and fully committed to the rock. Can’t wait for BOOK II! Besides I want to know what happened to Sir Godfrey after he accidently found the secret compartment behind the fireplace in Castle Ravenhurst…