Orden Ogan – Ravenhead

Admittedly I had never heard of Orden Ogan until the video for ‘The Things We Believe In’ caught my eye, which was the single released from their 2012 album ‘To The End’. This was an album that turned out to be a real breakthrough for Orden Ogan as it was critically acclaimed and seemed to appeal to a wide range of metal fans, both at home in Germany and opening doors for them to play festivals and tour further afield.

Fast-forward two years and with news that they had gone into the studio in 2014 with a new release promised for early 2015, anticipation was building, especially after seeing the video for the new single ‘F.E.V.E.R.’ which was release early December.
From the video it was very clear Orden Ogan had once again upped their game and the new album ‘Ravenhead’ was full of promise.

‘F.E.V.E.R.’ opens with the catchiest of piano hooks and accompanying chorus, but it’s not long before the pummeling rhythm guitars kick in and Dirk Meyer-Berhorn’s double kick drum is blasting at a ferocious pace.

But this is by no means an album with just one big song; every track showcases exemplary musicianship from each of the band members, not only that but the arrangement of traditional instruments, choral sections and orchestral elements shows what a huge talent front man Seeb Leverman is, for nothing sounds out of place from bagpipes, classical guitar, all those massive choral choruses or each and every blistering guitar solo.

‘Here at the End Of the World’ is probably the most ferocious song on the album and features guest vocals from Chris Boltendhal (Grave Digger), which lend to the harder edge of this song.
Stand out track ‘Deaf Among the Blind’ features some of the finest rhythm guitar work I had heard – anywhere, as well as some pretty spectacular dual guitar work. It then flows seamlessly into the following track ‘Sorrow Is Your Tale’ which again features guest vocals, but this time from Hammerfall’s, Joachim Cans. 

‘Ravenhead’ to my mind is definitely one of the finest metal albums I have heard defined as ‘Power Metal’. It is full of epic stories, delivered so passionately they draw you in that you need in to hear more. Not only that but musically it is flawless, giving a nod to their peers, while blazing a path of their own. What a brilliant way to begin 2015.

Ravenhead is released on January 16^th 2015 as: CD (Jewel Case), Digipak (incl. Bonus DVD), Ltd. Special Edition Raven Statue and Ltd. Green Vinyl.

Track Listing:

1. Orden Ogan
2. Ravenhead
3. E.V.E.R.
4. The Lake
5. Evil Lies In Every Man
6. Here At the End Of the World
7. A Reason To Give
8. Deaf Among The Blind
9. Sorrow Is Your Tale
10. In Grief And Chains
11. Too Soon
12. E.V.E.R. (8-bit version) – Digipak bonus track
13. The Things we Believe In (folk version) – Digipak bonus track

Band Lineup:
Seeb Levermann – Vocals/Guitars
Tobin Kersting – Guitars
Niels Löffler – Bass
Dirk Meyer-Berhorn – Drums

Band Links:
www.ordenogan.de
https://www.facebook.com/ORDENOGAN