On 15th April Jamie announced he was leaving the band Raven Lord due to creative differences. Jamie wanted everyone to know why he was leaving and that his reasons were sincere so he made the VLOG below. He says he felt that if people could see him and hear him talk about the situation then they would see he was genuine. He also went on to make another VLOG pondering the future and what may be in store next. We have asked Jamie if he will be continuing to make the VLOG's, he seemed pretty sure he would.
23.03.2013 Download "Perish" By Raven Lord free!
Multinational heavy metallers RAVEN LORD celebrate their second anniversary. As a birthday present a gift is made to the fans and the supporters in the form of a new song called “Perish” as FREE DOWNLOAD. RAVEN LORD present their very first metal ballad and thank all their friends, fans, press and supporters who gave such a great momentum after the release of their debut album “Descent to the Underworld“.
On the 2nd and 3rd of march, Jamie attended The London Bass Guitar Show. He was there in his capacity as a Fret-King/Vintage endorsee - demonstrating bass guitars available from the Fret-King, Vintage, Italia and Danelectro ranges and SNARK tuners. Also present, were Jamie's other endorsers - Hartke and Rotosound.
Jamie, "I had an absolutely fantastic time. It was really inspiring to spend the weekend with other fat-string warriors, hopefully helping to sell the products that are an integral part of what I do and hopefully give the endorsers something back. There was some incredible talent on display and a great comraderie amongst all the musicians present. I'd like to extend my gratitude to Mr Gavin Coulson for taking me and looking after me, and also - Jason How, Dean Clarke, Gareth Underwood and Biscuit for being awesome."
06.02.2013 Raven Lord Debut Album Release
01.02.2013 saw the release of "Descent To The Underworld," Raven Lord's debut release on Mausoleum Records. It's a worldwide release, available in any reputable music shop. Not only did Jamie play his Fret-King Black Label Perception 4+1 on every track, but he also co-wrote all the songs. The album is currently receiving rave reviews in the metal press and the band are currently lining up gigs for later this year. The band also immediately start work on the follow up. Jamie, "Last year was a year of constant kicks in the balls. Now I'm back with a great band, a great album and the year is off to a flying start. This is testimony to my attitude of never giving up and neve losing faith. We've worked damn hard on this record and it shows. This is a high quality record and the reception has been very exciting. I can't wait to get out there and play these monstorous tracks worldwide."
The digital download version of the album will be available soon.
Please note, the North American release date is not until 12th February and France - 6th March.
Multinational Metal Behemoth RAVEN LORD have chosen Alessandro Duo (Voodoo Highway) as their keyboarder to complete the band. Italian born Alessandro Duo will be playing keyboards on all RAVEN LORD’s touring schedule in2013 as well as coming up future recordings.
Band leader Csaba Zvekan issues the following statement: “Alessandro is a true Raven Lord and fits the bill like a glove. His musical skills are excellent and he makes a great addition to the band. We’re all happy and excited to have a complete band and are ready for our upcoming Tour in 2013 and Summer Festivals.”
Raven Lord’s debut album “Descent to the Underworld” will be released on February 1st 2013 Worldwide except North America on February 12th 2013 and March 6th 2013 for France via Mausoleum Records.
While the band is priming themselves for some touring in Spring 2013 followed by Summer Festivals as well as some high profile shows.
“Unashamedly wearing their heavy metal roots on their leather-studded sleeves,RAVEN LORD combine the classic metal feel of the past with the fresh aggression of the present,” according to a press release. “Thunderous bass lines, pounding drums and explosive riffs blend with distinct heavy, melodic vocals to create driving and memorable songs.”
14.11.2012
Contest details:
Are you the guru for graphical design and video editing? Have you ever wanted to produce and edit your video clip to your favourite music? Now this is your chance!
RAVEN LORD just released the track “Black Friar” on which you can use your imagination and talent. You’re free to use animated or recorded video material. The resolution shall be HD quality. Make sure you use only video material on which you own the rights to!
The winning contestant will be publicly announced in a press news and wins 300€ for the efforts. The video chosen will be the official music clip for the upcoming album release in January 2013.
Here is how you can enter the contest:
1. Download “RAVEN LORD – Black Friar” HERE! (http://soundcloud.com/rockngrowl/raven-lord-black-friar) 2. Create your own video for “Black Friar” with your favourite tools. 3. Upload your HD video version to YouTube with the title “RAVEN LORD – video contest -” followed by your name or company and set the rights to unlisted! 4. Send your link to us promo (at) rockngrowl.com and you’re officially entered our contest.
Contest ends on Monday, 31. December 2012. The winning clip will be chosen by the band. The winner will be contacted by ROCK N GROWL. Good luck!
RAVEN LORD recently inked a two-album deal with Mausoleum Records. The group’s debut CD, “Descent To The Underworld“, is scheduled for a release on January 25, 2013 in Europe and February 12, 2013 in North America.
27.10.2012
RAVEN LORD Signs With MAUSOLEUM RECORDS
Multinational metallers RAVEN LORD have signed a two-album deal with Mausoleum Records. The group’s debut album, “Descent to the Underworld“, is scheduled for a release January 25, 2013 in Europe and February 12, 2013 in North America.
The complete track listing for the CD is as follows: 01. The rebel 02. Attila the Hun 03. Let the show go on 04. Seal of the cross 05. Settle the score 06. Promised Land 07. Black Friar 08. World out of steel 09. Revelation 10. Metal Knights 11. Sun God
The CD was mixed by acclaimed Swedish producer Fredrik Nordström (AT THE GATES, ARCH ENEMY, NIGHTRAGE, IN FLAMES, DREAM EVIL, OPETH) and mastered by US mastering engineer Maor Appelbaum (SEPULTURA, HALFORD, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, ANGRA, DOKKEN). The cover artwork for the effort (see below) was made by Caio Caldas “CadiesArt“, who has previously worked with DORO, PAUL D’IANNO, SEVEN KINGDOMS, DOMINANZ and VIOLET SUN, among others.
09.10.2012
It's here!!!! The much anticipated Academy Of Rock!!!! A chance for all to benefit from Jamie's experience in the music business. The 1 to 1 guitar and bass lessons are of course still available but now there is so much more on offer. Check out the new page on this website for all the details!
21.09.2012
Multinational metallers RAVEN LORD haves announced the addition of guitarist Joe Stump (HOLYHELL, REIGN OF TERROR) to the group's ranks.
Commented RAVEN LORD bassist Jamie Mallender: "I can barely contain my excitement. I am a huge fan of Joe's, so when Csaba [Zvekan, vocals] asked me what I thought about asking him to play for us I jumped at the chance to work with the finest exponent of the rock guitar virtuoso playing style.
"Joe Stump has quite a considerable catalogue of excellent solo releases under his belt — both instrumental and with REIGN OF TERROR,HOLYHELL and a long list of guest appearances. He is also a renowned guitar teacher with his own series of instructional releases available onShred Academy and brings to the band a wealth of touring experience.
"RAVEN LORD sounded like an exciting prospect before, but now with Joeon board, things are shaping up to be a true force to be reckoned with and one can only await the release of their debut album with bated breath and sweaty little heavy metal hands."
Added RAVEN LORD singer and founder Csaba Zvekan: "Knowing thatJoe Stump is in the band means a great deal to me as now RAVEN LORDhas a strong foundation for the future as well as for touring and for future recordings. Joe's playing is stunning and with him in our ranks we step up to another level. They don't call him the 'shredlord' for nothing."
Stated Stump: "I was recently approached by Csaba Zvekan and theRAVEN LORD guys about the possibility of joining the ranks. Needless to say, after hearing Csaba's voice, as well as the the sound of the band, I was sold. I've been at this a very long time and I know quality metal when I hear it. Looking forward to working with the fellas and, of course, bringing some serious over the top shredding and fierce metal riffage toRAVEN LORD."
RAVEN LORD recently tapped Fredrik Nordström of Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden to mix their album. Nordström is a well-known producer and sound engineer who has previously worked with such acts asAT THE GATES, ARCH ENEMY, NIGHTRAGE, IN FLAMES, DREAM EVILand OPETH. The CD mixdown will take place the last week of August.
RAVEN LORD is:
* Csaba Zvekan (KILLING MACHINE, SARDONYX, EMERGENCY) - Vocals * Joe Stump (HOLYHELL, REIGN OF TERROR) - Lead Guitar * Jamie Mallender (TONY MARTIN) - Bass * Lawrence "Larry" Paterson (BLAZE BALEY, STUKA SQUADRON) - Drums * George Karafotis (VERMILLION DAYS, OPERATION X) - Guitar * [to be announced] – Keyboards
12.08.2012
Multinational metallers Raven Lord reveal that Fredrik Nordström with his Fredman Studios in Gothenburg, Sweden has been chosen for the final mix down for the new Raven Lord album. Nordström is a well know producer and sound engineer working with acts like At The Gates, Arch Enemy, Nightrage, In Flames, Dream Evil, Opeth and many more.
“We were looking for the best of the best to give our debut product the final mix it deserves”, comments Csaba Zvekan to this collaboration.
The studio mix down dates have been set to the fourth week of August. You can expect a killer mix with some behind the scenes videos and killer pictures.
Raven Lords line up shapes up as follows:
Csaba Zvekan (Killing Machine, Sardonyx, Emergency) – Lead and backing vocals Stefan Lindholm (Vindictiv) – Lead guitars, Backing vocals Jamie Mallender (Tony Martin Band) – Bass guitar, Backing vocals Pontus Larsson (Vindictiv, Firecracker) – Keyboards, Backing vocals Henrik Hedman (Celestial Decay, Last Kingdom) – Drums
RAVEN LORD are rapidly gaining a reputation for being the most exciting new Heavy Metal band on the planet. Unashamedly wearing their heavy metal roots on their leather studded sleeves, RAVEN LORD combine the classic metal feel of the past with a modern edge of the present. Thunderous bass lines, pounding drums with razor sharp riffs blend with distinct heavy, melodic vocals to create powerful and memorable songs. The music that RAVEN LORD brings to you simply stuns – no pretensions – just hell of a metal entertainment.
08.07.2012
ANTHEM are no longer a managed duo. The pair have decided that they prefer to take their own bookings and make their own decisions about their future. For booking information, please contact jamiemal@hotmail.co.uk and for further ANTHEM information, or to see the brand new promo videos, check out the ANTHEM Duo page of this website and also the Media section.
The RavenLord album nears completion. Listen to Jamie's VLOG, new in the Media section, and follow the band at www.raven-lord.com to check up on the album's release date etc....
Jamie is now in posession of 2 new Fret-King Black Label Basses, The 4 string Perception, and Fret-King's very first 5 string bass - the Black Label Perception 4+1. Jamie is thrilled with the instruments. More information on the Gear page.
30.04.2012
ANTHEM have now been out working for 1 month, and for a new act, what a very busy and successful month it has been. The duo are going down a storm with audiences and are receiving glowing reviews. The pressure was on when ANTHEM hit the road, these are very difficult times in which to fill a diary and with both members having a great track record and a wealth of experience in the business, expectations were high. It seems however, that even though their hard work has clearly paid off, they haven't taken a moment to relax. The PA system has just been upgraded, a promo video shoot has been organised, a photoshoot booked, an album is well on its way, new tracks are being recorded to make the set even more crowd-pleasing and new lighting is planned. Jamie is extremely pleased with both his choice of singer and agent, "Kay has done what I expect of everyone in this business but they seldom deliver, she learns her stuff at home, turns up on time and delivers the goods in a totally professional manner. The audience love her and she's very easy to get on with. Our agent, Wass Massaad is right behind us, and I hope he's as happy with us as we are with him." To book ANTHEM, call Wass at WM-Pro - 01274 589854.
06.03.2012
Jamie is thrilled that Larry Paterson has filled the vacant Raven Lord drum stool. The band has been searching for the right drummer with the necessary technical ability, awesome metal chops and true commitment and dedication for some time. Larry has performed with Blaze Bayley of Iron Maiden and is about to embark on a UK tour with the awesome Stuka Squadron. With drummer in place, the lords now set to work on completing their debut album, which promises to be the most exciting new metal recording for a very long time. More info at www.raven-lord.com
Jamie, "Ok people, here's a thoughtful little blog for you. Just a little thought for musicians to ponder: We spend a lot of time slagging off the industry, but if we can't treat our fellow players with respect, love and honour, then are we not part of the problem? We should be helping one another, not competing - we should replace the bitchyness with positivity. We're in it together and it's tough enough without hurting each other. Being a musician will give you the greatest of highs, it will break your heart many times, almost certainly leave you flat broke at some time or other and could just make you rich in many different fulfilling ways. But whether or not this profession can truly make you happy is down to you and your own mental attitude. Because being a musician is a funny job. I've said all along that it doesn't matter how talented you are, it's about the hard work at home, the work behind the scenes that nobody sees. It's about trying ones best to know each and every aspect of ones craft, staying up all night to learn new material note for note in time for the next rehearsal, servicing gear and thinking the whole show over in one's head... constantly. You can't ever cover every base, there's always something else to do - and you've got to keep on going even when the outlook is bleak. You can moan about the state of the industry all you like, that's not going to put food on the table. Turn your anger and frustration into something positive because the only thing that gets rewarded in this business is hard work. If you see the music industry as a cut-throat career and do nothing but look after your own interests on the way up, dumping on people as you go - you're in for a very hard fall some day, and no-one will be there to help you back on your feet. It's called Karma, and it's gonna get you."
10.02.2012
On Wednesday this week, Anthem became a managed act. The duo will be represented by Wassef Masaad at WM-Pro Entertainment Agency. Wassef is a musician himself and has many years experience treading the boards as a well respected guitarist and drummer. Jamie, "I'm delighted that we have secured representation, so that now I can return to concentrating on being a musician and leave the bookings to someone who is an expert in that field. It was very rewarding to perform for such a well respected agent and to see how impressed he was. The duo is good, but the more we work the more we will improve, and Wassef could see the potential. I like to hear feedback from well informed people and wassef had a good few ideas about ways in which we could develop the show. I'm over the moon right now and I look forward to a fruitful relationship with the WM-Pro Agency. I have to give credit where it's due, when we went to perform for Wassef, Kay really pulled it out of the bag - she was brilliant." Anthem poster and page to be updated soon.
WM-Pro Entertainment Agency Ltd 20 Bilsdale Way, Baildon, West Yorkshire, BD17 5DG E-Mail: wass@wm-pro.com
01274 580 834 or 01274 589 854
Jamie's Mini Blog. "On 2nd Feb (groundhog day - again) I turned 40. I don't feel particularly different, but it does sound like a bloody big number to me! Some musicians I know have retired at 40, and many never made it to that age - getting disillusioned with the industry and packing it in to go do something a little safer. I always wondered how I'd feel about staying in the game at this sort of age, but I can tell you that I play better than I ever did. I'm a better person, and a better musician for all the experiences I've had. In a way I feel like I'm only just getting started. There are so many musical avenues I want to explore and ideas I have in mind. I've always tried to improve as a musician and I still have much to learn. So hopefully I won't suffer too much from this aging process we all have to deal with. I don't really feel any different, and I'm pretty healthy - I just maybe need the odd nap here and there!"
"My birthday itself was one of the best days of my life. I have to thank my family, but most of all my Mrs. Donna went to an absolutely ridiculous amount of trouble to make my birthday a special day and it was very much appreciated. My main present was a Vintage VE900 MH Electro Acoustic. The whole thing is mahogany with rosewood fretboard and bridge. It's a "flat" finish rather than a shiny finish which I'm very much a fan of. The guitar really rings out acoustically, it's a big sound - bright, full and sweet. Plugged in this guitar really works for me. Lets just say that some electro-acoustics sound beautiful plugged in but get lost if you use them with a band. This one will have the rest of the band turning up!" Pics to be added to website soon.
06.01.2012
Jamie, "The new Black Label series is to be launched by those lovely Fret-King chaps at the NAMM show. I'm told that the instruments will be available to purchase late february. Well, I can tell you that I've already had the pleasure of playing a few of them and every one is a winner. I've put my name down for a 5 string Perception - the very first 5 string model Fret-King have made, because it is truly a thick string players dream come true! Warning - guitar nerd talk to follow : I have always found that the problem with 5 stringed passive basses is that the notes below low E lack punch and the low B string sounds kind of "flabby." The sheer size of the neck is also somewhat daunting for me, with these stupid little girl sized hands. For this reason I've always gone for active 5's. But they tend to be 24 fret basses, meaning that the string spacing is uncomfortably close and string bends seem to become tough (to me anyway.) Also, I'm kind of craving more of that passive tone these days - it may be an age thing! Now, I don't know how Trevor Wilkinson has managed it, but he's created a 5 string bass, with distinct and punchy low notes, and not only that - the extra deep (and sexy looking) cutaways make for excellent upper fret access, and the neck is wide but shaved slim, making it by far the most user-friendly 5 string I have ever played. The other thing I noticed was this : If you take a 4 string and a 5 string off the wall, made by the same company, from the same series of instruments, the tonality will be very different. I always accepted that this must be something to do with the amount of wood involved and the space inside the pickup etc... But I'm no expert on this matter. All I can tell you is that these 2 basses really do sound very similar, making them perfect counterparts and they make me wonder why, if Trevor can make basses as good as this, why can't all those other companies that are charging so much for what can only be called, "near misses." Tonally, these basses posess the familiar, traditional sounds we all love, with a little extra bite, a little more punch and plenty of character. From Thrash Metal, to Easy Listening, these babies will do the trick." More info : www.fret-king.com
01.01.2012
Jamie, "I've often been tempted to have a blog somewhere. But I keep reaching the conclusion that one can be too wordy, and I want to avoid feeling like I "have" to say something, rather than simply muttering when I actually have something worth saying. So, as it's the start of a new year, i'll have a bash at it and see how it goes. First of all, happy new year to you all. It's not something I celebrate, but the wishes are sincere. I hope you had as good a christmas as I did, if its something you celebrate, and if not - I hope you had a smashing time anyway! See, this is why i really shouldn't become a blogger.
I have to say that I'm quite sad that EPIC has come to an end. I had always wanted to be in a totally live 3 piece band as I thought it would be good for my playing. The 3 piece situation means the bass player really has to work to fill some space, between the drums and guitar. It makes you think hard and play hard and I like nothing better than being challenged by a new musical situation. I thrived on the challenge and the audience reactions would indicate to me that we made a good job of it as a unit and we were rightly proud of it. I'd like to wish Eric and Steve all the best for future endeavours and to thank all the agents, supporters and bookers that helped us along the way.
And so to my next musical challenge. Kay and I are almost ready to begin work as a duo. Most of the songs are finished. I've made most of the backing tracks myself (in Starbug Studios of course) which has been a hard but I think worthwhile slog. This outfit will see me playing a lot more guitar than bass, which means I'm now practicing very very hard on the Fret-King Ventura Super 60 HB3. Most of the parts are coming together ok for me, but there's the odd niggly bit here and there that is really doing my head in! Kay has been a diamond. I don't really know her very well, but she works hard learning the material at home and her voice is staggering. What more could I ask for? A huge thank you goes out to Mr Steve O'Brien for the recommendation.
As the world seems to become a tougher and tougher place to survive in, and things are certainly not improving in the music industry, I am moved to thank the people who have helped me and supported me in recent years. In particular, Gavin Coulson and the other members of staff at John Hornby Skewes, Larry Hartke, the Rotosound guys - Jason, Coral and Steve, Adrian Bece, Joe Siegler, Jason Houston, Carl Taylor and Neil Tomlinson. Thank you to anyone who came to a gig, anyone that purchased something I played on and please, please, please, don't stop caring about real music. We're up against it more than ever - it's going to be a tough one! Much love."
