Eyes of the Raven

Eyes of the Raven

Eyes of the Raven are a UK metal band formed in early 2009 by ex-members of Hybrid, Mathew Walters and Ross Pickett, together with Ulrich Pflanz of the German band Footgang. The project starts as a short-term NWOBHM idea under the name Hellbound, but the members decide to continue after seeing its potential.

Formation and line-up

When Ulrich Pflanz is due to return to Germany later in 2009, the band looks for a drummer and brings in Damon Cartwright, who is 17 at the time and had previously been discussed as a possible contributor. Ross Pickett also approaches Dave Horan about fronting the group; both Ross and Matt Walters have worked with him before in earlier bands including Deviant and Moment of Isolation. Lead guitarist James McHugh joins after responding to an advert placed by Matt and fitting in at a jam session. The completed line-up is Dave Horan on vocals, Damon Cartwright on drums, Matt Walters on bass guitar, Ross Pickett on rhythm guitar and vocals, and James McHugh on lead guitar.

Name and style

The band changes its name from Hellbound because several other acts are already using that title, including both cover bands and original groups. Their early direction is rooted in NWOBHM, and the material develops into a more practical band format as the line-up comes together.