Rhode Island based alternative art rockers Raven King deliver an intriguing blend of out-of-the-box, grungy darkness with their self-titled album release.

Chunky riffage, soaring leads, and gritty grooves combine in ways that are familiar yet refreshing, distinct, and in a lane all their own. The darker themes give the band’s substance a bit of an edge and their ability to focus powerful emotions into well crafted sonic arrangements, lasting anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes each, is a declaration of their commitment to creating art and music that is, not only accessible to listeners, but also a true reflection of the band and its members.

The band also has a strong DIY work ethic which poured into the labor of love that became the music video for Drool. I will let the band tell you more,

Inspired by a nightmare, the music video was an intensive labor-of-love, ranging from the handmade masks, to the storyboard to the set production, managing the project, organizing the extras, directing the filming director, helping with the editing of the film… etc. From the self-produced, self-recorded album, to the music video, every creation gets its due of sweat, blood, and tears.”

Digging deeper into the album’s tracklist, my personal favorites include: It’s Not Life, Marble, and Full. However, this is an album worthy of being listened to from beginning to end. Unlike our current singles-driven world, Raven King have made an album and it commands the attention and respect worthy of such a passionate project.

Raven King consists of AJ Bucci on bass and vox, Will Boisseau on drums and vox, and Gerrit Curti on guitar and vox. The album was produced and recorded by Gerrit and Raven King. The pristine, well balanced mixes are courtesy of Benny Grotto at Mad Oak Studio and the album was mastered by Jeff Lipton with assistance from Maria Rice.

If you dig the album artwork as much as I do, credit goes to Amanda Armbrust-Asselin.

You can watch the video for Drool above or subscribe on YouTube.

Connect with Raven King directly on FB.

The album is available on Bandcamp or Spotify.