Brett Deadly 
The opener, [Nevermore], sets the tone with heavy distorted riffs layered over dangerous vocals that immediately signal Raven’s full band approach to music performance. The production on this track, and throughout the album, is both meaty but not muddy, merging organic instruments with synthetic elements to create an emotionally charged offering. I’m very picky when it comes to metal tracks, his band’s technicality and precision sneak them past my overly critical senses when it comes to metal genres. Basically what i’m trying to say is…..this band is sick as f*ck.
One of the standout tracks is [FERAL], which blends a bouncy colorful beat with high energy lyrics about being and animal under the influence. The track’s catchy hook and understated yet driving rhythm make it a standout, and Raven’s vocal delivery – raw and unwavering – carries an emotional weight that feels both personal and universally relatable. This piece makes me want to raise a toast and rage. Definitely something to witness in a live setting.
Vanity Purposes also excels in its ability to shift moods and styles. Tracks like [Hold Me Now] and [Last Time To Be Famous] veer toward the more dance electronic territory, while [American Spirit] and [Typcast] dive back into a full band setting. These transitions feel seamless, keeping the listener engaged while offering subtle shifts in tone that mirror the thematic evolution of the album itself.
The closing track, [Substance – Acoustic], brings everything together in a bittersweet culmination. Its haunting yet hopeful acoustic atmosphere provides a fitting conclusion to an album that has such a diverse selection of sounds. That final flex. The cherry on top.
Lyrically, Eric Raven’s songwriting is striking in its honesty. The album’s exploration of vanity doesn’t come across as self-absorbed or preachy, but rather as an expression of how his identity is shaped and distorted by external forces and inner desires. It’s a collection that makes you reflect on your own self-image, even as it allows you to appreciate the intricacies of an artist’s personal journey.
Overall, Vanity Purposes is a bold and well-crafted statement from Eric Raven’s discography. The album is both lyrically equipped and strategically crafted, offering listeners a solid escape from reality. I give this album a 10/10. Eric Raven never misses. For Vanity Purposes, out now on all major streaming platforms.
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