NWOBHM legends and godfathers of thrash RAVEN are set to kick off the first leg of their 2026 European tour on May 13th in Herford, Germany. Fresh off a 40-date North American run with multiple sold-out shows, the trio is bringing their relentless live assault across Germany, the Benelux countries, Spain, Greece, and Bulgaria.RAVEN, the Newcastle-born heavy metal institution widely credited as godfathers of thrash and pillars of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, are wasting no time following a triumphant North American campaign. The band — comprising John Gallagher on lead vocals and bass, Mark Gallagher on guitar and vocals, and Mike Heller on drums — launches the first leg of their 2026 European tour on May 13th at Kulturwerk in Herford, Germany.
The run covers 14 dates across six countries, including multiple Spanish cities, a notable return to Greece after several years away, and a landmark first-ever show in Bulgaria at Live and Loud in Sofia on May 30th. The Benelux region also features prominently, with stops in Heerlen, Poperinge, and Ommen rounding out the itinerary.
John Gallagher expressed the band’s enthusiasm ahead of the tour, noting the momentum built during the North American leg and the excitement of reconnecting with European audiences in markets both familiar and brand new to RAVEN.
Founded in Newcastle Upon Tyne in 1974, RAVEN have built a career spanning more than five decades, influencing generations of metal musicians and famously providing METALLICA and ANTHRAX with their earliest touring opportunities. Their most recent studio output, the 2025 EP „CAN’T TAKE AWAY THE FIRE,“ further cemented their reputation for uncompromising, high-energy metal. Ticket information is available at ravenlunatics.com.