The band RAVENSTHORN started in 2001, formed by William Jannusch, and along with Greg Verthein-guitar, drummer Tony Barr, and Mario Sanchez-bass, recorded the “House Of The Damned” album (engineered by famed Chicago producer Gary Loizzo, who has worked with famed Chicago mainstream rock acts Styx and REO Speedwagon, many Chicago rock and metal acts, and he was the original lead vocalist of the 60’s pop sensation The American Breed who had a big hit with “Bend Me Shape Me”).Ravensthorn developed a large local Chicago area/Northern Indiana following in early 2002 with their self released “House Of the Damned” CD. Interest by fans in Europe was great (especially Germany) and Ravensthorn went overseas after the release of their second album “Hauntings And Possessions” (2004) on Hellion Records (Germany). The replacement of original bassist Mario Sanchez by Jeff Taylor was necessary to play the 2005 Headbangers Open Air Fest and the opening night warm up show. Germany proved to be the band’s biggest ever success story so far! The group played to thousands of headbanging maniacs in a frenzy!
After returning home and beginning writing for the next album “Horrors of the Black Mass” in the late 2000’s, there were a few line-up changes that went on. During this period, the band performed multiple gigs and made two trips to New York/New Jersey to perform live with fellow thrashers and long time friends ATTACKER.
After a long period in several studios, the recording of the “Horrors of the Black Mass” CD was finally completed and was subsequently distributed through the bands’ own RavensthornCrypt Records. Interest in Germany was once again great, as was their popularity in the U.S. Several successful gigs once again transpired.
The temporary year-long membership of lead guitarist J.R. Johnson took place shortly after the completion of the “Horrors Of The Black Mass” recording, while live gigs continued and promotion and interest in the band moved forward. After that, J.R. Johnson-lead guitar, Scott Trubich-bass, and Tony Barr-drums went their separate ways. Count William rejoined with Jeff West-lead guitar and Bill Hall-lead guitar (who wrote and played on the entire recording of the “Horrors of the Black Mass” album) to begin writing for a 2013 album.
Lead vocalist Count William Jannusch and the lead guitarist team of lead guitarist/ co-writer Jeff West and lead guitarist Bill Hall rebuilt the band. The current line-up features lead vocalist Count William Jannusch, lead guitarists Jeff West and Bill Hall , bassist Jamie Dugan, and drummer Jerry Hartman.
The writing and recording of the next album “The Bell Tower Mansion” (2013) is almost complete, and a promo video clip of the title track “The Bell Tower Mansion” has been on You Tube since June 2013. Live dates for 2013 are being booked..
