Original NWOBHM Raven who are in the midst of an American tour have gotten some unfortunate information regarding their drummer, Joe “The Baron” Hasselvander. While it’s not certain what’s wrong with him, a “sudden serious health issue” has left him unable to play. The drummer, who’s also logged time in Pentagram, will have some talented drummers taking his place behind the kit, with Tattooed Millionaires drummer Jimmy Mess playing at Reggie’s in Chicago, and Fear Factory’s Mike Heller on the East Coast dates. for their European tour next month, Kill Ritual drummer Dave Chedrick will be playing. here’s what the band said on their Facebook page.

So…life can (and does) throw the occasional “mother” of a curveball….

Due to a sudden serious health issue, our drummer Joe “the Baron” Hasselvander will unfortunately be unable to play with us on our current and upcoming dates.

As you can imagine, the health and well being of our good mate & partner in mayhem is paramount in importance.

However in order to meet our obligations to our fans, we will still be playing all upcoming shows with the assistance of some amazing fill-in drummers who have stepped up to the plate to help the show go on. Thursday in Chicago, Jimmy Mess from Tattooed Millionaires will do the honors, and the shows this weekend on the East Coast we are extremely honored to have Fear Factory drummer, and all around Metal legend Mike Heller behind the kit. And for the European tour, KILL RITUAL drummer Dave Chedrick will do the honors.

Please join with us in wishing Joe best wishes and a speedy recovery.

We’ll see you this weekend.