H R H - R E V I E W S

Rain
Stronger MTM Music

Comments: Rain is another record featuring the skilled and powerful voice of acclaimed German vocalist Michael Bormann. Founded by Sonny Crow and Lard Forseth somewhere in 1997, soon joined by the charismatic shouter uplifting their mega melodic rock bearing the great Scandinavian trademark.

Stronger should have been called “Louder”, cause the album is a step up from the original sounds of the band, and clearly revives the louder days of Bormann’s Jaded Heart during their IV days. “Do You Like It” is loud and full shred in the vein of Kingdom Come and Lep’s classic tracks, where “Insobriety” and “Flesh and Blood” are lifted over the top by a choir chant-opening and sugar sweet chorus. It is that which marks this band; the powerful music which is more traditional hard rock from the eighties boosted by a direct rocking sound, combined with sugar sweet choirs and melodies. “Crazy” for instance could easily been called “Living on a Prayer part III”, where “I Die For You” would be counted as one of the best tracks that B-J never recorded! The music features all key ingredients, and combines the enthusiasm from the Jovi early days with the band’s power and passion, pumped by their amazing feeling for gorgeous and sticky melodies. “Lovesong” and “The Other Side” are fine tuned melodic rock ballad that are heartfelt and passionate bearing the mark of greatness from the NY quartet. Sure; Bormann has the same timbre and vibe, and is no.1 to replace Jon whenever needed! On ZENO’s latest release however, he was provided handles to steer clear from that trademark, something he won’t do with RAIN with their eighties driven classic rock sound.

Magnificent moments are melodic gems “Let me be Your Favourite” and “Deserve," or the acoustic propelled “Right By Your Side” which both showcase the wider perspective of RAIN.

Stronger is perhaps the best substitute for fans missing the old Jovi sound, it has the same vibe and definitely is mature rock material. Nothing new, but simply effective melodic rock with the key ingredients of the eighties that made this music so big and sold out arenas around the globe; sticky melodies and choruses, perfectly arranged and brought with passion and enthusiasm.

HRH Rating: 7/10

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