Review by Stephen Pedicino
Underneath that overcrowded nexus of Italians jerking out power metal lays a tumescent breed of melodic death just waiting to be discovered. Then there are bands such as Raintime, who borrow fragments from both styles in an attempt to create the perfect fusion of melodic progressive/power metal with deathcore vocals. (Man, could I classify this any more narrowly?) Sophomore releases can be very important, so how do these Italians stack up?
The title track is also the opener, which is something I’ve always found to be anti-climactic. If your going to have a title track, build up to it I say! It unleashes with a strong inception layered with keyboards and that ever so distinct Gothenburg harmony. Claudio Coassin handles both the screams and clean vocals here. I know that sometimes the one vocalist scenario doesn’t work out; leaving the listener to wonder why two weren’t hired for each duty. Here we have an exception. Claudio has a good clean voice and his harsh vocals are respectable. The screams could be stronger at times, but they won’t leave you dissatisfied.
“Rolling Chances” has an early Children of Bodom feeling fused with progressive signatures. Hooking, yet dramatic….rough, yet enchanting…..A quality song. You’ll notice by this point that keyboards play an integral part in Raintime’s music. They’re used frequently but aren’t effusive enough to override the rest of the instruments. Instead, they add an extra level of energy and essence. Ranging from sharp rhythms to lush ambience, they replace what would be an overdose of “in-your-faceness” harvested by all of those In Flames clones out there.
The first four songs are all strong and produced from the same formula, which is a great thing if you enjoy this style like me. And as mentioned, Raintime have a strong influence of power metal. But in this case that doesn’t mean a furious double bass or cheesy leads. We’re not talking about a Dragonforce influence here. There solos aren’t that bombastic, but you can tell each member possesses more than adequate talent. The double bass and drumming isn’t spectacular overall, but never manages to get stale or lifeless. From the sound, balance, and placement of all the instruments you’d find it hard to believe that this is only Raintime’s second release.
“Finally Me” is a beautiful and very mature song. It’s much slower paced and devoid of any screams, but it doesn’t really qualify as a ballad. Claudio’s clean vocals don’t squander the opportunity to impress, as you’ll find yourself clenched by the keyboard-carried bridge before it marches into a triumphantly emotional chorus. The guitar solo bears and uncomplicated aura that fits perfectly into the frame of the music. The song offers a nice change in tempo but is definitely more than just a break in the action.
Tracks 6 and 7 proceed with more of the same from the first four tracks. Good, but a bit repetitious. However, just when I began to expect a monotonous second-half to the album, a cover of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” somehow thrusts its way through my speakers. I know what you’re thinking……..WTF? My thoughts exactly. I thought it would tank, but these Italians managed to craft an excellent cover version. I honestly wouldn’t mind if they covered ALL of “Thriller.” Imagine a melodic death metal video for “Billie Jean!” (Ok, maybe I’m getting in over my head)
“Another Transition” is another catchy song featuring guest vocals from Lars F. Larsen of Manticora (excellent metal from Denmark btw). After the creepy interlude, “Burning Doll,” “Matrioska” effectively closes the album in dramatic fashion by featuring a choir at the end.
Raintime don’t really stray from their core with any of the songs, but they obviously put effort into the writing of each one. The arrangements are more tasteful than most melodic death metal you’ll hear. Clearly, Raintime have more influences than In Flames and Dark Tranquility because they harnessed the finer elements of power and prog with this release.