Black Rain are a French Glam Metal band who, not long ago released their album License To Thrill. Mixed and Mastered by the man who produced our other much loved 00′s bands such as CRASHDIET and Crazy Lixx, Chris Laney.

Production wise this is one of the best sounding albums that Laney has been involved in. Taking the strengths of the production the other albums he worked on, n ditching all the weaknesses. This album sounds great, its not over produced either. So its still raw but with a good sound, i didnt hear any noticeable clipping either for all you sound quality geeks.

Now onto the real stuff. The music.

The album kicks in with Rock Your City, an anthemic party rock tune full of catchy guitar riffs, catchy basslines, catchy drum beats, and damn catchy chorus’s. Basically the song is very addictive and an awesome album opener. Some people may not instantly take to vocalist Swans high range vocal style, originally i did not like them. But much like the late 80s band Slaughter after a few listens you will become used to his voice. This also sets Black Rain out from the other bands apart of the sleaze scene and makes a nice change. Take a look at Rock Your City

The album then goes straight into the albums lead single Innocent Rosie. Innocent Rosie is kinda like the bands equivalent to “Sweet Child o’ Mine”, its melodic but it still rocks. With a great opening riff which would please any fan of Poison’s song “Fallen Angel”. Again with another very memorable chorus this song alone will keep you listening to Black Rain again, and again.

The band then decides to take us back into full rocking assault with the sleazy hard rocking track N.A.S.T.Y with Swan showing his vocal range with fast grittier singing in a slightly lower key, more like Blackie Lawless of W.A.S.P whilst occasionally blasting out screams which would please any fan of Skid Rows Sebastian Bach. This song reminds me alot of something that wouldnt be out of place on Guns N Roses “Appetite for Destruction” musically. A great blend of metal and bluesy rock with a great sing along chorus. The band keeps on the fast pace with sleazy song “True Girls are Sixteen”, this song is VERY Motley Crue with its filthy riffs and “Knock Em Dead” styled backing vocals. It rocks and is a firm favorite of mine on the album.

Next is another awesome sleazy song, the title track of the album “License To Thrill” one issue i have with this song is the strange effects put on Swans vocals as well as the slightly out of time layers, its a bit too quiet for the songs verses, however it does sound louder on the chorus.

No Forever is the bands ballad type track. It reminds me of the ballads youd hear from a band like Danger Danger, id like to add while i make this comparison, No Forever does not sound dated. Its a really cool melodic track with some awesome lead guitar work from Max 2.

Next up is my favorite song on License To Thrill. “Rock N Roll is Dead Long Live Rock n Roll”, i guess lyrically this is the bands equivalent to Airbournes “Stand Up For Rock N Roll”. Except Rock n Roll is Dead is a seriously kick ass metal track. This song is perfect, full of awesome riffs and inspiring lyrics i can think of a better anthem to kick start the youth to go pick up guitar n make a proper rock band with balls.

“Rockstars Dont Go To Jail” is a fun rock n roll track with a fun dancey beat thanks to drummer, Iann Lewis. Its worth mentioning Iann Lewis’s drums really kick ass on this album. If hes not playing heavy drum beats you;d hear in bands like Megadeth hes throwing in a really cool unique mix of dancey styled symbols.

The last two tracks are Party War and and Kill Em All. As with all the songs, these ones kick ass. Party War is very heavy and a bit more Metallica sounding than Motley Crue, but this is no bad thing is it gives the album diversity and shows not every new band on the sleaze scene is trying to sound like (legends) CRASHDIET. Kill Em All, actually reminds me a bit of the genre “Metalcore” just without the shitty vocals, think the music off Bullet For My Valentines “Scream Aim Fire” album except with strong high pitched vocals. The guitar solo in Kill Em All is wicked may i add. And so i dont leave him out as ive mentioned all the other guys in the band Heinrichs bass playing on the album is excellent (im a bass player so i understand). He is certainly one of the better bassists of the 00s sleaze metal scene and also has a cool slightly distorted bass tone which gives the songs an added edge making them even heavier sounding.

Overall “License To Thrill” is one totally kick ass Rock N Roll album and im very proud to be an owner of it. If you like your glam, but with a heavy edge like Skid Rows “Slave To the Grind” i suggest you buy this album now. Black Rain, i salute you.

Black Rains Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/blackfuckinrain
Black Rain “Innocent Rosie” music video

This entry was posted on Saturday, December 27th, 2008 at 7:48 pm and is filed under Chris Laney, Newz, Reviewz. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.