Rain Fell Within, the atmospheric metal band from Virginia, is causing quite a stir in the progressive/dark metal genre. According to Starvox.net, ""Rarely is there a band that I do find some element of originality or unique expansion upon what the greats such as My Dying Bride, Theatre of Tragedy, and Anathema invented before them. However, there is rarely a band that ranks as high as those aforementioned forefathers, and without blinking or feeling at all that I am abusing flattery, I can say that Rain Fell Within are sharing wine and supping with the greats. If this band continues in the direction they have started with, all other bands might as well quit if they seek to oust this band from where they will soon be reigning."
In October of 1996, several musical enthusiasts came together to create an emotional and melodic metal music; a blend of their combined influences, however, an original expression thereof. They released a demo entitled "Solemn Days" in 1998 and received excellent responses worldwide. Wormgear Magazine stated, "Wow... what a creative outlet 'Solemn Days' is both aesthetically and in the mood Rain Fell Within generates. I want to label this band as Doom metal really bad but this would be completely off…I've gotta tip my hat to Virginia's Rain Fell Within for sticking to what they feel and creating some precious art."
Rain Fell Within entered Nightsky studios in 1999 to record their debut MCD "Believe". Dark Symphonies was so intrigued by the advance disc that they wished to sign Rain Fell Within immediately. "Believe" has sold over 8,000 copies since its release in early 2000 and has captivated a broad audience around the world despite minimal distribution. It has also secured RFW a reputation as a premier and professional atmospheric metal band. Vocalist/ Keyboardist, Dawn, said, "We seem to appeal to a wide variety of people. People into really heavy music get into us as well as people outside of the metal community. One of our major goals is to broaden the scope of heavy music with a lot of texture."
This vision of creating symphonic and emotional musical experiences drives Rain Fell Within into new territories. Their new CD "Refuge", released in April 2002, expands the limits of atmospheric metal in a style that may be described as beautiful and deep, yet memorable and moving. Rhythm and lead guitarist, Kevin, stated, "I think what distinguishes us from other atmospheric metal/gothic metal (or whatever you want to label us) is that our influences vary. Each member contributes something unique to Rain Fell Within's sound. Plus, we are Americans. Our roots in the scene are different than other bands put in a similar category. We don't sound like the typical American metal band because many of our influences are European. Yet, we don't really sound like the European groups either…"
Rain Fell Within had many great opportunities during the past two years. These included performances with great acts such as Opeth, Katatonia, Soilwork, The Gathering, Moonspell, Lacuna Coil, King Diamond, Maudlin of the Well, and many more. They have performed at all the major American festivals including the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival, Metal Meltdown, and the Milwaukee Metalfest- where Rain Fell Within played for a packed room in the opening slot before Anathema.
Rain Fell Within has begun writing new material though "Refuge" was just released to the public. New material will expand on the atmospheres that have been described as "upbeat, yet, melancholic, intense and absolutely breathtaking." Expectations are hopeful that with this release Rain Fell Within may be able to cross the Atlantic and perform for their European audiences. Charles, bass player of RFW, said, "We get email and snail mail constantly from our European fans asking when we will be in their country and we regret having to say 'Who the hell knows!?! The demand seems strong and we really want to tour."
Look for Rain Fell Within's new CD "Refuge", described by Dark Symphonies as: "'Refuge' weaves a sonic tapestry, rich in emotional textures and colors, providing shelter and comfort to all who would enter their musical sanctuary. Bombastic and symphonic, Rain Fell Within take their classically inspired compositions to new metallic heights as 'Refuge' soars with majestic power and passion. Ultimately, each listen becomes a cathartic and transforming experience." Rain Fell Within is certainly a musical force to be acknowledged in a scene pleading for musical evolution.
Line-up History
Dawn - Vocals and Keyboards (10/1996 - 8/2002) Kevin Thomas - Lead and Rhythm Guitar (10/1996 - 8/2002) Charles Gore - Fretless Bass (10/1996 - 8/2002) Tim Miller - Drums and Percussion (12/1998 - 8/2002) Jason Wood - Lead and Rhythm Guitar (7/2001 - 8/2002) John Battema - Keyboards (1/2002 - 8/2002) Laurie - Live Backing Vocals (5/2001 - 8/2002) Owen Davis - Lead and Rhythm Guitar (9/1999 - 1/2001) Jason Ian-Vaughn Eckert - Live Rhythm Guitar (6/1999 - 8/1999) (2/2001 - 4/2001) William Rucker - Lead and Rhythm Guitar (10/1996 - 11/1998) John Brown Sardonius - Drums (10/1996 - 11/1998)
Source: http://www.rainfellwithin.com/
