RAIN FELL WITHIN
"Refuge"
(Dark Symphonies; 2002)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Although I never had a chance to hear Rain Fell Within's debut, "Believe," I did manage to witness the band in a live setting twice over the past couple of years. Now that their latest studio effort "Refuge" has reached the masses I can even further appreciate Rain Fell Within's mastery of gothic and atmospheric metal.
If I didn't know any better, I'd have guessed that Rain Fell Within was a European group. The melodic sounds, the doom-influenced sustained chords, the pervasive keyboards, and the operatic vocals almost convince you Rain Fell Within couldn't be anything else. But an American band they are and yet they manage to impress me (and countless others) with their unique take on the doom, gothic, and atmospheric metal style. Rain Fell Within also brim with overwhelming confidence which in some cases might be debilitating, but really works wonders for this band.
Many of the songs on "Refuge" are near epics or at the very least sound that way. Rain Fell Within's grand sound and melancholy style immediately echoes the great works of Anathema and My Dying Bride. While comparing Rain Fell Within to those two English doom masters might seem folly, all three bands tread the same water. Perhaps, 'tread' isn’t the adjective I'm looking for because Rain Fell Within seem to be pushing the envelope in metal circles by combining their gothic and atmospheric metal with near-operatic vocals. Nightwish is a band that one could use for instant comparisons, but Rain Fell Within is a bit more grounded and has a bit more grit in their sound.
"Refuge" is a treasure to listen to. Rain Fell Within's creativity and imagination are simply soaked into every musical nuance. I imagine I'll find myself going back to "Refuge" on many occasions.
The production on "Refuge" is phenomenal. The band, along with Ron Vento, can take credit for the overall sound and clarity - very impressive.
Rain Fell Within is Dawn on lead vocals and keyboards, Kevin on lead and rhythm guitars, Jason on lead and rhythm guitars, Charles on fretless bass, and Tim on drums and percussion. Laurie contributes backing vocals.
For more information visit http://www.rainfellwithin.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2002 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 08 Apr 2024 13:43:55 -0400
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