Ra:IN
Members
Guitar:PATA, Bass:Michiaki, Drum:Tetsu, Keybord:DIE
Introduction
"Ra:IN" (pronounced "rah'een") -- is an amazing unique, powerful
new rock trio consisting of PATA (guitar-Tomoaki Ishizuka), one of
the guitarists from the legendary Japanese rock band X Japan,
michiaki (bass-Michiaki Suzuki), originally from another legendary
Yokohama based rock band TENSAW, and Tetsu Mukaiyama (drums), who
supported various bands and musicians such as Red Warriors and
CoCCo. Formed in the summer 2002, the name "Ra:IN" was given by
Masayoshi Kabe, himself a legendary bass guitarist from the Golden
Cups and Pink Cloud (a group with the guitarist Char). "Ra:IN"'s
live performances so far include "Commemorative Live for John
Entwistle of The Who" held in Yokohama, "hide Birthday Live" held
at Hide Museum and the year-end all night live "Rocklegends" held
in Shinjuku, Tokyo, as well as many others. Their hard and edgy
sound has been grabbing the attention of audiences throughout Japan
as well as other musicians. "Ra:IN"'s uniqueness comes from its
musical eloquence. The three-piece band mainly delves into
instrumental works, and the band's combination of colorful tones
and sounds, along with the tight playing only possible with
top-notch skilled players, provides an overwhelming power and
energy that is what "ROCK" is all about. Just cool and heavy
rhythms. In 2003, the band carried out energetic activities. With
its first maxi-single "The Border", which was sold only at live
venues, "Ra:IN" toured all around J apan under the tour titles
"Over the Top (Vol.1-3)" and "Summer of Love", and "The Border"
sold out during this period On November 7, 2003, the band's
long-awaited first album, "THE LINE" was released, winning high
reputations by those in music industries both inside and outside of
Japan. Right after the release of the album, "Ra:IN" again made a
Japan-wide tour "Ra:IN on the Line 2003". "Ra:IN"'s activities in
2004 started under the theme of "Beyond the Borders-ASIAN CIRCUIT
2004". The first live series, two-day concerts at Ark Livehouse in
Shanghai in the end of April, ended in a big success, making an
unforgettable impression of "Ra:IN"'s presence to Chinese fans.
After coming back to Japan, the band has performed collaborative
lives with Show Wesugi, the ex-al.ni.co. vocalist. In the summer of
2004, the band participated in Formoz Rock Festival in Taipei,
Taiwan, once again making a strong impression of the band to Asian
fans. On May 5 2005, "Ra:IN" made its first and successful
appearance to European fans at Elysee Montmartre in Paris, France,
gathering fans from inside and outside of France including Belgium,
Germany, Spain, etc., proving that "Music goes beyond all borders".
Now the band is geared for its 2nd album.