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.