Raintime – Psychromatic

Releasedate: 23-04-2010; Label: Lifeforce Records
By: Lara Cappelli

Raintime is an Italian band formed in 1999. Originally oriented toward a progressive sound, after some line-up changes they chose to dedicate themselves to Melodic Death Metal.

I’m not really sure the Death Metal tag is properly suitable for Psychromatic. The start off is mainly left to keyboards which will be much pronounced throughout the album, suggesting a Power Metal influence. Still the band keeps a distance from this genre by carefully adapting the songs to different melodies and rhythms. There’s in fact a huge space left for melodies variation that keep the album well flowing. Some differences between the first and the last part of it get noticed here; the first songs are indeed melodic and show the modern side of Raintime that spice them with some electro-like sounds. As for the second part, the heaviness of the band comes forward, making an abounding use of guitar solos. The only Death Metal characteristics here are maybe the vocals, by Claudio Coassin, that rarely lapse into growls. Singer’s job on the songs is actually significant as he often shows a wide flexibility in using his voice. Raintime never lay down on one only trait on this album, that’s why I guess Psychromatic will probably satisfy a wide audience thanks to its accessibility.

Tracklist: 01. Fire Ants 02. Turned Up And Down 03. Never Ending Stairway 04. Nothing But A Mistake 05. I Want To Remember 06. Shift 07. Fake Idols 08. Beaten Roads 09. One Day 10. Buried In You 11. Walk-On Actor

Links:
Raintime MySpace
Raintime Official