THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(12-TRACKS)
1-SCARLET RAYNE
2-ALPHA AND OMEGA
3-TALES OF THE LOST
4-COVERED FEAR
5-C.F.C
6-SANDS OF TIME
7-THROUGH EYES OF THE PAST
8-MIDNIGHT EXCURSION
9-RAZOR BACK
10-LAST MEANING
11-LION'S DEN
12-HOW NOW
CREDIT:Current line-up
Danyl Johnston: Vocals and guitar
Kyle Abts: Bass and backing vocals
Crash: Drums
Marvin "Vin" Vanderweele- Drums
SCARLET RAYNE-THEATER HUMANITARIAN-1989
THIS ALBUM CONTAIN(8-TRACKS)
1-SCARLET RAYNE
2-ALPHA AND THE OMEGA
3-TALES OF THE LOST
4-COVERED FEAR
5-C.F.C
6-SANDS OF TIME
7-THROUGH EYES OF THE PAST
8-MIDNIGHT OF EXCURSION
9-GO TELL(Not From This Album)But For A Demo on 1988)Wanted
CREDIT:Former/past members
Kyle David - Bass, Vocals,Guitar
Matthew Johnston - Drums,Vocals
Mike Feighan -Drums(WhiteCross)
Mike Tripp - Drums
Kevin Machain - Keyboards
Jason Bock - Keyboards
CREDIT:Line-up For TheFormer/past member: Demo
Dan Johnston - Guitar, Vocals
Matt Johnston - Drums, Vocals
Danyl J- Guitars, Vocals & Bass
Crash- Percussion (and van)Later(Trial by Fire)
Kyle David- Bass, Vocals & Guitar.
Scarlet Rayne began with Daniel Johnston, his brother Matthew (drums) and Kyle David (bass). They recorded a 3-song demo in 1988 and were quickly catapulted into Metal Mayhem - Crash replaced Matt later in 1988. They toured Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota playing gigs in notably, Thirsty Whale (Chicago), New Union (Minneapolis) and Odd Rock (Milwaukee). They have played shows with Sacred Warrior, Barren Cross, Bride, Whitecross, Believer, and Vengeance Rising.Scarlet Rayne also competed in a battle of the bands against INSIDE OUT who later became PFR.Just before Scarlet Rayne broke up the band recorded another 5 song demo and changed the name to ("Sol Scape"). Michael drummer of WhiteCross accomponied the band on two of the five recordings.Queensyche/Sacred Warrior fans take note. Power/Prog metal rarity.Originally released as an exceptionally rare indie in 1990. This is high octave heavy metal, with powerful rhythms and soaring vocals.on the compilation brings.12 tracks total: Eight from original 1990 release + four all new unreleased bonus tracks! From Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, Scarlet Rayne has released a magnificent private piece of Power / Prog Metal -ala early Queensryche-Focused in melody and enforced with apocalyptic but still catchy guitar themes and crystal clear vocals this is for sure NOT to be missed. Brilliant compositions, Christian lyrics. In its original form this is one of the rarest private pressings of the 90s (1990 Toe Jam Records). Available again on CD fully re-mastered, new artwork, complete lyrics, unreleased photo plus an in depth biography. The CD features 4 never before released bonus tracks .So Bang thy head! Cool vocals with plenty of guitar muscle.There is lots of time changes and long guitar solos.The songs have alot of variety that makes for a good listen.All the tracks are good.This is a good cd to add to your collection.Some songs remind me of Iron Maiden .
Theater Humanitarian has remained an out of print and pricey collectible for nearly two decades (it is not uncommon for eBay auctions of an original CD copy to end in the $50 range- or higher.)That all changed in the spring of 2008 when Arkeyn Steel Records re-mastered and re-issued Theater Humanitarian with four songs from the unreleased SolScape album as bonus tracks.Scarlet Rayne can best be described as classic power metal – you will find an old school vibe throughout Theater Humanitarian – inviting a comparison to contemporaries Sacred
Warrior, Recon, Queensryche, Fates Warning, Barren Cross and Iron Maiden. Faith Factor must be mentioned as well.What stands out most about Scarlet Rayne is the technical – almost progressive – approach it takes to its art.To understand my point just check out the time changes associated with the seven minute “Through Eyes Of The Past”, “Scarlet Rayne” (the groups signature track), Recon-ish “Alpha & Omega) and intricate “Covered Fear”. “Tales Of The Lost” might bring a darker and mood filled vibe (it kind of reminds me of some of the material off Sacred Warrior’s Wicked Generation)but proves no less able.“Sands Of Time”, in contrast, represents a seven minute acoustic based piece that approaches ballad territory. Only “C.F.C.”, due to its clichéd predictability, and “Midnight Excursion”, a blatant throwaway, fall short of the mark.The high end and operatic vocal sensibilities of Danyl J., of course helps lend comparison to many of the previously referenced bands in question.If Rey Parra (Sacred Warrior)Vett Roberts (Recon) and David Taylor (Jacobs Dream) happed to be your cup of tea, then you will embrace his high pitched flavorings (I find his style suits the “operatic power metal” that Scarlet Rayne brings to the table perfectly). He performs best on “Tales Of The Lost” and “Sands Of Times”, although he does occasionally overdue it in the falsetto department.
Guitar wise, Danyl also delivers the goods with a performance rivaling that of the aptly named Bruce Swift (Sacred Warrior), Ray Parris (Barren Cross) and John Berry (Jacobs Dream)While his soloing more often than not comes across blazing (“Scarlet Rayne” and “Alpha & Omega”)he can also move in a more blues based direction (“C.F.C.”). At this point it must be noted the confidence Scarlet Rayne exhibits in its instrumental sound, tastefully showcasing its musicianship on the extended instrumental portions gracing “Tales Of The Lost”, “Scarlet Rayne” and others. Being that Theater Humanitarian was an independent release recording using early 90’s technology, a certain element of thinness permeates its Production.Theater HumanitarianThe acappella vocals at the start of “Scarlet Rayne” soon give way to a metal-laced rhythm guitar.Prior to reaching its first verse, however, the song evenly decelerates to a quietly played guitar only to regain the lost momentum as the rhythm guitar returns at the start of the second. Repeating the same pattern for its third and fourth verse, “Scarlet Rayne” moves on to a decisive chorus in which the band makes a statement of faith:
“Alpha & Omega” begins to several seconds of open air rhythm guitar before launching into a steadfast guitar riff. The song settles down to a bass guitar solo for its first verse before the rhythm guitar rebounds for the second, leading the way in determined fashion to a chorus standing out with the smooth sounding feel to its delivery. Impetus abruptly picks up for an instrumental section carried by a blend of fiery leads and hard hitting drums. “Alpha & Omega” touches upon many of the same lyrical themes as “Scarlet Rayne”And“Tales Of The Lost” brings a mood filled environs that would not sound out of place on Sacred Warrior’s Wicked Generation.A catchy guitar riff characterizes this one, upholding its charging verse portions and another extensive instrumental section in which the band puts its adept musicianship on full display.With its notable melody and emotional vocal flavorings of Danyl J. I would rate “Tales Of The Lost” with the albums better material.Salvation is the subject matter here: “Covered Fear” opens calmly – almost in the form of a ballad – as a quietly played guitar stands in support of its first verse. Abruptly picking up in pace as the rhythm guitar kicks in, the song storms through its second verse to a near speed metal riff only to taper off for the third. The breakneck initiative returns at the start of a sweeping chorus that slows in melodic based fashion at the end.A fluid stretch of lead guitar is added to a song that in the end asks questions:
“C.F.C.” (standing for Cranking For Christ) receives the clichéd song title of the month award.This one also starts quietly but soon transitions to a near doom-like riff. Impetus gradually builds until the song takes off in full force, roaring through its verse portions and a swiftly moving chorus in which the band delivers an almost apologetic message to its critics:.One of the albums more exciting instrumental sections showcases a run of lead guitar that begins in an almost bluesy manner only to swiftly pick up in pace at its close.Once more, the message to “C.F.C.” revolves around addressing those who questions the bands motives (both musically and lyrically)The seven minute “Sands Of Time” reminds me of Jacobs Dream's “Sarah Williams” (off Theater Of War)in terms of both its musical and lyrical direction.Similar to “Sarah Williams”, “Sands Of Time” maintains an acoustic heading the majority its distance- all the while with a hint of keyboards occasionally decorating the backdrop. The acoustic direction continues until the five minute mark at which point the rhythm guitar steps forward to reinforce the emotional scene. Lyrically, “Sands Of Time” focuses on an individual who suffers the grief of losing a friend to a drunk driver (on “Sarah Williams” the main character is the drunk driver “Through Eyes Of The Past”, also coming in at seven minutes, is quite the technical piece that borders on the progressive.The song moves at an upbeat tempo the majority of the way while maneuvering through time changes too numerous to go into adequate detail (again, the music here is on the complex side of things)If I were to invite a comparison it might be tolengthier Barren Cross compositions such as “Living Dead” (off Atomic Arena) or “2000 Years” (from State Of Control)“Through Eyes Of The Past” touches upon the impersonal nature of our computer based society,As previously stated, “Midnight Excursion” is a throwaway that moves its brief (:42) distance to some punk-ish vocals and thrash flavoring riffing.The four bonus tracks find Scarlet Rayne/SolScape drifting away from power metal territory and moving in a straightforward hard rock direction.Think early nineties Bride but with more of a high end vocalist.In terms of production, things come across with added polish and clarity in comparison to Theater Humanitarian.“Razor Back”, a gritty and mid-tempo hard rocker with a bluesy vibe, deals with the issue of backbiting,A more upbeat direction is taken on “Lost Meaning”, a melodic based piece with a sweeping chorus and extensive instrumental section featuring some blazing guitar leads.I would rate the driving “Lions Den” as the heavier of the four. Sustained by a pulsating bass line and razor edged rhythm guitar, this one would sound right at home performed by Snakes… era Bride.“How Now” maintains the guitar driven impetus in showcasing another weighty low end and melody of the abundant variety.Danyl J., of course, stands out with more of his tasteful lead work(http://www.holymetalrob.com/)
