This all started back in 2002, when Swan and Max 2 met and started recruiting members to eventually be named BLACKRAIN. They released a 5-track demo in 2004, called “Twilight, Rain and Darkness” with a pressing of only 500 copies that sold out as the fans were screaming for more.

They started touring and recorded began in 2007 with a 2008 release. “License To Thrill” is being recorded and will be mixed and mastered at Polar Studios (Sweden) by the master Chris Laney.

We were lucky enough to get an advance copy of the CD with 3 tracks that were mastered and nine more unmastered tracks that includes the track “Burn n Die” that will not appear on the new CD. The opening track “Rock your City” is a major stepping stone for BLACKRAIN with memories of one of the strongest bands from the LA strip called RUBY SLIPPERS mixed with a tang of BRITNY FOX. The venom is flowing from the fringe of Sleaze metal’s finest new sensation BLACKRAIN. Track two is killer “Innocent Rosie” could bring fame and fortune to these boys from Paradise City, France. The vocals by Swan are phenomenal and have great range going from soft whispers to high-pitched screams.

“N.A.S.T.Y” is straight in you face rock and possesses the great harmonies that CRASHDÏET has mastered. With so many class acts in Europe that are making a stand such as CRASHDÏET , LOUD n’ NASTY, BABYLON BOMBS to name a few BLACKRAIN will have to release a quality product and what I’m hearing this release will be kick ass. With “License To Thrill” I hear a taste of vintage MÖTLEY CRÜE, and Swan’s vocals reach a status of Rik Emmitt of TRIUMPH, Michael Arden of RUBY SLIPPERS , and Dean "Dizzy" Davidson of BRITNY FOX. There’s a ballad called “No Forever” that is very tasty with acoustics’ blazing that will make the chicks melt and become spellbound in BLACKRAIN’s trance.

The guitar work by Max 2 is traditional sleaze with some volatile solos. I loved the arrangements on “Party n War” from a mild slumber to a superhero blasting out of the gates, the guitar solo screams attention. I am sure this track once mastered will explode. “Burn n die” that won’t make the CD is fast-paced and has some good harmonious chants and once again, the guitar work by Max 2 is killer and reminiscent of the early KISS days. Ending the CD is “Kill em all” (No Not METALLICA). If you’re a sleaze metal 80’s rocker, you will love BLACKRAIN’s “License To Thrill”. Check them out on their MySpace and give these boys some support!