‘Beyond The Rain’ is the third release from Californian band WILDESTARR and is the follow up to ‘A Tell Tale Heart’ (2012) and ‘Arrival’ (2010). The band, consisting of Dave Starr (Vicious Rumours, Chastain)on all guitars and bass, London Wilde Vocals and Josh Foster on drums. On this album, the husband and wife team of Starr and Wilde take us on a deeply personal journey with the lyrical content of the album based on the tragic suicide of Wilde’s brother in 2012.
Beginning with the instrumental ‘Metamorphose’ it sets the tone of this album with the melodic and sometimes frantic guitar of Dave Starr featuring throughout the length of this record. The unique and powerful voice of London Wilde dominates these songs, and there is an element of personal therapy captured within her performance.
‘Beyond The Rain’ begins with the three-piece locking into a groove filled with the vocals of London Wilde soaring to great heights while blending harmoniously with the melodic guitar of Dave Starr. ‘Double Red’ is a straight ahead rock song with more great vocals and Josh Foster providing a strong direction for the song.
‘Rage And Water’ sees the band exploring their heavier side both musically and lyrically with Wilde’s vocals taking on an almost haunted quality on this track. Dave Starr once again demonstrates his ability to both lay down a groove and a convincing solo. ‘Undersold’ is driven by Josh Fosters drumming pushing it along with almost military precision and Wilde’s vocals again climbing upward disappearing somewhere in the clouds above. The harmonies of the guitars duelling in unison provide exactly what the classic heavy metal fan is looking for.
‘When The Night Falls’ is the final track on the album, and I think this is defiantly a case of leaving the best until last. The heavy melodic duelling guitars, thunderous drums and vocals providing us with the reassurance that “I’ll be around when the night falls.” A great song to finish what is a very good effort from the band.
The theme present here is an exploration of the pain, hope, torment and love felt when you are dealing with the tragic death of a loved one. This is artfully balanced by the uplifting and positive nature of the music that is delivered. If you are a fan of classic heavy metal with a modern edge then the melodic guitars, soaring vocals and pounding drumming on this album will keep you more than satisfied.
