(Progressive Power Metal) Scarlet Rayne - Theater Humanitarian (Reissue 2007) - 1989, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Scarlet Rayne came together in the late eighties as a result of a joining between brothers Dan (guitars and vocals) and Matt Johnston (drums) and bassist Kyle David. Hailing from the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, Scarlet Rayne recorded its first demo, a three song effort that went on to sell 500 copies, in 1988 before “Crash” replaced Matt on drums later the same year. After turning down an offer from a label, Scarlet Rayne independently released its full length debut, Theater Humanitarian, in 1990, an eight song offering which came out on both CD (1000 copies) and cassette (1500 copies). The group proceeded to spend the next two years gigging throughout the Midwest, playing shows in Illinois, Minnesota and its native Wisconsin while sharing the stage with Barren Cross, Whitecross, Deliverance, Believer, Sacred Warrior and Vengeance Rising. Scarlet Rayne parted ways with Crush in 1992 – who was supplanted by Mike Feighan (Whitecross) – before changing its name to SolScape and recording its second album. A disagreement over a change in musical direction with its management, however, soon led to SolScape breaking up, leaving the new album unreleased.

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. More recent acts such as Jacobs Dream (David Taylor era), The Sacrificed and 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.

Kyle David Bass, Vocals, Guitars
Crash Drums
Danyl Johnston Guitars, Vocals, Bass