Ra:IN (ライン) - Rock and Inspiration from Japan

With the following feature, I have the honor to introduce you to the Japanese instrumental super band Ra:IN, formed by X-Japan guitarist Pata, bassist Michiaki (TENSAW) and drummer Tetsu.

The current formation are Pata (guitar), Michiaki (bass), DIE (keyboardist, hide with Spread Beaver) and Ryuichi "Ryu" Nishida (drums).

The band is currently signed under the legendary Japanese Visual Kei label Danger Crue (Mucc, Earthshaker, ex. girugamesh, etc.).

Backstory - Japanese music scene, current Line-up

What Queen is for the UK, is X-Japan for Japan - to be seen as one of the former members of 80's Heavy Metal music, and known around the world in this genre.

TENSAW is as well an meaningful music group, founded in 1980.

hide with Spread Beaver was the side project of X-Japan guitarist "hide" Hideto Matsumoto.

Back story

Ra:IN stands for an acronym of "Rock and Inspiration". Formed in 2002, the members themselves bring more than 40 years of national and international music experience.

They have released three albums and have toured extensively, including international shows in China, Taiwan, USA, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Hungary, Czechia, Slovenia, Hong Kong, and Russia.

Ra:IN also performed live at the Beijing Rock Festival, along with groups such as
Nine Inch Nails and New York Dolls.They also played as well at the Czech Rock Festival, along with Underworld, and Placebo, and at A-Kon in Dallas, USA.

During the start of the band, the members released their first album "LINE" and played over 100 live shows in 2003.

In 2004 the members made their first international step in this formation, starting in Shanghai, continuing at the Taiwan Rock Festival, and followed with a concert at ELYSEE MONTMARTRE in Paris.

In 2006, their second album " Before the Siren," was released as well as the DVD " HARD RAIN & ROCKS LIVE ".

In 2007, former keyboardist DIE of hide (X-Japan) with Spread Beaver has joined the band.

Ra:IN were invited to perform at the JAPAN EXPO in France two years in a row. In 2008, the their third album "METAL BOX" was released. In 2013, the group had an Lineup change with drummer Ryuichi "Ryu" Nishida, replacing Tetsu Mukaiyama.