Artist description Crimson Rain is a rock band made up of four college students from Akron, Ohio. This band isn't just any other rock band - they are significant in that they contrast with the angst-ridden rock, the reckless metal bands, and the boy bands that dominate the music market today. By combining classic rock elements with modern rock sounds, along with expressing a positive message in their lyrics, the band sets themselves in a category of their own. A perfect combination of these elements incorporated with great songwriting and talent gives way to Crimson Rain, a young, fresh, pop rock band with an appealing sound that has a lot of potential. After forming in late 1999, the band met instant success. In early 2000, they set out to enter the High School Rock Off - the biggest battle of the bands in northeast Ohio, held annually. Their originality and stage presence wowed the judges, and in result, the band received a spot in the top 10 out of the 200 bands that entered the competition. Amazingly, this was only their second live performance. Soon after the competition, Crimson Rain set out to record their first, self-titled album, which featured 8 original songs. The album sold over 700 copies locally, and caught the eye of two people in particular - Neil Zaza (guitarist who tours the globe - has performed w/ Joe Satriani, Stu Hamm, Steve Smith, & more) and Alan D'Entremont, a big-name local producer. In effect, these two men united to produce the band's next album, "Passion & Pain," which was released in April 2003. "Passion & Pain" is a collection of 10 great originals that illustrate the adept sound that Crimson Rain has developed in their songwriting. The collection of songs give an evocative feel of today's modern rock, while they remain true to their 70's and 80's rock based roots. Most of all, the album is a prime representation of the chemistry that these four teens generate at such a young age. Neil Zaza, co-producer and guitar virtuoso, sums it up when he says "Crimson Rain has it all. Between great tunes, smart arrangements, and fantastic guitar playing, these guys are the band of the future. I love this band!" So keep your eyes and ears open for Crimson Rain, because you'll be hearing more from this band here and beyond - we guarantee it!

Music Style Rock

Musical Influences Van Halen, Aerosmith, Black Crowes

Similar Artists Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, John Waite

Artist History Crimson Rain was formed in late 1999 when guitarist Greg Nagy received a phone call from John Denny, an engineer at Neon Cactus Studios in Akron, asking the band to record a single at his studio. Nagy, along with singer James Hardy and drummer/keyboardist Mike Lehman approached guitarist Charlie Trenta to play a solo on the single. After rehearsing for the session, the band found that they were influenced by the same bands and they had great chemistry for writing original material. Soon, the band entered the High School Rockoff 2000 in which they made it to the finals, which placed us as one of the top 18 of over 200 applying bands. By January 2001, the band had finished recording their first album, which contained eight original songs recorded by Mike Ferona at Neon Cactus Studios. In the summer of 2001, due to personal differences, the guys decided to release bassist and founding member Greg Nagy of his duties. The multi-talented Mike Lehman decided to move from drums to bass, and Dan Phillips joined as the new drummer. With the strong new lineup in place, Crimson Rain started to work on their newest album, "Passion & Pain."

Group Members James Hardy - Lead Vocals Charlie Trenta - Guitar/Background Vocals Mike Lehman - Bass/Keyboards/Background vocals Dan Phillips - Drums/Background Vocals

Instruments Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Occasional Keyboards

Albums Passion & Pain (2003), Crimson Rain (2001)

Press Reviews "Trenta's playing is just as inspired as Hardy's singing. Together, the two weave songs that are good enough for any top 40 radio station." -Dan Kadar, The Akron Buchtelite ""Trenta is capable of some freal fireworks... Likewise, Hardy's breathy, emotive coo is sure to weaken ladies knees." -Jason Bracelin, Scene Magazine

Location Akron/Cleveland, Ohio - USA

Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).