Out of Ohio comes this band that is unlike most of the mainstream rock acts out there. The interesting thing is that since I typed the words “mainstream rock”, you might write this off immediately. What if I were to tell you that Red Sun Rising is one of the more unique bands to have come onto the scene in years, with their unique stylistic approach to their songwriting, the diversity behind the lyrical content, and some of the more heartfelt lyrics that have been penned in mainstream rock in years? On March 30th, Red Sun Rising has released “Thread” via Razor & Tie Records.
Red Sun Rising is composed of Mike Protich on vocals, Ryan Williams on guitars, Tyler Valendza on rhythm guitar, Ricky Miller on bass, and Pat Gerasia on drums. Together, Red Sun Rising has such a kindred old-soul type of spirit about their music, where they are not afraid to be a little bit unconventional, unafraid of wearing their emotions on their collective sleeves, all in the while of utilizing their arrangements to get those mosh pits and good vibes going in their music. It is plain to see why they will be providing support for Godsmack and Shinedown this summer because of this.
The opening track, entitled “Fascination” is a late 90’s rocker dream ala fans of Spacehog mixed with the “Hey Man Nice Shot” era of Filter. The guitar tones are haunting while they build the anticipatory setting, while the rhythm section plods along ever so smoothly. The chorus soars higher and sweeps through like the vulture hunting its prey and the prey succumbs to the beauty and the vulture that consumes them. The instrumental break with the guitar chords coupled by Williams and Valendza is absolutely chilling. What a most fantastic way to start off the album.
“Thread” provides another color for the tapestry that is Red Sun Rising with “Left For Dead”. “Left For Dead” teaches the listener to rise above the critics and rise above the naysayers with their anthem of a chorus. In the second verse, the guitars kick in and it makes the tones couple with Protich’s voice to perfection. In this tapestry, I immediately notice how intricate and woven the little parts that Red Sun Rising adds in the music to make it a tapestry worthy of any emperor in any dynasty. The beautiful thing about this song is that it ends in a raging climax instead of whimpers out which leaves a lasting impression on the listener. It makes you turn to your neighbor and go “Damn” in Friday’s movie style.
What is missing from so many rock songs is that memorable riff, the kind where you turn on the radio and you immediately recognize the song. Red Sun Rising has that for you in the track “Deathwish”. The chorus is so catchy that you’ll get infected upon first listen, and the riff is so bouncy, energetic, and it’s memorable. The rhythm section that Miller on the bass provides and Gerasia provides on the drums is uncanny. It absolutely fits the thread that Red Sun Rising has woven into their tapestry. This particular thread adds colors and designs to make it stand out like madness.
I must talk about the song “Stealing Life”. What a beautiful ballad, there is something about this band that is special. I mean will this generation let this band pass people by because they are phenomenal with that chorus and Protich absolutely belts it and I see him commanding and owning a stage as he belts this song. The piano in the outro leaves the listener in a contemplative state.
What will you get with Red Sun Rising is a fabric of many colors to make one of the most imaginative tapestries that is fit for kings and queens the world over. You get diversity in the arrangements, absolute heartfelt vocals that Protich provides that will make you cling to your chest in anguish and liberation all in the same breath, and where they are not afraid to try new approaches in their tapestry. Madness To Creation says that have gone completely mad in a beautiful way in their creativity and rates this a 9 out of 10 stars!
Here is the track listing.
- Fascination
- Left For Dead
- Deathwish
- Stealing Life
- El Lazo
- Lonely Girl
- Veins
- Clarity
- Benny Two Dogs
- Rose
- Evil Like You
Red Sun Rising has some headlining shows along with a Northern Invasion appearance in Somerset, Wisconsin, then they will be providing support for Godsmack and Shinedown this summer. Check out tour dates below!
April 24: Mercury Lounge, New York, NY
April 28: Metropolitan Park, Jacksonville, FL
April 29: Markham Park, Sunrise, FL
May 1: The Queen, Wilmington, DE
May 2: The National, Richmond, VA
May 4: Charlotte Motor Speedway, Charlotte, NC
May 5: Musica, Akron, OH
May 8: The Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto, Canada
May 9: Elements, Kitchener, Canada
May 11: Buffalo Riverworks, Buffalo, NY
May 12: Northern Invasion Festival at Somerset Ampitheater, Somerset, WI
May 13: Northern Invasion, Somerset, WI
May 15: Pub Station, Billings, MT
May 17: Sanctuary Event Center, Fargo, ND
May 18: Rock On The Range Festival at Mapfre Stadium, Columbus, OH
May 19: Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak, MI
May 22: Mercury Ballroom, Louisville, KY
May 24: Sokol Auditorium, Omaha Regency, NE
May 25: Rocklahoma, Pryor, OK
May 26: Parish, Austin, TX
May 27: Paper Tiger, San Antonio, TX
June 2: Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, MO
June 28: The Machine Shop, Flint, MI
August 14: Verizon Arena, Little Rock, AR (with Godsmack and Shinedown)
August 15: Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, MS (with Godsmack and Shinedown)
August 16: Cellairis Amphitheater, Atlanta, GA (with Godsmack and Shinedown)
August 18: Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater, Virginia Beach Virginia (with Godsmack and Shinedown)
August 19: Jiffy Lube Live, Bristow, VA (with Godsmack and Shinedown)
August 21: Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga, Springs, NY (with Godsmack and Shinedown)
August 22: Bank of NH Pavilion, Gilford, NH (with Godsmack and Shinedown)
August 24: Theatre, Hartford, CT (with Godsmack and Shinedown)
August 25: XFINITY Center, Mansfield, MA (with Godsmack and Shinedown)
August 26: BB&T Pavilion, Camden, NJ (with Godsmack and Shinedown)
August 28: Keybank Pavilion, Burgettstown, PA (with Godsmack and Shinedown)
August 29: Lakeview Amphitheater, Syracuse, NY (with Godsmack and Shinedown)
August 31: Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain, Moosic, PA (with Godsmack and Shinedown)
September 1: PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, NJ (with Godsmack and Shinedown)
September 2: Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY (with Godsmack and Shinedown)
October 13: Aftershock Festival, Sacramento, CA
Fans can find Red Sun Rising at the following locations:
www.facebook.com/redsunrisingmusic
