Deep within the northern regions of one of the most scenic and beautiful countries lay the small town of Baden, Switzerland. Not to confuse it with the many other Baden named municipalities, this town of Baden lay on the Limmat river and is known for its many sulfur springs which is how the town got its name. Aside from the rich history that dates back to the Roman Era comes a  group that plans to put their town on the map to be known for more than a history lesson or beautiful surrounding countryside. VICIOUS RAIN formed within the late year of 2022 and began to forge their sound. Combining the melodic influenced leads with heavy breakdowns and low tuned chord progressions, this band has been able to establish a signature sound. Now able to showcase this, VICIOUS RAIN just released their debut full-length album “There Is Beauty In Letting Go” independently which offered a torrent of Metalcore aggression. Swiss Metal has always hit a bit differently so let's see if these guys have what it takes to raise the bar and put their town on the map for metal?

At first glance we have a lilac colored crescent over a textured muted bluish background. A simple clean font for the band's name and album name sits at the bottom centered. We have what I think is the band's little logo just above the font. Very clean and very simple. But it works and does not give any indication at all on the music or style within this album. Not a bad choice for a Post-Hardcore/Metalcore band.

"Dead End" does not waste any time and hits with a solid intro that breaks into an onslaught of screams, heavy drums and technicality before breaking into a soft melodic breakdown. It goes hard  and the melodic slow elements paired with the clean singing that switch into the screams are solid. Nice time signatures and transitions that blend nicely together. The track goes hard.

Following next comes “Blackout” that has a short synthwave intro that leads into some solid slam riffs and heavy drum rolls. A steady pace that blends heavy low tuned chord progressions and melodic elements seamlessly. The synergised clean vocals and the screams pair nicely as well. I enjoy the levels sitting in a decent spot as well.

Moving along through the album, I love that the levels are decent in the mix which further pushes the emotional intensity that is offered within. “There Is Beauty In Letting Go” is mixed, mastered and produced beautifully. For a Post-Hardcore album, this has a lot to offer. There is a ton of variety with each track having a solid introduction with an element of uniqueness. The album does follow a tone throughout but offers a bit of variety per track which is nice to see.

With a nice melodic intro that kicks off with manic screaming vocals leading into an intense build up. “Shadow Dancer” is a torrent of emotions that goes hard. I love how each track has something to offer and not an entire smudge of similarity or regurgitated riffs. Closing off this album we have “There's Beauty In Letting Go”.  A nice, slow paced track that is enriched with emotions as much of the other tracks. The intro is well thought out as well and builds nicely for the tone of the track. Even pops in a decent solo. There is even a part where it breaks down for a few keys of piano to echo out behind some clean vocals.

VICIOUS RAIN has done a great job of bringing things back to its early roots. A time when Metalcore first hit the stage with the emotional elements tied in to pair with Hardcore. For a new band, these guys have what it takes to create some possible anthems, or so it would seem. Only time can tell. But one thing I can say is that VICIOUS RAIN is not going anywhere. I'm curious to see just how far these guys will go. So if you're a fan of the Post-Hardcore or Metalcore, then this album is for you.