Review: Black Rain

Black Rain – Black Rain (Debut Album)

From the industrial heart of the North East comes Black Rain - a band too goth to be punk, too punk to be goth and too damn good to be ignored. Their self-titled debut album is a blistering, unrelenting statement that captures the very essence of dark post-punk in 2025. Across nine tracks - five studio cuts and four perfectly captured live recordings - the band deliver a record that is as ferocious and fearless as it is poetic and atmospheric.

The album kicks off with “Inside,” an explosive opener that instantly sets the tone. The pounding bassline and relentless drums drive a hypnotic rhythm, while the vocal sits perfectly between aggression and melody. It’s gothic, punk and undeniably new -a hook-laden storm that feels both chaotic and tightly controlled.

Next, “Save Me” thunders into being, showcasing the band’s evolving depth. There’s a swagger and confidence here that borders on anthemic, with flashes of Therapy? at their darkest. The bass again leads the charge, while understated guitar lines add space and texture. It builds to a powerful crescendo before fading into nothing - a haunting, cinematic moment of release.

“Satanists” takes the gothic atmosphere up a notch. Epic, grandiose and utterly captivating, it’s a track that would sound at home in an abandoned cathedral. The soaring refrain gives it an almost pop edge, but the jagged guitar work keeps it rooted in the shadows. The middle eight is spectacular - guitars slicing through the mix, racing to the finish line in pure gothic glory.

Then comes “Shotgun” - a Band Assist HQ favourite and for good reason. From the pounding drums to the rapid-fire vocal delivery, this is dark pop perfection. It’s punchy, addictive and radio-ready - if radio still had the guts to play something this bold. The second half drifts into cinematic territory, pulling you deeper into the world of Black Rain’s soundscapes until the final note fades.

“Shadows Cry” is the first of the live cuts, but you wouldn’t know it from the pristine recording. It stomps, it chants, it commands attention. The pounding bass once again takes the lead before the song erupts into a massive, cathartic chorus. It’s reflective, raw and completely captivating.

“Fear” ramps up the aggression, bringing the band’s punk credentials front and centre. It’s fast, fierce and full of bite. The interplay between the vocal and guitar is stunning - a masterclass in controlled chaos.

“Broken Words” follows, another live gem that highlights the band’s ability to build tension and release it with devastating effect. The space in the song allows every note to breathe and the feeling-driven solo is a standout - emotional, expressive and perfectly judged. It’s easy to imagine this one shaking the foundations live.

Next, “I Suffer Alone” brings things into a darker, more introspective place. The spoken-word vocal is chillingly poetic, framed by sparse, haunting instrumentation. It builds into an almost overwhelming crescendo, leaving you hanging on every syllable.

Finally, “Dust Tubes” closes the album with haunting grace. The drums take centre stage, powering through as the vocal glides above - fragile yet commanding. It’s reflective, atmospheric and deeply affecting, leaving you suspended in the band’s bleak, beautiful world.

With Black Rain, this North East powerhouse have crafted a debut that is bold, unapologetic and utterly consuming. It’s dark without being dour, melodic without losing its menace and experimental without pretension. Black Rain have proven that in a world drowning in overproduced noise, there’s still room for music with guts, grit and soul.

This isn’t just post-punk reborn - it’s post-punk rebaptised in Black Rain.

For Fans of Dark, Gothic, emotions music with soul

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