THE COLOR OF RAIN

The Color of Rain biography
The Color of Rain are a Dutch extreme progressive metal trio and part of the underground blackened post-metal collective Zwotte Kring. The project took shape in 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, set into motion by guitarist and chief songwriter Gerhans Meulenbeld (of Sad State of Decay). Meulenbeld later recruited drummer/bassist Floris Velthuis (of Asgrauw, Meslamtaea and Schavot) through the Rock & Metal Society Facebook group, and Teitan's Devi Hisgen - Velthuis' partner in blackened doom group Stuporous - subsequently and enthusiastically offered his services as vocalist. Performing a fusion of post-black with technical and progressive death metal tendencies, the project's eclectic sound is a melting pot of the trio's varied influences, reflecting Meulenbeld's appreciation of Harakari for the Sky, Revocation, At the Gates and Mgła, Hisgen's fondness for Deathspell Omega and Dødheimsgard, and Velthuis' preference for Emperor and Cynic, with the three united by a mutual love of Ulcerate.

After two years of writing and refining - along with a series of three preview singles - the Color of Rain released their debut LP, Oceans Above, via Void Wanderer Productions in 2023. Its nihilistic lyrics express Meulenbeld's growing disillusionment with humanity during the pandemic and the impact of the period's heightened political polarisation.


- Gordy, December 2023