Veteran melodic hard rockers BLINDMAN are releasing their 12th studio album “After Rain”, and at the same time celebrating their 30th anniversary. Formed in 1995 by virtuoso guitarist Tatsuya Nakamura, BLINDMAN is one of the few acts from Japan still playin traditonal, classic ’80s Hard Rock with melody.
The music in “After Rain” has a very old-school vibe, however production is modern, sharp, with a good dose of groove. BLINDMAN’s mentioned influences range from Rainbow and Deep Purple to Blue Murder and Thunder. ‘Groove the Night’, the Purple-esque ‘No Pain No Love’ and the excellent ‘Upside Down’ (complete with Hammond runs) are a proof of that.
However the band expand their sound with heavier numbers such as ‘Perfect World’ or ‘Spreading Out the Wings’ reminiscent of Axel Rudi Pell, and there’s room for songs that always have been part of BLINDMAN: AORish rockers like midtempo ‘Love So Blue’, and title track ‘After Rain’ (a highlight).
If nobody tells you that BLINDMAN hails from Japan, you’ll guess they come from Europe. Led singer Ray is completely accent-free and owner of powerful clean vocals, and Nakamura delivers some impressive clean solos. A band with varied and strong songwriting, tight musicianship, and polished production akin the ’80s type.
Highly Recommended
01. Spreading Out the Wings
02. Groove the Night
03. Soul Stealer
04. Love So Blue
05. No Pain No Love
06. Rain
07. After Rain
08. Upside Down
09. Red Sunset
10. Perfect World
Blindman – After Rain 2025
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