Mercury Rain

Mercury Rain

http://www.mercuryrain.com
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Biography

Mercury Rain was formed in 1998 by Jon Hoare (Bass) Andy pester (Drums) and Dion Smith (Guitars), with Sonia Porzier joining from French band 'Tears of Ea' in September 1999. Sonia's voice and vocal style gave the band a definite direction, drawing comparisons from the media with 'Lacuna Coil' 'The Gathering' and early 'Nightwish'. As soon as Sonia joined, the band immediately set about writing and recording for an upcoming release.

'Where Angels Fear' was released in November 2000. The 5 track EP showcased a band with lots of potential, and hinted at heavier things to come. In 2001, Dion decided to quit MR, and Tim Henley took on guitar duties. Tim stayed with the band until May 2002, when he left after he and Jon fell out, and the lineup was once again in question. After auditioning several promising replacement guitarists, Dion was back in the band.

After a year off from the band to pursue his own musical aspirations, is fair to say that Dion was back with a renewed enthusiasm, and made a welcome return after a period of uncertainty for the band. With a renewed attitude and direction, and adding Rich Shillitoe on guitar, Mercury Rain returned in 2003 with a brand new full-length album 'Dark Waters' and a sound they termed 'Gothic Power metal'. The album was self-released, and was good enough for the band to earn the opening slot at the UK's 'Bloodstock' festival, playing the same stage as Nightwish and Paradise Lost. August also saw the band play their first ever live shows, touring the UK with 'Power Quest' and 'Intense' & 'DragonForce' amongst others.

Another lineup change soon after Bloodstock saw Rich relinquishing guitar duties as the band settled down to plan and write the new album. Writing & enthusiasm for 'St Matthieu' was escalating to such an extent amongst band members that the disc had gone from being an EP to being a full album, destined to see the light of day June/July 2004.

The band took time out from writing and recording to film a promotional video for 'Shadow's Scent' in January 2004, an ambitious venture which involved Jon in a microlight aerial filming in early January on location at the world famous Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland. 'St Matthieu' will include a limited edition bonus DVD featuring three live songs from the 2003 tour, plus the 'Shadow's Scent' promo video.

'St. Matthieu' has been received extremely well by the few people who heard promo mixes, and promotional campaigns in France and the UK is already underway, with full page adverts running on the back covers of 'Terrorizer'(August) and 'PowerPlay' (September) magazines, plus adverts in MetalHammer and other relevant media. Sales of 'Dark Waters' continue to mount up, especially in France, and this has seen the band secure a slot on the 'Therion’ tour in November, 2004 covering some eight shows across France and playing cities such as Paris, Lyon, Rennes and Lille.

After declining offers from smaller labels, Mercury Rain have decided that they wish to remain an independent band for the time being. They have a strong work ethic, and with virtually everything being done by the band themselves, from recording and production to graphic design, promotion, and the website, they have managed to retain control and deliver the albums that they want to, to their own agenda with no compromises. With strong support in France from 'Underclass' and in the UK from 'Shadowflame' the future for the band looks excellent. The band hopes to secure more promotional and distribution deals worldwide for 'St. Matthieu' following the positive feedback they have had so far.

The last, and latest bit of news is as soon as the album was finished, Andy quit the band due to personal commitments outside of music. Dion, Jon & Sonia are sad to see him go, but the four of them felt that this was the right and necessary decision at this point in time. Andy's replacement is Rodrigo Oliveira from Brazilian thrash monsters 'Korzus' looking to branch out and broaden his horizons. He will be playing on the forthcoming tour in November.
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