adg211288 XXX is a compilation release from Italian heavy metal/hard rock act Rain. Unlike many compilation releases that just gather what the artist/label considers to be their best work (or the singles), XXX stands as one of the more worthwhile releases of its kind because the songs, while all but one are already present in the group’s back catalogue, are entirely re-recorded with the group’s new line-up. XXX was released in 2011.

The group’s music sits along the borderline of traditional heavy metal and hard rock, so anyone into either style is advised to give Rain a shot. Being a compilation release anyone already into the group will know most of the tracks as only the second song Whiskey on the Route 666 is new. However although I couldn’t find line-up information for all the group’s full-lengths I know at least some of this material features a different lead vocalist, which should add to the release’s value to the existing fan.

For the newcomer XXX should serve as a great introductory package to Rain. These are classic hard rocking heavy metal songs that anyone into their classic metal should be able to appreciate. While I can’t say that as a whole the compilation commands the same level of attention throughout, this is definitely a solid package that I can feel justified to recommend both to Rain’s fanbase and to anyone looking to explore their sound for the first time, with the added bonus that if you find you really dig Rain and want to get their full-lengths, you’ll still have a compilation release that will sit just as easily on your shelf as the main discography, unlike countless compilations where all the material may be found in the same versions as on other albums. Having not heard the original songs I can’t comment on how they compare with the new versions present on XXX, but all in all this is a solid release to my ears.

(Originally written for Heavy Metal Haven, scored at 7.4/10)

Time Signature We want rock 'n' roll...

Genre: hard rock / metal

It has been 30 years of hard rocking metal for Rain, and, with "XXX: 30 Years on the Road 1980/2010", they invite you to celebrate this feat with them.

Most of the tracks are all out hard rockers with varying degrees of metalhood, ranging from the uptempo 'Born to Kill' and 'Fight the Power' over the more melodic hard rockers 'Energy', 'Whiskey on the Route 666', 'Rain Revolution' and 'Only Your Dreams' to the slightly, if not complex and progressive, then at least rhythmically interesting 'Blood Sport' (which is a great track).

Musically, we are dealing with a more traditional approach to hard rock, but Rain do have some modern surprises up their sleeve, such as a couple of electronica elements - which actually work quite fine.

Apart from a couple of ballads, "XXX: 30 Years on the Road 1980/2010" is a collection of uplifting tracks which are perfect for the highway or just a good old party, and they are generally enjoyable to listen to.