Formed in 2005, Rainwound is a progressive rock / metal band combining the majestic sounds of prog rock with conceptual storylines. The idea for United came suddenly on August 17th, 2011. The intro track recreating the USA National Anthem was created that day, and the following three songs were produced from then until September 7th, almost non-stop. I felt that it was something I 'had' to do, and I worked very hard. This album is dedicated to those who fell on September 11th, 2001 and the families that have struggled since that day. May God be with you all. ~~~ This EP was upgraded to a DELUXE EDITION on September 11th, 2012. The new version includes the 3 main songs from the album -- "Brothers", "United", "Forever" -- as instrumental versions. "...Rainwound deliver a metallic form of progressive rock, complete with crunchy riffs, spacey keyboards, melodic, often times haunting vocals, and tasty guitar solos. The EP kicks off with a quick guitar take on the "Star Spangled Banner", before launching into the quite melodic "Brothers", an enjoyable mix of metal guitars and soaring progressive rock. Strader then takes Rainwound into epic prog territory on the 20-minute title track. This one features sizzling guitar solos, 70's styled keyboard flourishes, and Porcupine Tree influenced vocals. There's a great instrumental section in the middle where things go from a jazzy lead guitar solo accompanied by acoustic guitar & keys to a wild funk 'n' prog workout with some nasty wah-wah rock guitars and stabbing synth lines. "Forever" closes United out in majestic fashion, a somber little prog number with soothing keys, floating vocals, and tasty, distorted guitar solos. The song builds and builds to a more bombastic & heavy conclusion, and features a great synth solo to finish things out amidst some crushing riffs. Good stuff here from Rainwound, and easy to recommend if you like melodic progressive rock with some heavy riffs tossed in." ~Sea of Tranquillity