Bio
RIAN was formed in 2016 by singer/songwriter Richard Andermyr and drummer Jan Johansson. Together with bassist Jonas Melin they came onto the scene in 2017 with their debut album, "Out of the Darkness". Produced by Daniel Flores (Find Me, The Murder Of My Sweet), the album hit the streets in July 2017, leaving fans and melodic rock media craving more.
RIAN took their show on the road in 2018, marking their live debut. But the lineup wasn't complete just yet. Enter Tobias Jakobsson, the lead guitarist whose fretwork added the final ingredient to the cocktail that defines RIAN of today.
In 2020, during the production of their 2nd album destiny beckoned. Frontiers Music Srl, recognized RIAN's potential, and a multi-album record deal was signed.
Sophomore album, "Twenty-Three," once again took shape under the eye of producer Daniel Flores. The album was released on the Frontiers label on July 16, 2021.
The third and latest album, "Wings," saw the light of day August 4, 2023. This time, RIAN has taken the reins of production, supported by mix engineer Dennis Ward (Magnum, Pink Cream 69, Khymera) and acclaimed keyboardist Eric Ragno.
Stay locked in, friends, the saga continues; “All our melodies will echo in eternity”.
Line-up:
Richard Andermyr: Vocals / Guitar
Jan Johansson: Drums
Jonas Melin: Bass
Tobias Jakobsson: Lead Guitar
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Reviews "Wings"
"...excellent individual performances and the fact that most of the songs are super solid and easy on the ear without becoming too soft or predictable. Dennis Ward has made sure that‘Wings’ is in all aspects a real rocking unit..."
"...Yet the biggest role is for Tobias Jakobsson who, just as on ‘Twenty-Three’ was the case, has free range and he lets it rip quite regularly. When you add to that a top-notch vocalist and a solid rhythm section the conclusion is quite simple:job well done and people that enjoyed ‘Twenty-Three’ will love ‘Wings’..."
"...Tobias JAKOBSSON literally drives me crazy with his crazy solos..."
"...Richard ANDERMYR sings divinely..."
""...The chorus is a marvel, once again irresistible. It's a hit, quite simply, and what quality choirs!..."
"RIAN gives us a superb album that swings between AOR and melodic rock, sometimes even quite strong. The set is well balanced, and full of hits. It requires several listenings to grasp all the subtleties. I think this group is definitely in orbit, with this new album, which should meet with great success among fans of the genre"
Score: 18/20
"...Between rock and melodic hard rock, the band offers us an exquisite variety that only took them four months to compose, and that, due to the roundness of the songs and the sound, it seems better that it would have taken them years. And don’t forget to put Tobias Jakobsson, a death/back metal guitarist, in his melody band for solos like popping champagne. With this third album they already have a good letter of introduction to go out on the road accompanying bands like Brother Firetribe, One Desire, H.E.A.T. or Eclipse, I would love to see it!..."
Score: 90%
"...With the release of the band’s 3rdAlbum titled“Wings,”these melodic rockers have delivered yet another masterfully conducted symphony of powerful and hook driven tunes that will appeal to the AOR fan just as much as hard rock fan. Sit back and get set to take flight with “Wings.”..."
"...When it comes to melodic hard rock, Rian is a staple that will be sitting at the top of the mountain for many years to come. Excellent songs that tap into the core of the listener, “Wings” is steady listen that you will enjoy over and over again..."
Score: 9.5/10
Reviews "Twenty-Three"
"So there’s something instantly familiar and yet remarkably fresh about Rian’s material, and there’s a sonic warmth to the many songs – like ‘You Belong’ and ‘Your Beauty’ – that arrive unencumbered by a need to sound relevant, relying solely on supple melodies, taut guitars and meaty rhythms..."
"This band will go far..."
Score: 4,5/5
"with the incorporation of Tobias Jakobsson who is an inhuman beast... solos filled with class, mastery, and unmatched skill..."
"They are all very good musicians, starting with the vocalist and rhythm guitar Richard Andermyr, a guy who sings very, very well. He is the prototype melody rock vocalist or AOR. Jan Johansson’s drums shine at great height, Jonas Melin rules the bass rudder like the captain of a frigate, rhythmic perfection is called that..."
"Twenty-Three" by Sweden's Rian, is an wonderfull album of melodic hard rock with beautiful melodies and haunting, percussive guitars..."
"What a confirmation that this second opus of Rian! "Twenty-Three" is a poignant, seductive, striking and endearing album, which should melt the fans of the genre..."
Score: 5/5
"More mature songs, stronger individual performances by the musicians involved. With still enough variety and melody and a singer in the person of Richard Andermyr who knows how to bring it across. And he sounds likes it hardly costs him any effort at all. Like guitar-orientated heavy rock with a quality sound and a high level of good songs? I guess ‘Twenty-Three’ is your answer to that question. Excellent stuff indeed"
Reviews "Out of the Darkness"
"...Throughout the album we have beautiful, crystal-clear vocals, wonderful
melodic guitars and rhythmic bass & drums..."
"...Not only is it one of the best releases of July, but among the best of 2017 for sure!..."
Score: 10/10
"...Out Of The Darkness" is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and innovative debuts of the year, providing a "new air" to the genre and attracting young listeners..."
"...It is a trio and they sound like they are double, the rhythm base is powerful..."
"...I love this sound! Great guitar solos throughout the song and very infectious rhythmic..."
"...With multiple influences ranging from hard rock typed 80's (as on the phenomenal title Out Of The Darkness that opens the album), to an American AOR kind BON JOVI more modern, RIAN shines a thousand lights on these 11 songs very melodic...."
"...Out Of The Darkness is an absolutely monstrous album, I assure you! A new Scandinavian star now shines in the firmament of melodic hard rock and it's RIAN !!!..."
"...along with fine hooks and melodic choruses, very good backing and a great amount of musical accessibility, the trio has a modern approach of their musical work. It’s amazing!..."
Originality: 8
Songwriting: 10
Memorability: 7
Production: 8
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