Rising (Rainbow album)

Rising (also known as Rainbow Rising) is the second studio album by the British-American rock band Rainbow, released on 17 May 1976 by Oyster Records. The album features only six tracks, including two epic compositions exceeding eight minutes each on side two. Although the tracks from this album have been performed live rarely, if at all, the song "Stargazer" is widely regarded as a Rainbow classic and a landmark in heavy metal music.

Following the release of Rainbow’s debut, guitarist and bandleader Ritchie Blackmore dismissed all members except vocalist and lyricist Ronnie James Dio. He recruited veteran drummer Cozy Powell, with newcomers Jimmy Bain on bass and Tony Carey on keyboards. The new line-up began rehearsing and touring in late 1975, developing material through extended jam sessions before recording at Musicland Studios in West Germany with producer Martin Birch in February 1976. The recording sessions were swift and energised, capturing the band’s spontaneity and drive.

In June 1976, Rainbow launched a six-month world tour to support Rising. Internal tensions soon surfaced, leading to Bain and Carey’s dismissal at its conclusion.

The album was well received by critics, who praised Blackmore’s guitar work, Dio’s commanding vocals, and the group’s cohesion. Reviewers noted its heaviness and complexity, with some promoting Rainbow to be the successor to Blackmore’s former band, Deep Purple. Commercially, Rising achieved moderate success but fell short of Blackmore’s ambitions in the United States, prompting him to pursue a more accessible sound in later years. Today, the album is recognised as a classic by critics and fans, a pivotal moment in heavy metal and a foundation for many of its sub-genres.