Friday, 14 February 2025 10:09

Mike Derosier, Roger Fisher, Steve Fossen, Gino D’Cafango: The Return of Reigning Sun

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Mike Derosier, Roger Fisher, Steve Fossen, Gino D’Cafango: The Return of Reigning Sun Album cover image: courtesy of Roger Fisher

In the world of rock music, time is often the ultimate test of an album’s significance. Some records fade into obscurity, while others stand as a testament to the artists’ dedication, passion, and craftsmanship. For Mike Derosier, Roger Fisher, and Steve Fossen, their journey with the band Reigning Sun is one of perseverance, nostalgia, and musical brilliance. Decades after their initial recording sessions, their album Forest Rain is finally getting the recognition it deserves—proving that true art transcends time.

Originally recorded between 1992 - 1995, Forest Rain was born from a deeply personal and artistic collaboration between guitarist and vocalist Roger Fisher, drummer Mike Derosier, bassist Steve Fossen, and guitarist/vocalist Gino D’Cafango. The project was conceived as a tribute to Roger’s late son, Forest, while also serving as a celebration of their shared musical synergy. The band poured their hearts into crafting a sound that embodied both emotional depth and rock ‘n’ roll energy.

The Origins of Forest Rain

Reigning Sun was more than just a band—it was a fusion of talent and vision. Comprised of key members of Heart, one of rock’s most legendary bands, and vibrantly talented singer-songwriter Gino D’Cafango, the group sought to create music that was both heartfelt and innovative. Gino and Rog joined their creative forces on co-writing and producing Forest Rain, a work they believed in, vowing to do whatever it takes to make it worthy of the great songs they’d written. The recording sessions took place at Roger’s MARS Recording Studio, a space where raw emotion and technical expertise merged seamlessly and even after more than three decades the themes and melodies of Forest Rain remain just as powerful and relevant today.

At its core, Forest Rain was driven by a unique energy—a “VIBE,” as the band called it. The musicians were deeply committed to the project, shaking hands on a promise to ensure its artistic integrity. From Roger’s signature guitar sound and synergetic classical Heart rhythm section, every track was meticulously crafted to honor both their love for music and their personal experiences. The album’s lyrical themes touch on loss, healing, and the enduring power of creativity, making it a deeply resonant work for anyone who listens.

Roger Fisher, Reigning Sun – Forest Rain

A Legacy That Endures

Despite its delayed release, Forest Rain has not lost its impact. In fact, the time that has passed only serves to highlight its significance. The music still sounds fresh, and the performances by Fisher, Derosier, and Fossen remain as solid as ever. Their ability to craft memorable melodies and intricate arrangements has not waned, proving that great music knows no expiration date.

This revival also serves as a reminder of Heart’s influence on rock history. As founding members of the iconic band and Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame inductees, Fisher, Derosier, and Fossen played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of the ‘70s and ‘80s. With Forest Rain, they demonstrate that their creative spirit is still very much alive, continuing to inspire both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

The Sound of Forest Rain

Sonically, Forest Rain is a perfect blend of classic rock beautifully infused with native american vibes, with definite progressive influences and raw emotion. Listeners will recognize elements reminiscent of Heart’s most powerful anthems, yet the album carves out its own identity. From electrifying guitar riffs to deeply introspective lyrics, every song carries weight and meaning.

Tracks such as “Raindance,” “Geronimo” and the title track “Forest Rain” showcase the band's ability to seamlessly merge storytelling with musical innovation. The arrangements are lush, the instrumentals precise, and the vocals hauntingly beautiful. There is a sense of urgency in the music — a deeply emotional energy that refuses to be ignored.

Reigning Sun - Forest Rain

1. Human Tribe

2. Raindance

3. When I was Young

4. Stuck In Traffic

5. Me 'N You

6. See The Vision

7. Geronimo

8. Badman

9. Taking the Torch

10. Fall Together

11. Forest Rain

1. Human Tribe

2. Raindance

3. When I was Young

4. Stuck In Traffic

5. Me 'N You

6. See The Vision

7. Geronimo

8. Badman

9. Taking the Torch

10. Fall Together

11. Forest Rain

Listen "Forest Rain" on streaming platforms:

Spotify   |   Apple Music  iHeart Radio

 

The Journey to Now

Bringing Forest Rain to the world after more than three decades required persistence and belief in the material. Fisher and D’Cafango remained committed to ensuring the album would one day receive its due recognition. And now, in an era where nostalgia meets rediscovery, the music has found a renewed purpose.

What makes this release so special is its authenticity. In an industry where trends come and go, Forest Rain stands as a testament to the enduring nature of well-crafted rock music. It doesn’t pander to modern conventions or rely on gimmicks—it simply delivers pure, unfiltered artistry.

A Testament to Rock’s Timeless Spirit

With half of Heart’s original lineup represented, Forest Rain is not just an album; it’s a statement. It serves as proof that the music of Fisher, Derosier, and Fossen remains as relevant today as it was when they first stepped onto the rock scene. Their commitment to their craft, to each other, and to their fans is evident in every note played and every lyric sung.

As Forest Rain finally reaches audiences, it reinforces the idea that great music doesn’t age—it only grows richer with time. For fans of classic rock, this album is a must-listen, a bridge between the past and the present, and a reminder of why we fell in love with rock ‘n’ roll in the first place.

Roger Fisher and Gino D'Cafango - early 90's | Photo courtesy Roger Fisher

About Gino D'Cafango:

Gino D'Cafango, born in Juneau, Alaska, is an American actor, producer, and writer of Sicilian, Irish, and Native American descent. He began his acting career on the Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning series "Northern Exposure," appearing in 72 episodes from 1992 to 1995. D'Cafango has worked on feature films such as "Disclosure" (1994), "Georgia" (1995), and "Chinese Coffee" (2000), directed by Al Pacino. He has also adapted works by bestselling authors Richard Bach and Paulo Coelho. His recent acting roles include appearances in Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman" (2019) and Todd Phillips' "Joker" (2019).

Gino is also a talented musician and songwriter, known for his work with Reigning Sun alongside Mike Derosier, Roger Fisher, and Steve Fossen and a number of other collaborations and solo projects. 

Follow Gino D'Cafango:

IMDb: Gino D'Cafango on IMDb
FB: Gino D'Cafango
IG: 
@gino_dcafango

About Mike Derosier and Steve Fossen:

Mike Derosier and Steve Fossen, the legendary rhythm section of Heart, continue their musical legacy with Heart by Heart, a project dedicated to honoring the iconic band's classic sound. With passionate performances and a commitment to authenticity, they bring Heart’s greatest hits to life, delivering a powerful and nostalgic experience for longtime fans and new audiences alike.

Fossen and Derosier are the powerful driving engine behind Heart's classic hits like “Barracuda”, “Straight On”, “Crazy On You”, “Magic Man”, “Even It Up”, “Dog & Butterfly”, “Heartless”, “Kick It Out”, and more.  "Our mission is to perform the classic Heart music as faithfully as we can," Fossen says. The band features vocalist Somar Macek, guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist Lizzy Daymont and guitarist Chad Quist. Heart By Heart presents a powerful, dynamic show that includes all the favorite Heart hits as well as deep album cuts that fans will love.

 

Follow Heart by Heart:

Web: https://www.heartbyheart.com
YouTube: Heart By Heart
FB: Heart By Heart Band
IG: 
@heartbyheartofficial

About Roger Fisher:

Guitars, Electric Sitar, Mandolin, Djembe, Vocals, Video

Roger Fisher was founding guitarist of the rock group Heart, globally known through the sales of more than 30 million albums. Roger has played in almost every major city in North America. He has also toured Europe, Japan, Australia, Uzbekistan and Russia, and performed at massive events in the Czech Republic, Japan, Canada and the United States for as many as 300,000 people at a single rock show. He has appeared on a multitude of television shows and television broadcasts for more than 60 million people in Europe.

Roger's philosophy and views are best described in his own words: “I’m not an atheist, nor do I conform to any religion. I belong to no political party. I believe in breathing.”

His timeless anthem guitar intro to Barracuda is frequently used in major sports broadcasts, political movements, etc. Tony Robbins refers to Barracuda as part of the turning point in his life. The opening riff of Barracuda was voted, by over a half million people via the magazine, Ultimate Classic Rock, “BEST GUITAR RIFF OF ALL TIME!”

The original line-up of Heart was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2013. Rog continues to release new material with brother Mike, aka Magic Man.

The One Vision Project encompasses all of Mike and Rog’s work, consisting of audio, visual, book formats, gaming, and live performances worldwideThe bros also design and create many really cool products: herbal tea; cologne; garments; jewelry; speaker systems, and guitars.

 

Follow Roger Fisher and Fisher Brothers and the Human Tribe:

Web: https://www.rogerfisher.com
YouTube: Fisher Bros and the Human Tribe
FB: Roger Fisher - Heart Guitar
IG: 
@rogerfishermusic
Twitter: @rrrog

 

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