From left to right : Benjamin Dupré (Vocals + Keys), Manfred Veber (Bass), Benoit Serraillier (Guitar), Matthieu Budin (Drums)
Shinray was born on the ashes of other bands known as Earthquake, then Astron. It all began in 2002, when high school friends Benoit Serraillier (guitar), Guillaume Mazzilli (guitar, vocals), William Degryse (drums), Gregoire Jouanneaux (bass) and Manu Campistani (vocals) decided to do their own handmade heavy metal, soon joined by Benjamin Dupré on keyboards, quickly taking vocals duty as well. Having met a significant success throughout various gigs, they decided to carry on after high school. Sadly, after two departures (Guillaume and William), Astron is left on the verge of death. Determined to continue, the three remaining members (Benjamin, Benoit and Gregoire) decided to hire Gregoire’s brother, Nicolas, on the drums to continue as a new band. Shinray was born.
After a few years and an increasing local success, Shinray finally releases its first effort on May 2010 as a self-titled debut EP, containing five of the earliest tracks from the band, making it a testimony of the early days of the band. This EP has been well-received by press and fans, praising this mixture of old British-style heavy metal and modern elements. A month later, Shinray wins local competition “Tremplins de l’Isère” as Best Metal Band, playing on 21st of June in front of hundreds of fans. Parting ways with Gregoire and Nicolas due to difference of motivation, Shinray immediately recruits Matthieu Budin (drums) and Stéphane Albanese, then Hugo Merabti (bass). After a new year of gigs, Shinray released its first album Stage 01 in 2013. Then Hugo departed, Stéphane came back temporarily at the bass until William took the job, finally replaced by Manfred Veber. Those bass players definitely can’t stay in one place for too long!
At the same time, Shinray starts recording some covers of well-known themes from video games, movies, series, etc. and publish it on YouTube with fun-filled videos. It’s an immediate success which motivates the band to continue further on that direction. A few years later, they’re finally ready to bring this aspect of the band to life on stage, mixing their own songs with covers to create an entertaining and diverse show.