By pure coincidence this fell through my letterbox on the same day the groups 2006 live album ‘Live In The Real World,’ won off a popular auction site. I have not had much chance to play that particular album but this one, despite voiceovers has been on constant rotation. I had been really looking forward to this as the debut album ‘Embrace The Storm’ from 2005 is a firm favourite and must get a spin at least every couple of months. In fact going out on a limb I would have to say it is one of my very favourite albums in the overpopulated female fronted ‘gothic’ metal realm as it has been tagged by the label. The one trepidation I had before giving the Mexican groups second album a spin is the fact that former collaborator Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon) who had composed the bands sterling debut and pretty much put them together was no longer in this (human) equation.
The first play of a new album is never going to really floor you, there is too much going on in the mind and it is impossible not to compare it whilst getting acclimatised. However by second listen I was aware that all previous concerns could go and take a hike, I was won over here very quickly. ‘The Art Of Loss’ has backing cinematic sounding choral aspects flowing in a headstrong fashion before the sweeping orchestration and Marcela Bovio’s absolutely gorgeous voice come in to the picture. Words like lush can easily be thrown all over the place here as this is both solid and stormy and beautiful all at the same time. It is certainly a powerful opening declaration and one wonders what next, there are another 12 songs to come and already the twin lead guitarists are pealing one off with scorching temerity and the vocals are spiralling heavenward. Maybe to cool the fevered brow it’s time for the lighters out ballad ‘In The End’ but when it’s done with such passion (a word very apt for this band), I am not going to moan about it in the slightest.
At such an early stage and without the full unexpurgated release, which I am certain to be picking up it is impossible to chose a favourite song. Put simply it is likely to be the song I am currently listening to. Right now that is ‘Now Or Never’ with a delirious chorus and a strong display from Jeffrey Revet on piano / keyboards strengthening the instrumental flow. It would take a fool to hurt the gorgeous Marcela but if this is the result of ‘When You Hurt Me The Most’ it’s like the pain has been put to great use. Again this is a heartfelt ballad and it’s absolutely grandiose with another killer chorus which really does make your heart flutter. I am also finding it really difficult resisting sitting here writing a track by track review, as every song has something about it that makes it sparkle and shine and there is not an ounce of fat. Stream Of Passion just have the knack of writing truly memorable songs with fantastically unforgettable choruses. Take ‘This Endless Night’ for example it’s currently leaving me starry eyed as it slaps me silly. There are some songs here that will interpret fantastically live. I just hope the group make it back here, last time there was a problem with visas and the show was cancelled, the time before they literally floored everyone packed into the small Borderline.
Another absolutely excellent number that simply cannot be ignored and escape mention is ‘Street Spirit,’ full of angst and yearning it’s an absolute killer with a chorus that threatens to bring the roof down. Checking out the groups website I note that at the time of writing there is a full 33 days before the official release and I’m impatient already. Fantastic stuff and a definite contender for that end of year list!
http://www.streamofpassion.com
http://www.myspace.com/streamofpassionband
