Stream of Passion 'Embrace the Storm' review
Release date: 2005
Label(s): InsideOut
Duration: 53:58
Details
- Spellbound
- Passion
- Deceiver
- I'll Keep on Dreaming
- Haunted
- Wherever You Are
- Open Your Eyes
- Embrace the Storm
- Breathing Again
- Out in the Real World
- Nostalgia
- Calliopeia
Review
The marketplace is awash with female fronted bands at the moment (unless its York's marketplace, which on a Saturday night is usually awash with dead flowers, rotting veg, cheap cider and vomit), so it's worth noting when a band truly stands out.
Probably because of Arjen Lucassen's (Main songwriter and founder of Ayreon, his main band. The concept of Ayreon is that Arjen writes the songs for a complicated concept album, then gets loads of guest singers in to play the various roles in the story. Marcella Bovio, the singer on this 'ere CD, was on his last one. With me so far? Oh well...) non-goth-metal approach, this CD is different. The arrangements mean the guitars can be strikingly heavy at times, yet balanced by melodic intertwinings (is that a new tea flavour?) and even the odd jazz piano overlay (but don't worry, Jamie bastard Cullum is nowhere to be heard!).
Marcella's vocal style has hints of Anneke from The Gathering, but she uses slightly less vocal acrobatics and has a talent for a really catchy chorus or hook, plus such a gorgeous natural tone.
I was lucky enough to see them play the UK recently, and they were fabulous! (gloat, gloat, had to get that one in!). My only gripe? The name. You try being all manly and bloke-ish wearing a T-shirt saying Stream of Passion! Huh. Glad the CD's good!