Stream Of Passion?

[Walter_Langkowski]

I keep seeing this name on a lot of people's playing lists, recently Wyvern's and TSO's. What is this band like? The only thing I know (I think) is that they have a female singer.

Could you guys give me some comparisons and talk them up if you like? Thanks!

 

[SoundMaster]

SOP is a new international group lead by Arjen Luccassen of Ayreon. There are three Dutch, two Mexicans, an an American who makes her home in Sweden (Lori, on lead guiatr). In a nutshell, the music is as melodic as Ayreon, but not as 'progressive' and the debut is absolutely awesome, beautiful music.

The vocalist, Marcela, sounds somewhat like Anneke of the Gathering, and has a stunning, unforgettable voice. If you enjoy metal with femal vocals, this band is for you.

Overall, i really can't compare them to any specific group, as they have an approach of their own. So this review probably really won't tell you much....sorry.

They're a 6 pice: vocals, drums, bass, lead & rhythm guitar and piano (not synth!). I'd say that they're much better than any of the other female-fronted bands out there today (Lacuna Coil, Nightwish, Madder Mortem, Gathering, Edenbridge, etc....all of which kick ass in their own right). Simply stated, Arjen writes the songs and he's an amazing talent with a knack for penning beautiful, memorable melodies.

Highly recommended.

 

[Walter_Langkowski]

SOP is a new international group lead by Arjen Luccassen of Ayreon. There are three Dutch, two Mexicans, an an American who makes her home in Sweden (Lori, on lead guiatr). In a nutshell, the music is as melodic as Ayreon, but not as 'progressive' and the debut is absolutely awesome, beautiful music.

The vocalist, Marcela, sounds somewhat like Anneke of the Gathering, and has a stunning, unforgettable voice. If you enjoy metal with femal vocals, this band is for you.

Overall, i really can't compare them to any specific group, as they have an approach of their own. So this review probably really won't tell you much....sorry.

They're a 6 pice: vocals, drums, bass, lead & rhythm guitar and piano (not synth!). I'd say that they're much better than any of the other female-fronted bands out there today (Lacuna Coil, Nightwish, Madder Mortem, Gathering, Edenbridge, etc....all of which kick ass in their own right). Simply stated, Arjen writes the songs and he's an amazing talent with a knack for penning beautiful, memorable melodies.

Highly recommended.

Actually that tells a lot man!

Prime-era The Gathering (1995-2000) is one of my favorite periods from any heavy (ier) group so if you compare SOP to TG then that sounds pretty good to me.

Are they on Inside Out?

 

[Trans-Siberian Outcast]

Comparisons to Mandylion-era The Gathering is accurate. It's got a gothic feel to it, but it's not typical goth (although it probably will appeal to fans of Lacuna Coil, Evanescense, and Within Temptation).

Best thing you could do Walter, is visit their website at http://www.streamofpassion.com/ There you will find free samples (and one whole song) and a video for download. Fair warning though, this album grows on you. I wasn't sure I liked it the first time I heard it. By the 5th listen I was really starting to dig it. Now, about 25 listens in, I consider it a masterpiece and very well could land in the #1 spot for my top albums of 2005.

Marcela Bovio is absolutely captivating on vocals. And yes, they are on Inside Out.

 

[SoundMaster]

Comparisons to Mandylion-era The Gathering is accurate. It's got a gothic feel to it, but it's not typical goth (although it probably will appeal to fans of Lacuna Coil, Evanescense, and Within Temptation).

Best thing you could do Walter, is visit their website at http://www.streamofpassion.com/ There you will find free samples (and one whole song) and a video for download. Fair warning though, this album grows on you. I wasn't sure I liked it the first time I heard it. By the 5th listen I was really starting to dig it. Now, about 25 listens in, I consider it a masterpiece and very well could land in the #1 spot for my top albums of 2005.

Marcela Bovio is absolutely captivating on vocals. And yes, they are on Inside Out.

All excellent points. I, too, wasn't terribly impressed after the first two or three listens. But the melodies are there and after about 5 listens, I was completelly hooked! It's a great record...for certain.

As TSO stated, you can check out some tracks on their website...

 

[Wyvern]

Well since this thread started why not take advantage and rant in it?

I just spinned twice the album and once the DVD. As a huge fan of Arjen Lucassen work I must say I found this one his weakest job. Even Ambeon which was ambiental/goth works based on previous Ayreon sounds is far more superior.

I found this album not very exciting, the voice is alright but frankly I miss the prog-rock approach Arjen uses in Ayreon or Star One.

Interestingly after seeing the DVD I found out that the rumming is precise but "simple", the bass lines ditto. The soloing guitar dissapointed me a lot, Lori tends to use the wah-wah or whammy bar (or whatever that damned lever in the bridge is called) a lot, and I mean too much for my taste. The vocals are nice and Marcela is very talented, but I preferred her work in "The Human Equation".
Now when it come to the piano..wow hats off to Millán, if you check the DVD and hear as I did the piano alone that would have been much more interesting than the final product, and the same goes for the violins and more for the cellos (pure doom!!!!). I guess that a piano and chords album would have kick my ass better.

I have seen comparisons to The Gathering, and I don't like them which may explain why I found this one unappealing

NP: Skid Row - 'Monkey Business'

 

[Trans-Siberian Outcast]

Just keep listening Wyv. Like we said, it takes at least 5 listens to start grasping everything. Maybe it will turn out to not suit your tastes, but this isn't an easily digested album.

And I applaud Arjen for creating a project that sounds NOTHING like Ayreon and Star One. It shows his versatility.