Stream of Passion - The Flame Within
CD Info
2009
Napalm Records
13 Tracks
English & Spanish Lyrics
Stream of Passion went through the mother of all lineup changes in 2007. Founder and prog rock/metal mastermind Arjen Lucassen left to focus on the next Ayreon album, and guitarist Lori Linstruth and pianist Alejandro Millán went on to pursue other projects. Immediately, the remaining members – singer/violinist Marcela Bovio, bassist Johan van Stratum, and drummer Davy Mickers – announced they would continue SoP with three new musicians. This news was a big relief to fans, but one question still dogged them: How different would Stream of Passion’s sound be now that half of the band, including one of its main songwriters, had to be replaced?
Two years later, we have a resounding answer: Not very much!
Of course, it always helps to have a good album to reinforce this, and “The Flame Within” is the well-crafted evidence. This sophomore album offers much of what fans enjoyed about SoP’s beautiful debut “Embrace the Storm.” Marcela’s layered harmonies and romantic lyrics still ride on dynamic guitars, lush strings, intricate piano work, and impressive drumming. And even with a new production team in guitarist/producer/mixer Jochem Jacobs (Textures, Autumn, Kingfisher Sky) and Joost van der Brook (former keyboardist for now-defunct prog-power metal band After Forever), Stream of Passion has maintained its balance of progressive metal and gothic symphonies.
Like most front women, Marcela is the focal point of her band. She has a smooth, mysterious voice that’s not too powerful yet remarkably enchanting. This allows Marcela to easily deliver ballads such as the reassuring “In the End” and the “My Leader,” but the heavier tracks are where she truly shines. She gives emotional performances and gorgeous harmonies on the hammering “Games of Play” and the regretful “When You Hurt Me the Most,” singlehandedly making both songs two of the best in SoP’s repertoire. Then there’s “The Art of Loss,” which offers a real treat: An entire “choir” of Marcela’s!
The biggest differences between “Embrace the Storm” and “The Flame Within” are noticeable after just a few songs. The new songs are generally shorter and less complex. “Flame” also features more up-tempo and mid-tempo tracks – an instant improvement over “Storm,” which was a bit overloaded of ballads. Music-wise, Lori Linstruth’s departure means drastically fewer guitar solos and more room for experimenting with the bridges, including some exquisite piano solos by new keyboardist Jeffrey Rivet.
At the same time, Stream of Passion fans will listen to “The Flame Within” and immediately hear the band’s essence is very much intact. “Now and Never” is an instant classic, combining every SoP element from the coarse guitars to Rivet’s quick-paced tinkering. The string quartet adds hints of drama throughout the CD, particularly on “This Endless Night” and the striking cover of Radiohead’s “Street Spirit.” Strong guitar hooks also make “Let Me In” and “My Leader” memorable tracks. Last but not least, Davy Mickers (who left the band just before “Flame” was released) gives an outstanding performance on drums, using everything from light percussive rolling to throbbing double-kicks and always keeping up with the tempo changes. (Remember, Davy nailed “Calliopeia” from the first album in one take – and that was no easy feat!)
One listen to “The Flame Within” does prompt one question: ¿Dónde están las letras españolas? (Where are the Spanish lyrics?) Marcela used a considerable amount of her native language on “Embrace the Storm,” but the new album features only two lines. (¡Que lástima!) Besides that, “Flame” features only a few subpar moments. “A Part of You” starts heading down the heavy road with gritty guitars and down-tuned piano notes, then sashays into Evanescence territory with an uninspired chorus. “Run Away” and “All I Know” are pretty ballads, but they never really flourish to the heights that other songs do on the album.
Make no mistake, though. Stream of Passion has returned to the scene with a second album that matches the glory of their debut. The new songs may be more simplified and straightforward, yet they are still robust, dreamy, and – no pun intended – passionate. Marcela and company must have worked very hard to compose their second album and find new members that would share their vision, and now it is paying off. “The Flame Within” erases all doubts about Stream of Passion’s future and will leave its melodious mark in female-fronted metal.
Limited Edition Digipack
The limited edition digipack of “The Flame Within” features slightly different cover artwork and the bonus track “Far and Apart,” a more symphonic track that still could have easily fit into the album’s final track listing. Fans who are lucky enough to get this version might also find a sticker on the package with a quote from proud SoP founder Arjen Lucassen: “After listening to ‘The Flame Within,’ it’s clear I’m not needed anymore!”
8.5 / 10
