Down the years Sheffield has been a hot bed when it comes to unearthing new talents and even new musical genres. Many moons ago the new romantic and electro pop scene hit its stride with bands like Cabaret Voltaire, Human League, ABC and Heaven 17 and then along came Def Leppard who pioneered stadium rock and albums with rather enormous budgets, Leppard were  followed by Pulp who championed the quirky indie scene and more recently Sheffield has given us the global phenomenon that is The Arctic Monkeys. You can now add Crimes Of Passion to that list, a band that has paid it's dues travelling up and down the British motorways playing opening slots to the likes of Great White, White lion, Skid Row, Jeff Scott Soto and Danny Vaughn. to what is along line of musical talents we have to add the hard rock four piece known as Crimes Of Passion. Funnily enough despite more gigs than most bands play in a decade Crimes of Passion have had very little in the way of recorded product available for people to actually buy, that is until now with the release of this, their self titled debut - and it's been worth the wait.

Everything about this release shows a band that has really put their heart and soul into delivering the best product they could. The recording, mixing, packaging and most importantly the songs are of such a high standard that the band can be sure that their release will be able to hold its own alongside any big name release that will also come out this year. One of their biggest attributes is the knack for homing in on melodic hooks that sink themselves into your skin and never let go. Take  “Unbreakable” or “Pretty In Blood” for instance and I defy anyone not to be singing along with Dale Radcliffe after just one listen to the choruses. The musical delivery throughout is determined and assured, helped by the guitar riffs on steroids of Andy Lindsay, anyone who thought seven string guitars were limited to the domain of Nu-Metal or progressive rockers will have to rethink their preconceptions after one listen to any of the eleven tracks that Lindsay swaggers his way through. His riffs are the glue that holds together some devilishly heavy songs such as “The Me I Lost” and “Fight You On My Own”. At times Lindsay's playing is reminiscent of the young Vivian Campbell during his days with Dio, it’s the commanding yet rebellious guitar attack on “Exit Wound” and “Die Alone “ where this is most apparent.

With lots of care and attention in finishing touches like harmony vocals, meaty drum sounds and guitar solos that jump out of the mix the band have created a modern day rock album that is at once engaging and instantly memorable. Somehow they have managed to blend old school classic hard rock with modern day metal in a way that will allow them to appeal to a healthy crossover of rock generations. Crimes Of Passion is the sound of a band that aren’t afraid to stand up and be counted and if your looking for a band who inspire you to punch your clenched fist in the air and strap on your air guitar and rock out big style then this album deserves your attention without delay.

Al Hey