Stream of Passion were, originally, a project formed by Arjen Luccassen of Ayreon fame, set up so he could release a full album with Mexican singer Marcela Bovio. The chemistry between the musicians was so good that the project became a full blown band and producing a studio album “Embrace The Storm” followed by a live album and DVD with a tour to support each release. The future of the band was thrown in doubt however when three band members left, including Luccassen himself but the remaining three members drummer Davy Mickers, bass player Johan van Stratum and the talented Miss Bovio decided to recruit new members and carry on. A few months on from that decision a mini tour was announced and I found myself standing in the Spirit of ’66, a charismatic little rock venue in Verviers, Belgium waiting to see what the new version of the band had to offer. 

The band opened with new song “The Flame Within”, the sound gradually growing from throbbing bass and gentle keyboard lines into a dramatic swirl of riffing guitars and soaring vocals, all the elements which make their sound unique. This segued straight into a storming version of “Passion” from their debut album and the pattern for the evening was set. A few songs from “Embrace The Storm” were sprinkled through the show but the majority was brand new material which is being prepared for their new album. This is a brave move at any point but especially when a band has had so many changes to deal with, but you know what? It worked,  basically for two very good reasons: firstly the new line up has already connected and become a real band. I was right down the front and could see how they interacted and fed off each other. The rhythm section is still a powerhouse, new guitarist Eric Hazebroek has added a real crunch to the bottom end, keyboard player Jeffrey Revet has added a new urgency to the sound and lead guitarist Stephan Schultz adds wild and wonderful soloing to the mix. On top of all this of course you then have the voice of Marcela Bovio herself soaring like an angel over it all, with occasional splashes of devil in there too! 

The second reason the new material worked is that the songs sounded great. From the catchy violin hook and chorus of “In The End” to the crunching riffs of “Games We Play” and the angst of “When You Hurt Me The Most”  each one was memorable and immediate. Marcela’s haunting vocals at the start of “Run Away” held the audience spellbound and when the band kicked into the epic finale they were blown away. The new album is going to be good, take it from me! 

The main part of the set ended with old favourite “Haunted” showcasing the fact that the new line up is heavier than the old but has not lost the lightness of touch and melody in the process. The audience demanded an encore and the band duly obliged with Ayreon song  “Computer Eyes” which allowed backing singer Lucinda Zoutendyk to come forward and trade lines with Marcela to great effect. The show ended all too soon with the epic and spine tingling title track from “Embrace The Storm”. I came to the show to see if this band could reinvent themselves but I came away thinking that what I’d seen was more a statement of intent. Stream Of Passion are here with a great new line up, great new songs and they’re going to make an impact! I look forward to that and if you like your music full of drama, melody and individual style so should you!

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