THE FLAME WITHIN

Maybe there is such a thing as the sophomore jinx. I say that after reviewing ABIGAIL'S GHOST's latest and now this one. Both bands have changed their sound from the debuts. In STREAM OF PASSION's case they've gone from a Prog-Metal style to more of a straight forward sound, mixed with some heaviness. I wasn't surprised to see them listed as Prog- Related now because that's what your getting here. There's 13 tracks over 55 minutes so we get all these 4 minute songs. Lori and Arjen have both left since the debut and I really miss their guitar work. The vocals of course are flawless, i'm a huge Marcela fan.

"The Art Of Loss" opens with piano and vocal melodies as it kicks in heavily. Vocals follow. Some ripping guitar after 2 1/2 minutes and the vocals are great. "In The End" puts the focus squarely on the vocals which isn't a bad thing. Drums and piano are prominant as well. Tasteful guitar solo 2 1/2 minutes in. "Now Or Never" opens with piano and heavy riffs then it settles when the vocals arrive. A catchy tune as the contrasts continue. "When You Hurt Me The Most" is my third favourite. Piano and reserved vocals to start as it builds. She sounds excellent here. Guitar solo 3 1/2 minutes in then it ends as it began.

"Run Away" opens with piano (I see a theme here) as reserved vocals join in. Some violin here in this ballad although we do get some power late. Not a fan of this one. "Games We Play" is heavy early until vocals and piano arrive, although the heaviness comes and goes. "This Endless Night" has this powerful undercurrent I like. "My Leader" has a good intro then it settles with vocals and piano. Contrasts continue. I like the vocal melodies. "Burn My Pain" is my favourite. Some atmosphere finally as vocals and heaviness come in. I really like the synths here. A very uplifting song. "Let Me In" is pretty good but "Street Spirit" is much better. My number two. I just like how intense it is and of course the vocals. "A Part Of You" opens with guitar followed by the heaviest section yet. It then settles with vocals the rest of the way. "All I Know" features a guest string quartet with piano and reserved vocals.

This is very close to being 4 stars for me but I can't pull the trigger. 3.5 stars.