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Stream Of Passion felt they needed to silence their critics
by releasing a live performance of their new music. Some people
thought that the band was suspect because the first studio
release Embrace The Storm came together by exchanging files
over the internet. Arjen “Ayreon” Luccassen and the rest of
the band are all over the globe so there was no other way
at the time to make the recording happen. The results were
fantastic and the album garnered some great reviews and it
continues to gather momentum, the critics be damned! This
is a common practice these days and many great albums have
resulted by using the available technologies to eliminate
the logistical nightmares that previously killed many great
projects before their birth, leaving just a thought or an
idea on the table, never to be revisited again. Welcome to
2006 and all the wonderful mediums at our disposal.***
The Live In The Real World DVD (also available as two
CD set) removes any doubt or speculation that this band is
not the real deal and capable of performing their studio cuts
and a range of previous Ayreon tracks just as well or if not
better in a live setting. Marcela Bovio is magnetic on stage
and she has her equally beautiful sister Diana by her side
to provide the outstanding backup vocals necessary for all
of the tracks the band runs through on the DVD. Damian Wilson
(Threshold, Rick Wakeman) steps up and steers the ship for
the Ayreon classics “The Castle Hall” and “Into The Black
Hole.” His voice is widely recognized in the world of progressive
rock and he is one of the most sought after lead vocalist
today. Arjen knows who the best are and always manages to
bring them into his projects at some point. The title track
is one of the more dynamic and exciting performances and I
can see why it was the choice for a single and video shoot.
Every track has the ability to stand on its own and I enjoyed
it so much, a few days later I watched it again. ***
This DVD whetted my appetite and brought my anxiousness
to another level. I have to see this band play live, one way
or another it has to happen. I think Arjen has put together
a lethal combination of musicians, writers, and vocalists,
well he always does but this time it is exceptional, there
is special energy going on between these people. Once again,
I have to credit the entire band for their excellence. ***
Here is the lineup:
Arjen Lucassen: What else can I say about him? Over the
years I have spoke of his brilliance and my feelings remain
the same - he is one of the best guitar players and composers
on the planet and he continues to come up with new ideas and
compositions that are engaging and unique. This is what makes
Lucassen one of the more distinctive artists in recorded music
today.
Marcela Bovio: She is a true to form temptress on stage,
always dancing about and jumping around with her alluring
and mysterious vocals. She works that stage as if it was her
home. She is also the lead vocalist for Elfonia, her excellent
prog-rock band from Mexico.
Alejandro Milan: He creates a wall of sound with his piano
and strings, and then adds some surprisingly good vocals in
as well.
Lori Linstruth: Her razor sharp guitar lines and good
looks are one of the highlights of the show, although she
needs to come out from behind all of those beautiful golden
locks and look at her audience some more. Lori does a nice
job answering Arjen’s guitar lines blow for blow and at times
leads the way.
Johan Van Startum and Davy Mickers: They hold down the
bottom end with authority, forming a formidable rhythm section
that truly stands out as one of the best out there today.
When you hear the complexity of some of the arrangements and
watch these two put it all together while keeping it all marching
in a straight line, it is a thing of beauty to watch.
Diana Bovio: Marcela’s little sister. Obviously has a
tremendous voice all her own that will find its way leading
her own band some day.
And of course, the prominent guest Damian Wilson for his
contributions.
The bonuses are great fun as well, the tour dairy, the
making of the "Out In The Real World" video and then the entire
full length mesmerizing video, wrap this fine package of entertainment
up. This DVD is a necessary purchase for the legions of Arjen
followers and prog rockers all over the world that have been
waiting for this day to arrive. There is no doubt, and there
never has been that the talent of Stream Of Passion was fully
realized in the studio, and now it comes to life on stage
before your eyes, enjoy the magic.
Behind The Scenes / Photo Gallery / Video Clip: Out In
The Real World / Making Of The Video Clip / Tour Diary
©
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
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