Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Pendragon - Passion CD (album) cover

PASSION

Pendragon

 

Neo-Prog

3.73 | 608 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer
4 stars I really thought time had passed this band by when I heard their 2005 release called "Believe".These guys put out three great albums in the nineties in "The World" , "The Window Of Life" and "Masquerade Overture" but "Believe" was average at best. Well fast forward a few years and they release "Pure" and I wasn't even going to bother until I saw all the high ratings and the news that they had become heavier. Well "Pure" lived up to the hype.They were back ! This latest album "Passion" continues where "Pure" left off as they've continued with that heavier sound but also they've implimented some new ideas which work well. There's a great article on the band in a recent Classic Prog magazine with some cool pictures of the boys.

"Passion" has this interesting soundscape to start as the vocals join in. It kicks in harder after 1 1/2 minutes. A calm after 4 1/2 minutes as an almost sinister mood arrives to the end. "Empathy" sounds so good to start out. Vocals around 1 1/2 minutes then it calms down with atmosphere before picking back up again with vocals. It settles after 4 minutes then the vocals return a minute later as it stays laid back. A nice soaring guitar solo around 8 minutes then Nick comes in speaking the lyrics. Not rapping as I keep reading. As someone who hears Rap a lot in my household from my two teens including listening to "The Marshall Mathers LP" and "The Eminem Show" on our way down to Florida this year I think I can tell the difference mofo. Piano takes over after 9 1/2 minutes then it turns orchestral-like to end it.

"Feeding Frenzy" is dark with atmosphere to start as almost spoken vocals join in.The guitar kicks in at a minute then the drums follow. Hell yeah ! I like the lyrics too. It's nasty before 2 1/2 minutes. Killer track ! "This Green And Pleasant Land" is mellow with reserved vocals until the guitar and a beat come in after 2 1/2 minutes when the vocals stop.They're back a minute later as the sound gets fuller. Great sound after 6 minutes. Guitar then comes to the fore before 9 minutes. A strange ending to this one. "It's Just A Matter Of Not Getting Caught" is spacey to start as harp comes in. It's fuller with a beat and guitar but it's still spacey as the vocals arrive. It turns heavier 1 1/2 minutes in. I really like this song.

"Skara Brae" sounds really good as the guitar grinds away then the vocals join in. it settles but not for long. A calm before 3 minutes with vocals and atmosphere. Great sound after 5 minutes. Beautiful sound after 6 1/2 minutes to end it. Fantasic ! "Your Black Heart" is my least favourite. It's mellow with reserved vocals, piano and more. It's just too generic after all that i've heard.Take away this almost 7 minute song and this is a 4.5 star recording.

Congrats to the guys for another winner. Peter Gee, Nick Barrett, Clive Nolan and the relatively new guy Scott Higham. A very solid 4 stars and another impressive outing.

Mellotron Storm | 4/5 |

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Share this PENDRAGON review

Social review comments () BETA







Review related links

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.