Passage
Voyage

An album that indeed is the happiest discovery of 2022; Voyage stands out as one of the best works of this year, which hasn't been particularly interesting musically for me.

And I'll tell you more: the long concept, extending over an hour with only six songs, served as the ideal soundtrack that accompanied me on my recent vacation in Abruzzo. A celestial music that perfectly matches the vast landscapes crossed in the dear and never forgotten land of my father, which I always carry deep in my soul.

Passage are Canadians from Quebec and have arrived at their third album. The two previous ones retraced Gothic-Doom paths, with very evident references, very well executed, to more renowned bands like My Dying Bride, for the most part, and also Paradise Lost.

With Voyage, we are facing a true metamorphosis, a radical musical transformation that completely abandons Metal. Even the vocals are set aside: only and solely enchanting instrumentals that rise and grow in intensity, between masterful Post-Rock and Shoegaze. A deep, ethereal, charming, velvety alchemy.

Long, subtle tapestries guided by acoustic instruments with a rustic and ambient flavor. The band's exquisite taste is evident, with the addition in many passages of expansive orchestrations. Violins and pianos join the rare electric moments, creating a dreamlike, enchanted atmosphere that envelops and warms you.

I find it difficult to highlight even a single track; it needs to be listened to in one go, in solitude, with eyes closed... La Mémoire du Temps...

Ad Maiora.