Some things you expect to come out of Italy. For example, pizza, pasta, and the Fiat 500. But perhaps not symphonic goth rock. But in this digital age, musical genres know no bounds.

Armonight were formed in 2007 when Lara (guitar) set out to find someone to play Fjord's (guitar, bass, drum programs, keyboards and effects) compositions. The band's somewhat unusual line up being completed by Sy (female vocals) and Ricky (drums).

The album kicks of with Revenge - a tumultuous instrumental salvo of proportions worthy of ELP in their heyday. It's a bombastic calling card and sets the tone for a set packed with great female vocals, swirling symphonic keys, and gutsy guitar work.

The band see themselves as having a pop/rock edge as opposed to being purveyors of the more hardcore gothic genre and as a result the nearest comparators are the likes of Delain and Divanity. All that's missing is perhaps a few more killer hooks (one number does tend to blend into the next), and a more ‘heavyweight' production.

But all the constituent parts are present and correct. Suffering And Passion is eminently listenable and a great additions to the pop / rock / goth / symphonic genre. Ones to watch. Bellissimo.

***½

Review by Pete Whalley