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:: Review ::
Oh, joy!!… Oh, rapture!!… A new Arena album. For devoted Arena fans, you know
what I’m talking about, and you don’t need a review to decide whether or not to
purchase this CD, for you have already sought it out and are reveling in it. My
Arena collection is among my most treasured, and I’ve been hooked ever since my
first listen to “Songs From The Lion’s Cage”. For those who may not be familiar with
their music, casual fans, or even non-fans, allow me to explain why I consider Arena
special in the world of Progressive Rock.
Since the beginning, Arena’s theme has centered on one man’s search for salvation
amidst biblical imagery and has never strayed from this theme. To some, this may be
considered one- dimensional, but I for one would be disappointed if they did move in
another direction. This is what they have dedicated their very existence to, and for
“Intellectuals” and those who rush to churches after tragedy occurs to find solace
and comfort, but tend to grow complacent in the interim, the message cannot be
reiterated enough. Arena’s instrumentation is relatively basic, without a lot of
bells and whistles aside from the occasional sound effect or alteration used to
accentuate a particular point in the story. But at any junction in the CD, whether
it be power chords, a serene and melodic guitar or keyboard solo, or a verse being
sung, the passion and energy never fades. “Gospel Prog” at it’s finest,
soul-stirring and exhilarating.
“Contagion” is yet another vision of the Brave New World concept, as one man
is driven to the brink of insanity by the guilt of living in a corrupt and morally
decayed society which had relied solely on it’s own devices and technology, devoid of
God and faith. Images of devils in disguise, searing flames, and crushing floods
abound as The Christ looks on, surveying the destruction as He searches for a soul
to save. This powerful vision of the Apocalypse and fulfillment of the prophecies
makes me wonder just how far off we really are from “the future”, considering the
state of the world today. Is it the year 2112 as the classic album by Rush suggests?
Sooner? Later? Heaven only knows.
The legendary Clive Nolan and Mick Pointer have been the two constants of the
band since it’s inception, while there have been three different bassists, three
vocalists, and two guitarists, with Steve Rothery of Marillion a guest guitarist on
“Crying for Help IV” from “Lion’s Cage”, which happens to be my favorite Arena
passage. But even though some of the key players have changed over time, the overall
signature sound of the band has not. “Contagion” continues the tradition as the
songs leading up to “Bitter Harvest” (except for “An Angel Falls”) are, for the most
part, heavy and intense, as Nolan, Pointer, Salmon, and Mitchell soar together on
the instrumentals “This Way Madness Lies” and “On The Box”. Rob Sowden’s voice
exudes desperation and fear as the world crumbles around him, but turns soulfully
expressive as he finds his savior has not abandoned him, leading him to his
ultimate destiny.
Clive- You da man. Rob and Chad- Arena would be the ultimate, at least for
me. On the “Lion’s Cage” scale of a perfect 10 out of 10, I usually don’t assign
decimals to my ratings, but in this case I must…
9.75 keyboards
Reviewed by: Rick Woodward 2/8/03
Visit the artist website:
http://www.verglas.com/ArenaWorld/arenaworld.html
Email:
email: arena@verglas.com
:: Discography ::
Songs From The Lion's Cage - 1995
Pride - 1996
Welcome To The Stage - 1997
The Cry - EP - 1997
The Visitor - 1998
The Visitor - Revisited - 1999 - Dutch fan club only release
Immortal? - 2000
Breakfast in Biarritz (2001)
Unlocking The Cage - 1995-2000 - 2001 - Dutch fan club only release
Contagion - 2003
You can purchase this CD from :
http://www.verglas.com/Shop/vstore.htm
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