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Predictions for the
future of progressive rock can easily
be done but everyone agrees that this
particular genre will never gain the
success or the mass aprooval bands
such as Elp, Yes, Eloy, Kansas, Rush
or Marillion had many years before.
The 90's period was extremely difficult
and unpleasant for the most of prog
rock's represenatives and only a couple
of them surpassed the overall mediocrity
and absense of personal identity.
Arena, England's
most beautifully hidden treasure,
almost 2 years after the magnificent
"Contagion" that simply
make their name familiar to the majority
of the prog fans worldwide (although
they had released exceptional stuff
in the past – we mustn't forget
"Immortal) return with "Pepper
Ghost" and it seems that nothing,
no one can really stop their course
to dominate the entire world. It's
obviously quite early to predict the
harvest for prog rock/metal for the
year 2005 but I'm sure that the spiritual
child of Clive Nolan and co will be
the first in line…
Musically speaking,
the new release of Arena, is probably
the heaviest and closer to metal than
anything else. John Mitchell, the
guitarist of the quintet, surely don't
belong to the generation of guitar
heroes, he's not the guy that will
leave you speechless with his abilities
on the 6-chord goddess. On the other
hand, he 'throws' monumentally
heartbreaking riffs and solos that
catched my breath and proves that
besides a capable composer, is a musician
with 'know how' and wonderful
ideas. Bassist Ian Salmon is simply
great, the drumming of Mick Pointer
(former member of Marillion) is stunning
as always and his contribution to
the overall sound of Arena is limiteless,
while Nolan, as a true mastermind,
fantastic keyboard player (following
with style and uniqness the glorious
tradition of British musicians from
the early 70's), offer to the public
a small sample of his musical cleverness.
And what can I say
for Rob Sowden, the man that pushed
the band to overcome the difficulties
of staying for years under the bonds
of Underground? A soulful singer,
a brilliant musician, Rob surpassed
our expectations once again, by giving
a stunning performance and adding
many extra points to the final result.
His interpretation to songs such as
"Smoke And Mirrors", "The
Shattered Room", "Purgatory
Road" or the monumental opus
'"Opera Fanatica"
leaves me no choice for saying nothing
except to give him my gratitude for
everything he did for this exceptional
outfit. The production of Nolan and
his all time friend Richard West from
the mighty Threshold is at least excellent,
take a look at the cartoon-like fantastic
cover (sorry, I only have the promo
in my hands and not the regular edition)
and play "Pepper's Ghost"
at the highest volume!
Drink from the magic
potion of one of the most decent and
hard working progressive rock of our
times (seriously speaking) and leave
the rest of the fans with absence
of self respect, to offer us laughs
about the holy triad that still conquers
their hearts… For God's sake
guys… You're simply pathetic… |
