THE VISITOR

I don't know about you, but just by the cover I knew this was going to be good. I immediatly recognized the Hugh Syme signature. And what somptuous artwork! The cloudy, gloomy, creepy atmosphere is so very well represented, you could even feel the air getting heavier as the storm approaches. The cover is putting you right on place, close to the hanging tree, feeling the gentle breeze caressing your face, comtemplating the sky. The best artwork of the 90's.

The music is surprinsingly excellent, chosing a multiple set of moods fitting with the exquisite artwork. The keyboard being very present is in the (very) capable hands of Clive Nolan. Thank him because his signature is present in every great bits that I like. He has so much talent to make crazy catchy choruses, but not wrapping it up into a too poppy package. This album pleases your ears from A-Z, to me reaching climax in Crack in the Ice, Double Vision, Hanging Tree, A State of Grace and Don't Forget to Breathe.

Those a gems of light prog, but constructed in solid marble. The churchish, pastoral atmosphere of the mellotron 'ooohs' and 'aaahs' is perhaps what's dragging me close to Arena's work. It really does the trick for me!

A true easy listening prog gem. Very well constructed, logical, innovative in the concept, super catchy by moments but never compromising on the quality. I'd rather like to ear Rob Sowden sing but Wrightson's performance is less intense, so more digestible for many.

It's such a well constructed and it goes smoothly in your headphones this could easily be transformed as a flashy theatrical piece.

Give it a try when you have a chance and "walk with us into the fire, the fire, THE FIRE!!"

OoOhh mAn, fAnTasTIc...