IMMORTAL?

So would "Immortal?" be the next "Visitor"? I'm sure everybody who loved "The Visitor" was sceptically awaiting their forthcoming album "Immortal" in 2000, especially since Paul Wrightson had left the band in 1998 just after having finished their epic album: "The Visitor".

So what can we say about "Immortal?" ? (yes, the double question mark is correct here :-) One thing is that the album sounds a bit heavier than its predecessor. Furthermore Rob Sowden is a very gifted singer as well who's voice blends in quite nice with the sound of the band, however: I honestly do miss Paul Wrightson. I think to some people Paul Wrightson's departure might have recalled similar feelings about Fish leaving Marillion.

Well, so far for the negative note. Furthermore I think ARENA is a highly talented band with (always) very good keyboard player Clive Nolan (PENDRAGON/ AYREON), solid drummer Mick Pointer and always solid and great guitar playing by John Mitchell. Also Ian Salmon does some very nice bass playing. All and all musically it's all ok and as said before, a bit heavier than "The Visitor". Highlights of "Immortal?" definitely are "The Butterfly Man" and the 20 minute epic "Moviedrome". Especially listen to the last 5, mainly instrumental, minutes of this track starting at 14:40. Wow! Great stuff!

The result: I certainly miss Paul Wrightson on board of the ARENA vehicle, but nevertheless ARENA managed to deliver another solid album and show that the band easily takes place between other great Neo-Progressive bands like IQ, MARILLION and PENDRAGON. Not quite as a masterpiece as "The Visitor", yet absolutely worth a 4 star rating.