THE VISITOR

Back somewhere in the mid-nineties I was anxiously following the steps of this band because they had made two good albums, then they started to show some lack of inspiration and released The Cry which was a drama for me. Then a bit of radio silence for over a year. I was fearing the worse for this favourite band of mine and almost had given up hope until my cousin came up with the releaving announcement: Arena made a new album and it's really great. Something completely different he added.

And how right he was. They had left their concept of the first two albums and made a real concept album instead, how about that ? After a few listens it really blew me away. I mean I was used to the former concept which I had mixed feelings about because I hated The Cry but thanks to that I was really ready for something else. Their new guitarist John Mitchell was doing a really great job on this album (The Visitortrack at the end is awesome) but also the short interlude tracks are magnificent. My great preference for epic tracks was not satisfied with this album but for a change I am not really bothered with that. Somehow it wouldn't even fit in with this album. It's perfect as it is.

I am usually strict with the 5 star appraisal. There have to be at least 3 superb tracks on the album or the overall performance has to be outstanding. This is an obvious case of the second possibility. And there is also the fact that many masterpieces actually "breath" the masterpiece status. This one does. I think you can't get around it if you're honest. It's also by far the best Arena has done so far and since I'm at least a bit of a fan I think 5 stars is appropriate for the bands best.