THE VISITOR

This is the last album English neo-progressive rockband Arena would make following the Marillion playbook with Fish-like vocal expression (by Paul Wrighson). 'The Visitor' is perhaps the most famous concept album of nineties progressive rock and it would set the tone for much to come. The album also introduces the amazing powerful and melodic guitarist John Mitchell, who's leads on 'Elea', 'The Hanging Tree' and 'Serenity' are all among the high points of this record. What makes an album reach such a classic status is of course the song-writing and at least one big hit with the audience; which comes in the form of 'The Hanging Tree'. This track has a beautiful majestic opening section, some great gothic interludes and dark guitar-leads. The heart-stealer is however the refrain, which always gets me. The whole album has a pleasant flow and offers variety in types of expression; ranging from gloomy to hopeful to melancholic. I do care less about some of the later songs, especially the poppy 'Enemy Without'. The production sounds like an up-date from the eighties symphonic sound, though the sometimes flimsy sound leaves me a bit un-impressed. Some of the recordings sound a bit rushed, like on the over-paced 'Running From Damascus'. The recent re-masted (and good lookin') vinyl release does some good in adding a more differentiated low-end. I might have some serious criticism about this record, but I was quick to pay the full buck when the first vinyl release came - which says something doesn't it?