THE VISITOR

The first Arena album I ever listened to. Released in '98 it was the first proper studio album to feature JOHN MITCHELL on guitar, who delivers some amazing guitarwork on this record.

I am listening to this record whilst writing this review, so sit down, have a cuppa and join in!

1. A Crack In The Ice: Brilliant opener. Was immediately hooked while listening. The song is an absolute rollercoaster ride from start to finish, GOD that riff is brilliant. Ends with some ambient sounds before going into the next song.

Rating: 5/5

2. Pins And Needles: The song starts with some mellow acoustic sounds, building up with drums and some synth sounds.

Rating: 4/5

3. Double Vision: Immediately you're greeted by an amazing guitar solo with Mick Pointer bashing along. Nice instrumental work in the middle section!

Rating: 4.5/5

4. Elea: Great interlude with a nice guitar solo near the end.

Rating: 4/5

5. The Hanging Tree: I really like how this song builds up, you really can hear how much effort was put into it's creation. For a prog song the chorus really is tempting you to sing along. Also I really enjoy the texture CLIVE NOLANs keyboard work adds. One of my favourites of the album.

Rating: 5/5

6. A State Of Grace: AMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZINGAMAZING

Rating: 5/5

7. Blood Red Room: Mellow, ambient interlude to

8. In The Blink Of An Eye: Great keyboard and guitar work here. It has a great chorus and the instrumental work is absolutely phenomenal.

Rating (7+8): 4.5/5

9. (Don't Forget To) Breathe: Some 'Lofi' sounds start this song, switching into a cleaner mix for the second verse. Really like this one.

Rating: 4/5

10 Serenity: Mellow interlude into:

11 Tears In The Rain: Again, some amazing guitar solos in here. This song really builds up amazingly. Can't deny the MARILLION influence.

Rating (10+11): 4.5/5

12 Enemy Without: Great Riff, great drumming, simply an awesome song. Christ, that chorus! SO GOOD! Love the reprise of the 'Crack In The Ice' Riff.

Rating: 5/5

13 Running From Damascus: Yeah it's good!

Rating: 5/5

14 The Visitor: Starts again with some acoustic guitars and singing. backed by a glockenspiel. Uuuuuhhh, it builds. A great, emotional closing track. That last guitar solo just killed me. What a terrific song!

Rating: 5/5

Final Rating: 5/5

Truly a Neo Prog masterpiece! Bravo, ARENA!

Share this ARENA review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Hesedingking
• Report this review (#3058311)
• Buy ARENA music online with PA partners
• Show all ARENA MP3/Stream
• Go to ARENA page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to The Visitor page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for ARENA related discussions