SONGS FROM THE LIONS CAGE

The very first album of an excellent band, one of my favorite bands. I discovered ARENA with The Visitor, but when I listened to SONGS FROM THE LION CAGE I confirmed my enjoyment for this band. Mick Pointer (former Marillion) joined Clive Nolan in the quest of a side project to Pendragon, and together with John Carson, Keith More and Cliff Orsi, they created the SONGS full of neoprog sounds. The Crying for Help songs are divided in 4 parts, each part played with different instruments and different mood. The first one has the acoustic guitar playing in a classical way, the second part, Nolan uses the harpsichord effect, the third one is one of my favorites, kind of reflexive and ambient, the last one has voice in it and of course a guest, Steve Rothery, whose style of playing is remarkable. The rest of the songs have that power in guitars, voices, and drums. I love the choirs in Valley of the Kings, and John's voice marked the standard in the band, something that would be followed by P. Wrightson and R. Snowden. Solomon is a wonderful song that starts slow and then the last part becomes totally a delight to hear. Midas Vision and Out of the Wilderness are the same powerful songs, Jericho is amazing how it begins as a ballad and turns into a powerful song! Excellent album!