THE THEORY OF MOLECULAR INHERITANCE

The Theory of Molecular Inheritance is the first Arena album to feature Damian Wilson on vocals, a matchup which fits so elegantly that it feels obvious in retrospect that Wilson is the perfect man for the job. After all, even before his stints in British prog metal stalwarts Threshold and his guest spots in Arena solidified his prog metal credentials, Wilson was the lead vocalist for 1990s neo-proggers Landmarq. Since Arena are very much in a neo-prog vein, but work in the odd metal influence here and there, Wilson already has a well-established grounding in both aspects of their sound, and he's able to tackle the dramatic, theatrical style that Arena's concepts call for brilliantly.

The musical backing here is squarely in the metal-tinged neo-prog style the band have been offering up since Contagion, but it's Wilson's exceptional vocals which really push this over the finish line, making it perhaps the grandest album Arena have ever offered up. The sheer compatibility of the band's established approach and Wilson's well-honed talents shines through, and it's enough to make you want to hear Wilson's renditions of other Arena tracks as well, since I can't think of a single song in their back catalogue which would not become even more compelling with him on the mic.