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The previous released "Contagion" was, at the time, the very best album this band had released but the latest, "Pepper's Ghost", tops that one off very nicely, I think. I have been anqiously awaiting to see what Clive Nolan had prepared for us in 2005 and, I have to say, I wasn't at all dissappointed. Although many elements have been borrowed from the previous three albums (which do somehow form a trilogy), Arena's latest record still manages to bring plenty of tasty treats for every fan of the genre. John Mitchell's guitar play is extremely captivating all over although not shocking you with technique or originality but still exciting enough to give a new edge to the entire sound. Rob Sowden's vocal tracks are also nice "additions" to Arena's neoprog style, and, I have to admit, I do consider this band a lot better since he had joined them in 98, but the focus point of the entire project is still Clive Nolan's synth playing and songwriting. It is very clear that there would be a lot less going on in these songs without Nolan's fantasmic fingerwork.
It would be almost inhuman for me to try and explain exactly what to expect from the songs included on "Pepper's Ghost" because there's so much going on in some of the songs for example that words were simply not invented to describe. My personal highlight of the records would be the outro track "Opera Fanatica" but there isn't a single second of bore on the entire album. Some people have said that they had to listen to it a few times to actually get to love it, but now, every one I know is listening to this CD with much pleasure. If you are a fan of progressive metal or have liked the bands previous releases, be prepaired to be whipped into a whole new dimension with "Pepper's Ghost". Be on the lookout however for the lack of instant hits, in the style of "Witch Hunt" or "Chosen". This album is for the people who like to listen, not for ones that like a hit.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Bedlam Fayre |
| 2. Smoke And Mirrors |
| 3. The Shattered Room |
| 4. The Eyes Of Lara Moon |
| 5. Tantalus |
| 6. Purgatory Road |
| 7. Opera Fanatica |
: 52.31
| Buy other Arena albums |
