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Rating: Majestic.
This is the most suitable term to describe a band like Arena. This group was born in the mid-nineties, thanks to two musical members not new to the musical world. The first is Mick Pointer, already known for being the first drummer of Marillion (see "Script For A Jester's Tear"). The second member is Clive Nolan, who is also the keyboardist of Pendragon.
Not just progressive.
Arena's music is also influenced by other musical genres. In their music, we find elements of operatic music, as demonstrated by some tracks in their musical repertoire. The first track that comes to mind is the extraordinary "Opera Fanatica". This little gem is contained in their latest studio album Pepper's Ghost. A truly magnificent track that highlights the band's originality on a compositional level.
Seven albums in total.
So far, Arena has released albums that are fairly appreciable but also debatable. Personally, I think the most interesting albums are the first two, namely "Songs From The Lion's Cage" and "Pride". Subsequent albums like "The Visitor" and "Immortal?" take a fairly different musical path compared to the debut albums. Especially "Immortal?" differs significantly from the previous records, containing some tracks that sound partly more in a pop style. A little curiosity, Steve Rothery played a solo in the track "Crying for Help III". The track is included in the first album they made.
Pride.
As I mentioned earlier, in my opinion, Pride is one of Arena's most interesting albums. I found this work very experimental, not only musically but also vocally, see tracks like "Crying for Help VII" and "Crying for Help VIII". The first track of the album is called "Welcome To The Cage", a very lively and direct piece that reminds me a lot of the progressive of Genesis. Another noteworthy piece is "Empire Of A Thousand Days", a track introduced by a very dark and cold sound until it ignites in all its majesty, a real gem. Followed by "Crying for Help VI", an instrumental track with medieval tastes, as well as elusive and melancholic. Other important episodes are "Fool's Gold" and "Sirens", two fully progressive tracks that are more than enjoyable. However, I must say that the album's artwork does not particularly excite me.
Writing a review about this group was necessary.
Enjoy listening.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
03 Empire of a Thousand Days (09:35)
Traitors - Heathens....don't thank me!
Empires - Princes....don't thank me!
The fellowship started here
With bleeding hearts and fine cause
The brotherhood started here
With fevered brows - malevolence
Beaten - Howling....I'll drag you down!
Kneeling - Cowering....I'll drag you right down!
Soldiers - Victims....don't thank me!
Warriors - Pilgrims....don't thank me!
The fellowship started here
With righteousness and lunacy
The covenant started here
With screaming souls and vitriol
Can there be comfort left
For one who lies bleeding in the fields
Remorse and second thoughts are not enough
To shield me from the consequence
Horses - Warcries....Don't thank me!
Forces - Armies....Don't thank me!
Dedicate your life to this
With blood vows and loyalty
Dedicate your life to me
With suicide - atrocity
Onward - Fervent....I'll drag you down!
Torture - Torment....I'll drag you right down!
Can there be a heaven still
For one who lies bleeding in the fields
A pardon for these actions and passions
Committed in the name of our salvation
Innocence of acquaintance or liaison
The darker side of hunger and need
We reach a path -
the way beyond reason
Now we have sown that nemicidal seed
And I can count on you to let me bleed
An act of trust is as fragile as a child
And we have led as far as we can lead
We'll make a pact from threats and insecurities
Things will arise from lies and disagreements
And I can count on you to let me bleed
Let the meek lie down!
For they shall not inherit the earth from me
Let the meek lie down!
I will never set your people free
Take no prisoners!
For they shall not receive any hope from me
Take no prisoners!
I will never set your people free
Death is the enemy!
For he waits in the field of blood for me
Death is the enemy!
I will never set your people free
Let the meek lie down! Let the meek lie down!
Let the meek lie down! Down!
Let the meek, let the meek lie down!
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