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Rating: The Arena was formed in 1993 from the mind of the talented and hyperactive keyboardist Clive Nolan. He is a much-appreciated musician in the progressive scene and, in addition to countless collaborations, he is a member of one of the most important new prog groups of the eighties: the Pendragon. Joining the project are former Marillion drummer Mick Pointer, who has been away from the music scene for a long time, and former Asia guitarist Keith More. Completing the line-up are veteran Cliff Orsi and vocalist John Carson, whose vocal timbre at times recalls Fish, the leader of Marillion.
The music offered is melodic and elegant prog, whose influences can be traced back to the past of the various members. An immediate sound that focuses on harmonic and melodic inventiveness, the refinement of arrangements, and also some pop flirtations.
The debut album ”Songs From The Lions Cage” was released in 1995 and immediately achieved good sales and critical success. I confess that I approached the band without high expectations, at a time when I was into other types of sounds, and initially the work did not fully convince me. But I have learned to love this album over time, and it is less immediate than it might seem on first listen.
An aggressive guitar introduces “Out of the Wilderness”, an impeccable track, halfway between the Marillion of “Script” and the IQ of “Ever”. A successful blend of two eras. Following is “Crying for Help I”, a short instrumental for solo acoustic guitar, the first in a series of interludes that separate the actual compositions. The following episodes of this suite, between harpsichord sounds, flutes, and new age atmospheres, lead to the splendid “Crying for Help IV”. The penultimate track on the album and a true song. The atmosphere created by an organ in the background, delicate melodies outlined by the piano, a sorrowful singing, and finally an inspired solo by guest Steve Rothery.
In the middle are the symphonic “Valley of the Kings”, the more direct “Midas Vision” with its catchy refrain, and especially “Jericho”. The latter is an engaging track with different moods, moving from a more introspective and melancholic first part to a more sunny and magnificent second part. Highlighting singer John Carson, who demonstrates great versatility and interpretive ability. The album closes with the most beautiful piece of the album, the long and dramatic “Solomon”. An eclectic track that plays between Floydian atmospheres, sudden accelerations, and beautiful melodies traced by More's guitar. To crown it all, a masterful finale, characterized by inspired choirs and a brilliant guitar solo.
I consider this to be the band's best work, recommended especially for those who love the more romantic side of progressive. I always listen to it again with pleasure.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
05 Jericho (06:50)
Forget the lights
Forget the sounds
You no longer need me round
Lost my patience
Lost my pride
The story of my life
Innocence is no way to hide
Forget the light
Forget the sound
Why do you have to drag me down
Men of night, In disguise
Slay this barren child
Sadness is your only friend
Please forgive me
I didn't mean to
play with your emotions
Tear apart your passions
Please forgive me
I didn't mean to
Hurt you with false meanings
Hurt you with false feelings
Is what you see
Is what you get
Overhearing distant sounds
Is what you wish
Is what you hope
Given both ends of the rope
Both ends of the rope?
When you turn against the system
and the rules that are taught
The true unconscious law
an action without thought
To free yourself forever from the shackles and the chains
Of any kind of hell
You can call this need by any other name
When you stay held down for most of your life
It's not hard to find a cause
It's the catalyst behind the knife... the knife!
Gonna turn the tide against you
Gonna make this private revolution
Gonna smash the gates and march right through
Gonna tear apart this institution
I'm coming down to find you
Gonna make this private revolution
Better keep this faith behind you
Gonna lead the way to new solutions.
Jericho - I'll bring those walls right down on you!
Jericho - I'll bring those walls right down on you!
Gonna turn the tide against you
Gonna make this private revolution
Gonna smash the gates and march right through
Gonna make this private revolution
Jericho - I'll bring those walls right down on you!
Jericho - I'll bring those walls right down on you!
07 Midas Vision (04:36)
Creeping out into the night
Keep your hands outstretched and
your eyes closed tightly
Running out on your own
Don't answer the door or the
telephone
This is no kind of a dream
Not a blessing but a curse
This is no illusion
You've had them before -
this isn't the first
Reaching out - so cold!
What did I say - did I do
To lose my hold on you
Everything you touch
With your finger tips -
Hurts so much
There's a fallen wish
it's shattered on the ground
like a broken gift
The Midas Vision
Was always beating in your heart
The foolish greed, the golden seed
Is dragging out of the reason
and tearing you apart!
Reaching out - so cold!
What did I say - did I do
To lose my hold on you?
Reaching out with
all that I could give
What should I say - should I do
To make you....
Holding out, holding out your hands
Open up, open up your eyes
Is that the knock
or the ringing of the bell
Open the door
to your own private hell.
Reaching out - so cold!
What did I say - did I do
To lose my hold on you?
Reaching out
with all that I could give
What should I say - should I do
To make you live again?
Reaching out - so cold!
What did I say - did I do
To lose my hold on you?
Reaching out
with all that I could give
What should I say - should I do
to make you live again
08 Crying for Help IV (05:06)
Who makes these choices
Who waves the final hand
When wisdom is more than
age or reason
Who makes these choices
Who makes the final stand
When solitude is all
that you believe
It's all the same
And you really should have known
It's all the same
When your heart grows cold
and you're all alone
This has no name
This feeling that I used to know
It's here again
I can see the tortured souls
as they cry for help
Take my hand
I'll lead you through the
traps and snares
Take my hand
I'll feed you and I'll clothe you like
My only child
There is nothing left to fear
My only child
There is nothing left
to hurt you now!
Who makes these choices
Who waves the final hand
When all around
I hear the sound
Of pleading for a helping hand
Who makes those choices
Who makes the final stand
When far away I hear them say
They couldn't give a damn....
Give a damn!
They're crying for help....
Help me!
They're crying for help...
Help me!
They're crying for help...
Help me!
They're crying for help...
Help me!
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