PEPPER'S GHOST

Well, as a big Arena fan and who thought that each album was a progression from their first masterpiece "The Visitor", I was so looking forward to this album. The first thing to note is that it does take a few listens to fully get what is on the album but to me this is not prog-rock but more AOR rock. It is not metal either. The band have gone for a slightly heavier sound but what is missing - to my ears anyway - is more of the strong melodies that you associate with this bands output. There is also a distinct lack of emotional guitar solos which you always get from John Mitchell. When he does get to play anything other than 'chugging' guitar ala what every other rock guitarist is prone to do (usually to hide their deficiencies) its is wonderful but there is simply not enough on this album.

Rob does his usual vocal job and has less ballad style to compete with (his voice sounds better when singing the slow numbers).

Overall this is not the worse Arena album but certainly nowhere near as good as Visitor or Immortal. I have given it three stars as it does grow on you but there just seems to be certain things missing that you find on all the other albums.

Again, I really would not class this as neo or progressive rock as many of those traits are missing. However, there are some instances on Purgatory Road and Opera Fanatic that are more progressive in feel at times.

Good album but next one has to be better.