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Joined: May 22 2007
Location: Michigan, U.S.
Status: Offline
Points: 65938
Posted: August 27 2015 at 09:01
I have downloads of most of their albums. Only a couple that I have physical copies of. I'm not a big fan of paying import prices for CDs so I am content to settle for downloads in these type situations. That being said I haven't listened to Arena as much as bands like Marillion, Pendragon and IQ. Arena are certainly one of the top tier of the neo bands, and Clive Nolan might just be the official keyboardist of the neo-prog genre. I am pretty excited that I recently purchased the Shadowland box set with all of their albums. I have not heard them before and look forward to getting the time to give them some spins.
Joined: January 06 2008
Location: London, UK
Status: Offline
Points: 617
Posted: August 27 2015 at 09:50
Which existing Arena album would people compare The Unquiet Sky too? I'm fond of most of their stuff but Immortal fell a little flat for me and I thought Pepper's Ghost was a serious misstep. (I haven't even heard Seventh Degree of Separation yet - I was too put off by the reviews.) Unquiet Sky seems to have put a lot of doubts to rest, though, so I may make a point of getting it (once I'm done with my present spring-cleaning of my music collection).
Which existing Arena album would people compare The Unquiet Sky too? I'm fond of most of their stuff but Immortal fell a little flat for me and I thought Pepper's Ghost was a serious misstep. (I haven't even heard Seventh Degree of Separation yet - I was too put off by the reviews.) Unquiet Sky seems to have put a lot of doubts to rest, though, so I may make a point of getting it (once I'm done with my present spring-cleaning of my music collection).
The unquiet sky is a fusing if you will whereby its a lovely blend of their new style (7th degree) mixed in with a good flare of their older more familiar sound found on peppers ghost and contagion. It's a quality album non the less. Please explore the seventh degree of separation. Read Aussie Byrd Brother's review on it. It won't put you off, but rather encourage you to discover Arena's new direction. He explains it well. You also gain a better appreciation for the unquiet sky following that listen of 7th degree. Hope you enjoy it. It's worth discovering!
I have downloads of most of their albums. Only a couple that I have physical copies of. I'm not a big fan of paying import prices for CDs so I am content to settle for downloads in these type situations. That being said I haven't listened to Arena as much as bands like Marillion, Pendragon and IQ. Arena are certainly one of the top tier of the neo bands, and Clive Nolan might just be the official keyboardist of the neo-prog genre. I am pretty excited that I recently purchased the Shadowland box set with all of their albums. I have not heard them before and look forward to getting the time to give them some spins.
100% agree with you. Hate import prices!! Luckily I've known about arena for quite some time now, so I only had to splurge on a couple of their albums. Contagion Max being one of them. Lol 32$! Worth it for me though. And you are right about Clive Nolan. He is a premium contender and forerunner for all time great in Neo synth land. ;) he has my vote! And enjoy shadowland. I don't have that so I hope it fairs well with you. Maybe explore Clive's ALCHEMY album. You'll be amazed what you here. It's Neo broadway! :)
Joined: October 28 2008
Location: Wales
Status: Offline
Points: 13249
Posted: August 29 2015 at 03:36
progbethyname wrote:
Warthur wrote:
Which existing Arena album would people compare The Unquiet Sky too? I'm fond of most of their stuff but Immortal fell a little flat for me and I thought Pepper's Ghost was a serious misstep. (I haven't even heard Seventh Degree of Separation yet - I was too put off by the reviews.) Unquiet Sky seems to have put a lot of doubts to rest, though, so I may make a point of getting it (once I'm done with my present spring-cleaning of my music collection).
The unquiet sky is a fusing if you will whereby its a lovely blend of their new style (7th degree) mixed in with a good flare of their older more familiar sound found on peppers ghost and contagion. It's a quality album non the less. Please explore the seventh degree of separation. Read Aussie Byrd Brother's review on it. It won't put you off, but rather encourage you to discover Arena's new direction. He explains it well. You also gain a better appreciation for the unquiet sky following that listen of 7th degree. Hope you enjoy it. It's worth discovering!
Nicholas provides a good description of the new album. I would also add that, with the new album, Arena have rediscovered that pomp in their prog rock which marked them out from the start. They are far the better for it. In fact, as things stand, my review to come is heavily leaning towards a five star rating, because I can barely find fault, it is that good.
Which existing Arena album would people compare The Unquiet Sky too? I'm fond of most of their stuff but Immortal fell a little flat for me and I thought Pepper's Ghost was a serious misstep. (I haven't even heard Seventh Degree of Separation yet - I was too put off by the reviews.) Unquiet Sky seems to have put a lot of doubts to rest, though, so I may make a point of getting it (once I'm done with my present spring-cleaning of my music collection).
The unquiet sky is a fusing if you will whereby its a lovely blend of their new style (7th degree) mixed in with a good flare of their older more familiar sound found on peppers ghost and contagion. It's a quality album non the less. Please explore the seventh degree of separation. Read Aussie Byrd Brother's review on it. It won't put you off, but rather encourage you to discover Arena's new direction. He explains it well. You also gain a better appreciation for the unquiet sky following that listen of 7th degree. Hope you enjoy it. It's worth discovering!
Nicholas provides a good description of the new album. I would also add that, with the new album, Arena have rediscovered that pomp in their prog rock which marked them out from the start. They are far the better for it. In fact, as things stand, my review to come is heavily leaning towards a five star rating, because I can barely find fault, it is that good.
I felt exactly this way, Steve! exactly. I just can't find a fault. It is my masterpiece of 2015. This album stands at #1 for me unless Iron Maiden can pull out a shocker.
Look forward to reading your review. I'm glad you are loving the album like I am. It's a great offering. Such quality. :)
ARENA? Anybody feeling the love lately for what this band can do?
Has anyone heard the "Salamander" remix by Richard west? He's the original and still current keyboardist of the Prog metal band, "Threshold." Anyway...not bad. ;)
Joined: August 22 2010
Location: Indiana
Status: Offline
Points: 20468
Posted: October 13 2015 at 13:56
Well....I'm a fan of some neo prog....really like IQ for instance , but I only have Contagion and Pepper's Ghost by Arena. While I find them interesting I still haven't become a big fan.
Which is better: The Visitor or Immortal..?
One does nothing yet nothing is left undone. Haquin
Well....I'm a fan of some neo prog....really like IQ for instance , but I only have Contagion and Pepper's Ghost by Arena. While I find them interesting I still haven't become a big fan.
Which is better: The Visitor or Immortal..?
The Visitor, by far
Music is the refuge of souls ulcerated by happiness.
Joined: October 28 2008
Location: Wales
Status: Offline
Points: 13249
Posted: October 13 2015 at 14:23
dr wu23 wrote:
Well....I'm a fan of some neo prog....really like IQ for instance , but I only have Contagion and Pepper's Ghost by Arena. While I find them interesting I still haven't become a big fan.
Joined: August 11 2012
Location: Toadstool
Status: Offline
Points: 1787
Posted: November 12 2015 at 14:19
^ I just tried my first Arena album a few months ago and liked it. The Visitor...not exactly sure why I picked that instead of others, maybe reading some of the reviews...or a coin toss
I'm sure some of the guys who know their discography well will chime in...
Joined: September 08 2009
Location: Wales
Status: Offline
Points: 850
Posted: November 19 2015 at 13:32
I bought Immortal? the other day. My 3rd Arena album after Songs From the Lion's Cage and Pepper's Ghost. Still getting familiar with the songs, but as with the two albums mentioned above, it gets off to a great start with Chosen. That keyboard/guitar riff after the opening drum intro is really powerful and driving.
Joined: October 10 2015
Location: Toronto
Status: Offline
Points: 125
Posted: November 19 2015 at 17:02
Since this is the Arena Appreciation Thread, and i'm surfing the forums, i thought i'd just pipe in that Unquiet Sky is one of my favourite recently albums...possibly because I really like the short story it is loosely based on as well. I don't think any of the songs are 'killer tracks', but they all work so well together, tell a story, and enjoyable to listen to.
Pepper's Ghost i bought, but didn't really like as much. Seventh Degree of Separation feels similar to me as unquiet sky.
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Arena Appreciation Thread
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Warthur wrote:
exactly. I just can't find a fault. It is my masterpiece of 2015. 
