THE VISITOR

Just as it seemed that nothing really exciting could be expected from Arena, new guitarist John Mitchell lifts this band to a somewhat higher level. The overall playing generates far more suspense than on previous records. The songs are more developed and sound fresher this time. Suddenly, Arena goes professional. The first half of this conceptual record never looses its speed and has enough twists and turns to gain interest. The eponymous closing track, quite derivative from vintage Genesis, should however have come sooner since the second half threatens to become boring. Nonetheless it seems that The Visitor has saved Arena's day.