IMMORTAL?

This album is a real change in Arena's style: showing prog metal influences throughout, this updates and invigorates thier sound. Chosen could easily be a Threshold song (and a good one at that), with dynamic riffs and dark lyrical themes. This is a powerful, energetic opener, one of the main reasons being Sowden's electric performance. Sowden really shines on this album, and any concerns that Wrightson's departure would signal a downturn for the band are cast aside. Sowden may now be the single best Neo prog vocalist. His best work on the album, and easily the best song here, is Moviedrome, which is arguably the best epic in the genre. It is unremittingly dark, with few major sections for the first 17.5 minutes. For anyone who thinks neo prog is merely deriative of Genesis, this song would be my riposte. The main theme recurs throughout the song, making it an extremely cohesive unit. This album will not be for everyone, as it is dark and heavy for its type, so if you abhor prog metal, this may not be for you. The lighter moments on the album (Climbing the net, Friday's dream) are fairly weak, and keep it from classic status