CONTAGION

To me this album stands out. Not just in the neo-progressive genre - in which it belongs in the short list of absolute great albums like 'Script For A Jester's Tear', 'Empires Never Last' and 'Resistance' - but of any sub genre. To me 'Contagion' represents the adventurous, emotional and magical journey that is progressive rock. Whereas Arena still leans heavily on the groundwork of early Marillion and Genesis, it does take the genre for a ride in a quite different direction. More based on these magical abstract atmospheres, more sci-fi, more in search for a divine sound. Existential in way. Rob Sowden is hands down my favorite recording vocalist of the genre and his well immersed powerful vocals greatly enhance the already well composed songs. He lives his songs. John Mitchell's melodic heavy guitars have long been a favorite of mine, but his contributions to songs like 'This Way Madness Lies', 'Never Ending Night' and 'Cutting the Cards' are just beyond me. Whereas all songs fit perfectly together in this semi concept album, there are actually some influences of other genres. For instance the pumping raw metal riff of 'Witch Hunt', the electronic prog of 'Riding the Tide' and the folky opening of 'Cutting the Cards'. Mostly the album fares well on neo-prog melancholy and the experience of the deep self, of which the final track 'Ascension' is a great example. Seldom was a song so suited for setting the mood for finish a musical journey. This is the original album that got me hooked on progressive rock as a fourteen year old and I can't imagine having had a better start.