Great gift for the 20th band anniversary

The eighth Arena studio album "The Unquiet Sky, is a concept album, inspired by MR James' short story from 1911," The Casting of the Runes ". The story itself, as well as his film," Night of the Demon "in 1957 always occupied a special place in Clive Nolan's memory and it is not surprising that it was suitable to his gloomy mood and a healthy dose of the supernatural, as a perfect material for another arena publication.

John Mitchell suggested the name The Unquiet Sky before a working title and the band took this ultimately for the finished album. A creative process is complex and time consuming, thus passed from the initial idea to the final completion of the album, nearly 5 months of hard work. The lyrics came first, and many of them were written during the autumn tour with Pendragon. How Clive recalls, he felt the urge to write down his thoughts as soon as possible and to submit the entire libretto before his train of thought came in a so troubled and disordered as time on tour again stalled.
At the end there was even a big surprise for him, like many of his first designs on the finished album were used in almost unchanged form.

Of its content, the album is a loose adaptation of the original story, which is more related to the events of the story rather than particular individuals. The theme of the plot revolves around a curse that ended the life of the one who gets him on the 30th day, if it is not possible to transfer him to someone else to him. MR James idea is the basis for a series of ominous, philosophical texts that reflect on the basic idea of ​​existence, regardless of the presence, the value of life, of death or the general randomness of fate.

All the above facts are recurring motifs being addressed by Clive's literary works for quite some time. "Unquiet Sky is like all its predecessors, rich in symbols, allusions and raised cultural context ... all in a classic style Clive Nolan. And yet it is again a work of art in itself.

Musically Unquiet Sky is the result of joint compositions by Clive and Mick, with 2 songs derived originally by Paul Manzi, a contribution was provided by Kylan Amos and additional material by John Mitchell. The album begins with "Hitchcock Orchestra", an orchestral piece Clive, representing only a slight bow toward the aforementioned film "Night of the Demon" and his era. The intro is transformed immediately into the much tougher motif of "The Demon Strikes" (5:37), which draws us into the captivating throughout history. Unmistakably, we are dealing with Arena in his top shape! A disturbing, ominous mood, produced by masterful guitar parts, world-class vocals, and heavy keyboard sound, coupled with the complexity of the rhythm section, the disaster can be almost tangible. The curse takes its course - the runes were passed!

What follows is an arena typical combination of heavy guitars, interesting rhythms, melodic vocal lines and imaginative keyboard arrangements. Two Paul Manzi ballads, "How Did It Come to This?" (4:30) and "Unexpected Dawn" (3:52) are the gentlest compositions on the album, mesmerise with Paul's dramatic vocals, which a far more convincing performance delivers here than on Seventh Degrees Of Seperation. While the Sadness of John Mitchell's Solis with Paul Manzis acoustic guitar thwarted, Clive orchestration A Wall of Sound is the monumental seems to float in space.

With The Bishop of Lufford (5:24) and No Chance Encounter (4:29) is an act of horror visions developed and offers delicacies for fans of John Mitchell's harder game and Mick Pointers intense rhythmic outbursts, back to the powerful, voluminous Drumsound the Lions Cage has returned. "Markings on a Parchment" (2:20) is an instrumental piece, which is based on an intriguing bass motif of Kylan Amos. It is by no means the only bass part of the special attention deserves Kylan (caamora Theater Company / Alchemy) proved to be a perfect choice for new bassist of the band!

The instrumental piece eventually turns into the title track, which can sit up with their sinister chorals and an exquisite guitar solo. Dramatic piano parts, as well as the stunning vocal performance by Paul, making "The Unquiet Sky" (5:29) no doubt a highlight of the album, which combines all the characteristics of potential hits of the band in itself.

"What Happened Before" (4:55) is another feast for lovers of Mitchell's guitar and Nolan piano sounds, while "Time Runs Out" (4:39) and "Returning The Curse" (3:48) to develop classic keyboard-oriented prog songs. "Traveller Beware" (7:39) ultimately forms a stylish highlight of the album in best tradition Arena, with surprising mood and tempo changes and instrumental and vocal virtuosity. If you had to choose only one or two personal favorites, this would be a rather difficult task. The album consists of 12 complex compositions without any failure or the slightest hint of banality and works best self-contained. The return of Simon Hanhart as a producer, has no doubt a significant impact on the ultimate sound of publication.

To round out the musical and lyrical side, the album with an elegant booklet, which 'includes both the entire texts, as well as an impressive show of Kylan Amos graphics appear. In his artistic work Kylan managed a masterful implementation of eerie and turbulent mood of the songs. The attentive observer will notice that a number of old Arena symbols is sent woven in a modern garb of new images and visions. It is also interesting to note that Kylans woman served as a model and muse for some of these demonic fantasies. The effects are visually stunning and fascinating. All in all, "The Unquiet Sky" again a classic Arena album ... but better, more imaginative, great and mature than ever. Kudos to the quintet for their months of hard work, the result of which they for the 20th anniversary present our publication, which can be celebrated with security as one of the best albums in the band's career.

Magdalena Grabias / Udo Eckardt