:: The Shattered Room ::

Official ARENA Forum => ARENA Albums => Topic started by: Teunis on Fri, 2011-09-09, 20:16:58

Title: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Teunis on Fri, 2011-09-09, 20:16:58
About two months before the release of the new album, time to open a topic for it.

The artwork of the new album has been revealed today:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150290650897406&set=a.10150290650892406.336769.19448417405&type=1&theater (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150290650897406&set=a.10150290650892406.336769.19448417405&type=1&theater)

How would I call it, rather dark I'd say ;)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: erik on Mon, 2011-09-12, 22:29:15
The tracklist has now also been revealed (courtesy of DPRP) and is as follows:

01. The Great Escape
02. Rapture
03. One Last Au Revoir
04. The Ghost Walks
05. Thief Of Souls
06. Close Your Eyes
07. Echoes Of The Fall
08. Bed Of Nails
09. What If?
10. Trebuchet
11. Burning Down
12. Catching The Bullet
13. The Tinder Box

Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Mon, 2011-09-12, 23:03:04
So, news has to come to us, the loyal fans of the Shattered Room, via DPRP now?

Except for that, the tracklist looks good!
Arena enters the bands-that-have-The-Great-Escape-as-a-title-for-a-song club. ;)
Expectations are running high! :)

But regarding my first sentence in this post: to be honest, sometimes I feel a bit sad about this forum. What exactly are we here for?

I entered "Clive Nolan 2011" in Google and had to find out about a new Clive Nolan project (with the cd already released!) on a @#$% download site!

For further info, I had to look on ProgArchives...

http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=79185

Why?
I can't help but feel saddened about this and just have to mention this. I know it's hard for a band to write music and do all sorts of projects individually, playing live all around the world and such, but, well, I don't know what it is... I love the band, I love their music and am really looking forward to this release, but...
I miss some sort of mutual connection between the band and the fans.

Sorry, I didn't mean to hijack this thread, but seriously, couldn't help it.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Separation
Post by: erik on Mon, 2011-09-12, 23:46:59
I see your point, seems that Clive's Facebook page is really the place to be for getting the latest news, not this forum. The forum more seems a place for discussion than the place for all the latest news. :-\

Maybe part of the problem (besides the overriding fact that as you say the band members are just very busy) is that there are just too many official Arena-related websites and news gets first to Clive's Facebook page cause that's the easiest and fastest way to announce it.

http://www.verglas.com/ArenaWorld/
http://arenaband.com/
http://welcometothecage.com/
http://www.myspace.com/arenaatverglas
http://www.verglas.com/
http://www.clivenolan.net/
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: erik on Mon, 2011-09-12, 23:49:15
P.S. No idea where DPRP got the tracklisting from by the way, haven't found the source, they refer to http://thenears.blogspot.com/ but I don't see a tracklisting there..
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Tue, 2011-09-13, 12:07:59
Quote from: PH on Mon, 2011-09-12, 23:03:04
So, news has to come to us, the loyal fans of the Shattered Room, via DPRP now?

But regarding my first sentence in this post: to be honest, sometimes I feel a bit sad about this forum. What exactly are we here for?

I entered "Clive Nolan 2011" in Google and had to find out about a new Clive Nolan project (with the cd already released!) on a @#$% download site!

For further info, I had to look on ProgArchives...

http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=79185

Why?
I can't help but feel saddened about this and just have to mention this. I know it's hard for a band to write music and do all sorts of projects individually, playing live all around the world and such, but, well, I don't know what it is... I love the band, I love their music and am really looking forward to this release, but...
I miss some sort of mutual connection between the band and the fans.

Sorry, I didn't mean to hijack this thread, but seriously, couldn't help it.

Exactly! I just had to come out of my little hiatus to react to your post. The lack of first-hand information regarding Arena's new album was the biggest reason for my break from the Room in the first place (the other reason is that I got tired of posting what I was listening to, it felt like talking to a wall). Like you, I felt sad that I had to read bits of news on the new album in other places. I used to hope that, with Arena finally releasing a new album this place would become a bit more crowded again just like it was in the 'good old days'. But it seems that Arena themselves ignore the Room, which probably means that those days are truly over. :-\

Tom
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Tue, 2011-09-13, 12:38:25
Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Tue, 2011-09-13, 12:07:59
Like you, I felt sad that I had to read bits of news on the new album in other places. I used to hope that, with Arena finally releasing a new album this place would become a bit more crowded again just like it was in the 'good old days'. But it seems that Arena themselves ignore the Room, which probably means that those days are truly over. :-\

Yes, that's frustrating. It almost means nothing to be a member of this forum anymore. The time of fanclubs is over? Where do we gather a loyal fanbase? I thought it was this forum, but indeed, Arena themselves don't seem to think so.

Other bands are doing it a lot better on this area.

I hate to be so negative, but I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who feels this way.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: maddox on Tue, 2011-09-13, 14:54:49
Quote from: PH on Tue, 2011-09-13, 12:38:25
Yes, that's frustrating. It almost means nothing to be a member of this forum anymore. The time of fanclubs is over? Where do we gather a loyal fanbase? I thought it was this forum, but indeed, Arena themselves don't seem to think so.

Other bands are doing it a lot better on this area.

I hate to be so negative, but I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who feels this way.

An understandable reaction, and yes I feel the same but when you look at the reactions on Facebook that isn't really a strange thing because there are more people connecting with Nolan and his projects on Facebook than in this Room.
The community is tighter there.

I wonder if most of his 'friends' on Facebook ever heard about this forum in the first place.

But you all have a solid point:

Why not reveal anything of the forthcoming album in the Shattered Room?

That's disappointing. ...

Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Separation
Post by: Nicky007 on Tue, 2011-09-13, 15:38:38
Quote from: erik on Mon, 2011-09-12, 23:46:59
The forum more seems a place for discussion than the place for all the latest news. :-\

I would be quite happy having the Room as "a place for discussion" - NP's, takes, tips, on music, lyrics, films, and more - but it requires that there are more than 2-3 Roomies who make an effort on a regular basis  ;)

Looking forward to the Arena album  :)

Nicky.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Tue, 2011-09-13, 16:21:42
Quote from: maddox on Tue, 2011-09-13, 14:54:49
An understandable reaction, and yes I feel the same but when you look at the reactions on Facebook that isn't really a strange thing because there are more people connecting with Nolan and his projects on Facebook than in this Room.
The community is tighter there.

Exactly.

So what do we do?
Should we go to the Facebook page now and have all our discussions there?
Should we think of this forum as obsolete?

Facebook is not a discussion site, that's what forums are for.

To make an announcement, you do it on Facebook alright, but when you want to talk about it, or better, INTERACT, you go to a forum for that.

Quote from: maddox on Tue, 2011-09-13, 14:54:49
I wonder if most of his 'friends' on Facebook ever heard about this forum in the first place.

And what if they DO know about this forum? Perhaps they do know, but they can't be bothered to join this forum.

I think on Facebook there are a lot of 'shallow' fans. Fans who like the occasional Arena album. When there's an announcement about a new album they think: "A new Arena album? Nice. The Visitor was a nice album too." and they post a reply: "Can't wait!" and right after that, they go to the Dream Theater Facebook page for instance.

Here in the Room we are desperately waiting for a new album, checking the forum on a (somewhat) daily basis for news, for interaction, for something that binds us Arena fans together. We have been waiting in anticipation for a new Arena album since 2005, the moment I joined this forum. We have been talking about Arena, their albums, their solo projects for a long time almost every day. We're not the shallow kind, we want to talk about the band, we dream about the band, we want to be in the band.

Ok, I'm being a bit dramatic here, perhaps.

Anyway, the Facebook kind of Arena fans won't come to this forum.

And I can't even blame them. There's nothing new here. It's all there.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Nicky007 on Tue, 2011-09-13, 18:15:49
Quote from: PH on Tue, 2011-09-13, 16:21:42
Ok, I'm being a bit dramatic here, perhaps.

;)


Quote
I think on Facebook there are a lot of 'shallow' fans.

I think that Facebook is rather shallow in general. I used it to get in contact with some old classmates from school, and to that end it worked wonderfully - I even met up with some of'm in firstlife  :)

... but else I havent benefited much from FB. Now I go there about once a week. You don't get anything near the music chats that we, after all, have in the Room  8)

Personally I'm not so peeved that the Arena guys don't come around in the Room. Arena are still one of my fave groups, but since I became a Roomie, I'v gained quite a number of fave groups  ;)

Nicky.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: bellanova on Wed, 2011-09-14, 15:13:49
I refuse to join Facebook on principle. Ive just heard too many bad things about it and have never felt the need to aquire a load of so called friends i will never meet. I may miss out on stuff but you guys seem to supply all the info i need when you put links here. Thanks for that.
I am so looking forward to the new album and i know the boys will do us proud and maybe things will liven up a bit with the tour coming up but i feel that fanclubs are fairly obsolete in this age of technology. Its all too easy with F/B and downloading. Artistes are just going along with the times i suppose. I dont download stuff, i would rather feel an album in my hands and nothing will make me join F/B, so i still visit this forum everyday and i have discovered new music from you that i may have otherwise missed.

The track list sounds interesting and the couple of new songs they did in Kingston last november showed great promise so im looking forward to the Leamington gig. Who's going?
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: maddox on Wed, 2011-09-14, 16:46:52
Quote from: PH on Tue, 2011-09-13, 16:21:42
Exactly.

So what do we do?
Should we go to the Facebook page now and have all our discussions there?

No, because the only reactions you get on fb are 'great!', 'can't wait!', 'it's been too long, Clive! Awesome!'.
And the likes.
There simply isn't a discussion that safes the day.

QuoteShould we think of this forum as obsolete?

I certainly hope not.

QuoteFacebook is not a discussion site, that's what forums are for.

That's why they call it 'Forum' on the first place.

Forum is a place for discussion.
I think the Romans invented that.

QuoteTo make an announcement, you do it on Facebook alright, but when you want to talk about it, or better, INTERACT, you go to a forum for that.

True, no doubt about that but there are also things happening in Clive's life that you just can't discuss or let the people be involved with on this or any kind of forum, unless you have thousands of members who actually participate.
Like the She-fundraiser for instance.

Clive Nolan, the artist has 3743 'friends'.
The Caamora Theatre Group has 344 members.

So it's obvious that you can reach twenty times more people, if you'd only count the active members in the Room, than over here.
The world is wider on FB.
I really understand why Clive publish more news over there than over here.

QuoteAnd what if they DO know about this forum? Perhaps they do know, but they can't be bothered to join this forum.

That can be resolved: just say hi on clive's pages and drop the message that it's great work what he does and we all love the support and if they are interested, visit the Shattered Room for active discussions.

The danger is that there are people who believe that the articles on FB are discussion enough but if from the 3743 'friends' about a hundred become a member of the board then life is getting better here in the Room, not? ;)

QuoteI think on Facebook there are a lot of 'shallow' fans. Fans who like the occasional Arena album. When there's an announcement about a new album they think: "A new Arena album? Nice. The Visitor was a nice album too." and they post a reply: "Can't wait!" and right after that, they go to the Dream Theater Facebook page for instance.

Hence what I said about the pages of Nolan.

'Great work, Clive'. 'Can't wait!'. ... etc etc etc.

QuoteHere in the Room we are desperately waiting for a new album, checking the forum on a (somewhat) daily basis for news, for interaction, for something that binds us Arena fans together. We have been waiting in anticipation for a new Arena album since 2005, the moment I joined this forum. We have been talking about Arena, their albums, their solo projects for a long time almost every day. We're not the shallow kind, we want to talk about the band, we dream about the band, we want to be in the band.

Ok, I'm being a bit dramatic here, perhaps.

Not at all, I see your point.
And partly feel the same way.

QuoteAnyway, the Facebook kind of Arena fans won't come to this forum.

And I can't even blame them. There's nothing new here. It's all there.

Clive is a busy man, with the new album of Arena in prospect and the She-fundraiser project, not to mention the Caamora Theatre Company but I agree, it would be nice if he would drop a line in the Room.
No matter what it would be.

This is the official Arena Forum, right?


Quote from: Nicky007 on Tue, 2011-09-13, 18:15:49
;)


I think that Facebook is rather shallow in general. I used it to get in contact with some old classmates from school, and to that end it worked wonderfully - I even met up with some of'm in firstlife  :)

Mwuah, FB can be a bit more, but basically that's the whole purpose of FB or Myspace (totally overrated) and the Dutch equivalent Hyves.

Quote
Personally I'm not so peeved that the Arena guys don't come around in the Room. Arena are still one of my fave groups, but since I became a Roomie, I'v gained quite a number of fave groups  ;)

Nicky.

Our love of the music binds us together and the Room is indeed a great place to discover new music.

But a visit from one of the band with news to tell, would be nice from time to time.

We don't ask for an in dept interview or something.
Just some news.

Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Wed, 2011-09-14, 18:01:41
Thanks for the long post Maddox. I won't quote it, because that would make a long post, but I agree to all you've said.

Jem Godfrey, the man behind Frost* did it wonderfully. He really knows how to connect with his fans. It felt special.

Now, I'm not asking that Clive or anyone in the band will do it just like Jem, because that would be time consuming. But to be honest, I think at least something should be done to keep the forum alive and the Arena fans together.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: erik on Wed, 2011-09-14, 19:01:45
Quote from: bellanova on Wed, 2011-09-14, 15:13:49
I refuse to join Facebook on principle. Ive just heard too many bad things about it and have never felt the need to aquire a load of so called friends i will never meet.
Totally agree, I don't like their so-called "privacy policy" and refuse to sign up.

Quote from: bellanova on Wed, 2011-09-14, 15:13:49
Its all too easy with F/B and downloading. Artistes are just going along with the times i suppose. I dont download stuff, i would rather feel an album in my hands and nothing will make me join F/B, so i still visit this forum everyday and i have discovered new music from you that i may have otherwise missed.
Agreed again, I do listen to and exchange/download mp3's but just to try out new music/bands/albums (or get out of print stuff and hard to trace b-sides and rarities), when I really like it I buy the original. Otherwise I don't feel I really "have" an album in my collection, mp3's are just too virtual for me and I miss the artwork and booklet. The idea of an album sort of evaporates in the digital age, you just pick out tracks you want/like and create a playlist. Steve Wilson has made some comments in this vein and I really relate. Guess I'm just old fashioned ::)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Draco chimera on Wed, 2011-09-14, 21:49:54
Quote from: erik on Wed, 2011-09-14, 19:01:45
Guess I'm just old fashioned ::)
No, you're not. I was born in a generation that now lives on the "frequency" (sorry for the obvious reference, couldn't help it), and where many things are virtual. But many people in my generation also think it is nice to have a real disc, with artwork, content, and not just the superficial aspect of a simple MP3 file. To me, the CD itself, its artwork, its packaging and everything is part of the work the artist has done. So, you're rally not old-fashioned.  ;)

About the cover of the album, I think it looks darker than Arena's previous work. Maybe because gray is overly dominant, while Arena's covers are usually coloured. Also, the text on Arena's Verglas site also make it sound darker, but the concept is very interesting. Got my ticket for their next gig in Paris. *horns*

I will not overly take part in the FB/Forum talk, because I've not been here for a long time, and also because I do not participate as much here as most of you (truly sorry about that!  :-\), but I just wanted to say that I do not have a FB account, and am not interested in it. Sounds too superficial to me, and I think it is much easier to say pointless/superficial stuff this way (like Maddox pointed out) , as it takes 5 seconds to post a message, while forums or other ways of communiation demand you to think before you act.

Anyway, I am really looking forward to their next album - can't tell why, but it feels like it is going to be something different.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Peter on Fri, 2011-09-16, 09:13:18
Heya folks,

I surely have placed my opinion on the level and frequency of band interaction in the Shattered Room at some time in the past - too lazy to search now, though ;) Fact is that Clive's last post is about a year old (see the list (http://shattered-room.net/index.php?action=profile;u=4;area=showposts;start=0)), Mick's even four years (http://shattered-room.net/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=178). Before 2008 Clive was at least a regular poster about fan concerns and questions... Can't force anyone, yaknow.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Crazy Diamond on Fri, 2011-09-16, 13:48:26
Quote from: bellanova on Wed, 2011-09-14, 15:13:49
The track list sounds interesting and the couple of new songs they did in Kingston last november showed great promise so im looking forward to the Leamington gig. Who's going?

Leamington is just down the road from me, so I am going with a couple of friends, including an Arena newbie  :)  Ordered tickets a while back now, but they have still not arrived through the post.

Have been to Leamington recently to see a few bands (Anathema, Blackfield) and it is a great venue...

Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Fri, 2011-09-16, 17:33:28
Quote from: Peter on Fri, 2011-09-16, 09:13:18
Heya folks,

I surely have placed my opinion on the level and frequency of band interaction in the Shattered Room at some time in the past - too lazy to search now, though ;) Fact is that Clive's last post is about a year old (see the list (http://shattered-room.net/index.php?action=profile;u=4;area=showposts;start=0)), Mick's even four years (http://shattered-room.net/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=178). Before 2008 Clive was at least a regular poster about fan concerns and questions... Can't force anyone, yaknow.

Thanks Peter. Yes we know, and we still love them! :-* ;)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Nicky007 on Sun, 2011-09-18, 19:55:03
On Arena's FB-page one can also find: "the concept album about the journey from the last hour of life into the first hour of death."

Intriguing  8)

Nicky.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Draco chimera on Mon, 2011-09-19, 11:53:26
Quote from: Nicky007 on Sun, 2011-09-18, 19:55:03
On Arena's FB-page one can also find: "the concept album about the journey from the last hour of life into the first hour of death."

Intriguing  8)

Nicky.
Indeed. That was what I was mentionning in my post; it's also on Verglas' site. Sounds quite dark, doesn't it?  ;D
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Teunis on Mon, 2011-09-19, 19:54:03
Copied from the Clive Nolan newsletter I received today:

New Arena Album:

The mixes have just been completed for the new Arena album, 'The Seventh Degree of Separation'. Mastering takes place this week, and the artwork is mostly complete. The album will be available to coincide with the tour in November.

Clive: "I must say the album is sounding great; very powerful and atmospheric. The music to me is another part of the Arena evolution, although there is still that intrinsic 'arena-sound' pervading the album."

This is a concept album, which explores the last hour of life and the first hour beyond. It's truly dark in the way that only Arena can do!
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: maddox on Mon, 2011-09-19, 20:29:00
@teunis: Yay!!!  *horns*
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Mon, 2011-09-19, 22:23:20
Great news! Sounds good to me! 8)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Peter on Tue, 2011-09-20, 09:17:09
Also, there's a new ARENA website, no more verglas subdirectory, but arenaband.com (http://arenaband.com), currently with tour dates only.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Mon, 2011-09-26, 18:26:24
Here's the first teaser of the album:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=2266396511196

The link only works if you have a Facebook-account though...

Tom
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Teunis on Mon, 2011-09-26, 22:28:17
Yeah, I noticed. Very much looking forward to it, sounding  *horns*.

If you don't have Facebook, you can also see it on the site Peter mentioned before you: http://www.arenaband.com/
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Mon, 2011-09-26, 23:55:48
Wow! Very cool!
Very different too.

A few things remind me of Arena, but most of it is new and fresh.
A new and fresh start for Arena!
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Draco chimera on Thu, 2011-09-29, 15:43:00
In this trailer, I hear classic Arena riffs and whole new things.
And the most important thing is, I hear nothing but good prog coming.  *horns* I now understand Clive's note about the atmosphere, the classic and new stuff. Really looking forward to this.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Peter on Wed, 2011-10-05, 19:54:22
Mmmmmmmh, tasty ;)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Teunis on Tue, 2011-10-18, 20:01:15
Website http://arenaband.com/ work in progress, but looking great already  ;).
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: erik on Thu, 2011-10-20, 21:52:49
On behalf of the guys I'm sending out this newsletter as we speak and share it here:

QuoteTHE SEVENTH DEGREE OF SEPARATION

PRE-ORDER NOW AT WWW.VERGLAS.COM (http://www.verglas.com)!

Hello Arena Fans!

At last the new Arena album is finished and will be released on the 28th November 2011. Our seventh album is a concept album, which explores the last hour of life and the first hour beyond. It's truly dark in the way that only Arena can do! It's available now for pre-order exclusively at Verglas.

The Seventh Degree Of Separation special edition package is a 56 minute long, 13 track cd in a 3 leafed digibook with a 28 page pullout booklet packed with original artwork + a bonus 50 minute DVD "The making of The Seventh Degree Of Separation", where each member of the band gives you some insight into the process they go through to make the music. The tracklist is as follows:

01. The Great Escape
02. Rapture
03. One Last Au Revoir
04. The Ghost Walks
05. Thief Of Souls
06. Close Your Eyes
07. Echoes Of The Fall
08. Bed Of Nails
09. What If?
10. Trebuchet
11. Burning Down
12. Catching The Bullet
13. The Tinder Box

Clive: "I must say the album is sounding great; very powerful and atmospheric. The music to me is another part of the Arena evolution, although there is still that intrinsic 'Arena-sound' pervading the album."

This special edition package is now available to buy only at www.verglas.com and you will receive your special edition package before the official release date. Or you can come and buy it at one of the tour dates below.

Please note that you will not be able to buy this in any shop or any online outlet except www.verglas.com before 28th November, or get it at one of the gigs. Come to the Arena tour and see a fantastic stage show with our new vocalist and music! You can also hear a sample of the album at www.arenaband.com

We invite you to spread the word about the album and tour on any social media and forum you can think of. Much appreciated!

We hope you enjoy the new music and see you at one of the gigs!

Mick, John, Paul, Clive and John


PRE-ORDER NOW AT WWW.VERGLAS.COM (http://www.verglas.com)!



ARENA The SEVENTH DEGREE OF SEPARATION Tour November 2011

4th Belgium-Verviers-Spirit of 66 http://www.spiritof66.com/

5th Holland-Uden-De Pul http://www.depul-uden.nl/

6th Germany-Reichenbach-Bergkeller http://www.bergkeller-reichenbach.de/

7th Poland-Wroclaw-Firlej http://www.firlej.wroc.pl/

8th Poland-Warsaw-Progresja http://www.progresja.com/

9th Poland-Poznan-Blue Note http://www.bluenote.poznan.pl/

10th Poland-Katowice-Teatr Slaski http://www.teatrslaski.art.pl/

11th Germany-Aschaffenburg-Colos-Saal http://www.colos-saal.de/

12th Switzerland-Pratteln-Z7 http://www.z-7.ch/

13th Italy-Verona-Club Il Giardino http://www.clubilgiardino.org/

14th Germany-Stuttgart-LKA-Longhorn http://www.lka-longhorn.de/

15th France-Paris-La Scene http://www.la-scene.com/

16th France-Strasbourg-La Laiterie Club http://www.laiterie.artefact.org/

17th Germany-Lorsch-Musiktheater-Rex http://www.musiktheater-rex.de/

18th Germany-Essen-Zeche Carl http://www.zechecarl.de/

19th Holland-Zoetermeer-Boerderij http://www.cultuurpodiumboerderij.nl/

27th England-Leamington Spa-The Assembly http://www.leamingtonassembly.com/

Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Fri, 2011-10-21, 00:02:47
Quote from: erik on Thu, 2011-10-20, 21:52:49
On behalf of the guys I'm sending out this newsletter as we speak and share it here:


Thanks for that!

I've pre-ordered mine! ;D ;D ;D ;D

"This special edition package is now available to buy only at www.verglas.com and you will receive your special edition package before the official release date. Or you can come and buy it at one of the tour dates below."

The official release date is 28th november. I wonder when I can expect it to make its entry into my house!
The first tour date is 4th of november, so can we expect it around the 7th of december or something? That would be a nice date to receive the Seventh Degree of Seperation!
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Fri, 2011-10-21, 08:34:14
I don't know if I'll pre-order it. It depends on the date Verglas will ship it I guess. I'm going to the gig on the 19th of November and I was always going to pick the new album up at the gig. But now I wonder: If I pre-order it, will I receive the album before that date? Because it would be nice to be already (somewhat) familiar with the new album before the gig... Anyone with inside-information (;)) who can answer this for me?

Tom
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: mdread666 on Fri, 2011-10-21, 09:36:11
I have pre-ordered my copy - would be nice if all the preorders could be signed by the band ! (Clive ??)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: johninblack on Fri, 2011-10-21, 13:11:46
Ordered :)




Is it here yet? is it here yet? Is it here yet? is it here yet? Is it here yet? is it here yet? Is it here yet? is it here yet?


I'm not impatient or anything :) Honest........
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: maddox on Fri, 2011-10-21, 17:09:24
I have no creditcard!!!!

^$%$%^&**&)&^&%$  >:(

But I want one!!!  :( :( :(
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Fri, 2011-10-21, 17:34:22
Quote from: maddox on Fri, 2011-10-21, 17:09:24
I have no creditcard!!!!

^$%$%^&**&)&^&%$  >:(

But I want one!!!  :( :( :(

I don't have one either! ;D
But my dad has! ;)

Parents are handy sometimes.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Niquicho on Sat, 2011-10-22, 14:10:32
I've ordered a copy. I hope it lives up to my (pretty high) expectations. And most of all, I hope they will start being an actual band and not just a temporary gathering of individuals playing some fine music and then going off the radar. Now it seems as if we (the fans) only matter when there are albums or concert tickets on sale.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: erik on Sat, 2011-10-22, 22:04:05
Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Fri, 2011-10-21, 08:34:14
Anyone with inside-information (;)) who can answer this for me?

I've asked Mick and he said that the sending out starts the first week of November and the earlier you pre-order, the earlier you will receive your copy. All pre-orders should arrive at least one-two weeks before the release date of 28th November. If you are uncertain about the mail then come to the gigs and buy it there!

Quote from: Niquicho on Sat, 2011-10-22, 14:10:32
And most of all, I hope they will start being an actual band and not just a temporary gathering of individuals playing some fine music and then going off the radar. Now it seems as if we (the fans) only matter when there are albums or concert tickets on sale.
I also hope Arena are really back from their extended break, but I sympathise with the fact they really needed - and deserved - a break after ten years of steadily releasing albums and touring, then got caught up in their various other activities, especially Clive who is fulfilling his long cherished dream with Caamora. But also in between albums and when they're busy with other projects it's appreciated if they at least drop a line here every now and then ;)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: erik on Sun, 2011-10-23, 17:58:07
The concept and cover are intriguing by the way. The concept goes back a bit to the near death experience of The Visitor but takes it a step beyond. The cover depicts a guy with wings, that may symbolise his becoming an angel after death, but they're not really angel wings, more butterfly wings.. Which reminds me of an interview I once did with Clive about the lyrics of Immortal?, Clive remarked: "I like the Butterfly Man. I think he might come back for some more business. We'll see."

Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Niquicho on Sun, 2011-10-23, 18:18:20
Quote from: erik on Sat, 2011-10-22, 22:04:05
I also hope Arena are really back from their extended break, but I sympathise with the fact they really needed - and deserved - a break after ten years of steadily releasing albums and touring, then got caught up in their various other activities, especially Clive who is fulfilling his long cherished dream with Caamora. But also in between albums and when they're busy with other projects it's appreciated if they at least drop a line here every now and then ;)

Of course, the deserved the break. No doubt about that. And I understand fully that they were busy with all sorts of nice projects. Nonetheless, I think they could take better care of their fans: the fan-reunion at De Boerderij earlier this year did not stand out as being really 'fan friendly'. Contagion The maxx... The fact that two members are out of the band without a proper explanation (apart from some short press release.)

Well, let's call it frustrated enthusiasm from my side. Just hoping for the best (and really really hoping  the cd/dvd will arrive prior to the gig in Zoetermeer.)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Nicky007 on Sun, 2011-10-23, 18:21:09
Quote from: erik on Sun, 2011-10-23, 17:58:07
"I like the Butterfly Man. I think he might come back for some more business. We'll see."

Yup, he was here on Friday - for business:

Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Fri, 2011-10-21, 08:34:14
I don't know if I'll pre-order it ...

:D

Nicky.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: erik on Sun, 2011-10-23, 18:25:10
Quote from: Nicky007 on Sun, 2011-10-23, 18:21:09
Yup, he was here on Friday - for business:
Tsk tsk Nicky, you say we drive you up the walls with no or poor replies to your posts, but you're not giving your best here either ;)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Nicky007 on Sun, 2011-10-23, 18:33:22
Quote from: erik on Sun, 2011-10-23, 18:25:10
you say we drive you up the walls with no or poor replies to your posts

With you, Erik, one can actually discuss music ... but you could visit the Room more often  ;)

Nicky.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: erik on Sun, 2011-10-23, 18:43:27
Quote from: Nicky007 on Sun, 2011-10-23, 18:33:22
With you, Erik, one can actually discuss music ... but you could visit the Room more often  ;)
Guilty as charged on both accounts ;)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: keyboardistmatt on Mon, 2011-10-24, 22:53:13
Ordered. :-)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: erik on Wed, 2011-10-26, 16:56:01

DPRP Radio:

Listen to the latest show – eight new prog albums
Posted on 25 October 2011 by andy
Show number 15 – first broadcast on 24th October 2011

This week we preview songs from eight eagerly-awaited new progressive albums. We have yet-to-be-released tracks from Arena  and Manning alongside new material from Magenta, Anathema, Transatlantic, Knight Area, Man on Fire, Agents of Mercy and Alan Reed, the former songer with Pallas.

You can Listen Again or download the Podcast online here.

http://www.dprp.net/wp/radio/  (http://www.dprp.net/wp/radio/)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Wed, 2011-10-26, 17:39:13
Quote from: erik on Wed, 2011-10-26, 16:56:01
DPRP Radio:

Listen to the latest show – eight new prog albums
Posted on 25 October 2011 by andy
Show number 15 – first broadcast on 24th October 2011

This week we preview songs from eight eagerly-awaited new progressive albums. We have yet-to-be-released tracks from Arena  and Manning alongside new material from Magenta, Anathema, Transatlantic, Knight Area, Man on Fire, Agents of Mercy and Alan Reed, the former songer with Pallas.

You can Listen Again or download the Podcast online here.

http://www.dprp.net/wp/radio/  (http://www.dprp.net/wp/radio/)

Wow, thanks, that's great. Do you maybe have timestamps to the Arena-bit(s)? 'Cause I probably won't have time to listen to the whole thing all the way through.

EDIT: Never mind, it's right at the very beginning of the podcast! Listening now! *horns*

Tom

Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Niquicho on Wed, 2011-10-26, 18:17:15
Sounds like RRRock!
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: maddox on Wed, 2011-10-26, 19:11:21
Still haven't ordered it.
I'm searching for a 'victim' that owns a creditcard.  :-\
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Teunis on Wed, 2011-10-26, 19:21:57
Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Wed, 2011-10-26, 17:39:13
Wow, thanks, that's great. Do you maybe have timestamps to the Arena-bit(s)? 'Cause I probably won't have time to listen to the whole thing all the way through.

EDIT: Never mind, it's right at the very beginning of the podcast! Listening now! *horns*
Just heard the track 'Burning Down'. I remember they played it live a year ago *horns* 8).
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Wed, 2011-10-26, 20:19:30
Sounds cool! 8)
It's a very powerful song, not really proggy by Arena standards, but still really nice. I think I heard JM's voice too. ;) And Clive did a nice keyboard solo with a cool sound, that sounded very much like Arena.

Paul's voice is a bit different from the other singers Arena has had.

I'm so excited! I'm glad I preordered, because I want this album as soon as possible!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: maddox on Wed, 2011-10-26, 20:23:15
I will not listen to the podcast, simply because I wouldn't know how. Not a foggiest idea... ???

And, to be on the subject: It seems that I have ordered it, from a different route.  *horns*
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Thu, 2011-10-27, 00:15:30
Quote from: maddox on Wed, 2011-10-26, 20:23:15
I will not listen to the podcast, simply because I wouldn't know how. Not a foggiest idea... ???

And, to be on the subject: It seems that I have ordered it, from a different route.  *horns*

Well, how did you do it?

Quote from: Teunis on Wed, 2011-10-26, 19:21:57
Just heard the track 'Burning Down'. I remember they played it live a year ago *horns* 8).

Teunis, do you realise you just made the 60000th post here in the Room?
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Teunis on Thu, 2011-10-27, 18:51:47
Quote from: maddox on Wed, 2011-10-26, 20:23:15
I will not listen to the podcast, simply because I wouldn't know how. Not a foggiest idea... ???
http://podcasts.canstream.co.uk/stroud/index.php?cat=Andy%20Read%3A%20DPRP%20Progressive%20Zone (http://podcasts.canstream.co.uk/stroud/index.php?cat=Andy%20Read%3A%20DPRP%20Progressive%20Zone)
Just press the 'play' button, it's indeed in the beginning of the show.  :D

Quote from: PH on Thu, 2011-10-27, 00:15:30
Teunis, do you realise you just made the 60000th post here in the Room?
No, didn't realise that. What an honour ;).
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Bupie on Fri, 2011-10-28, 00:46:41
Thanks for the links, guys.

I listened to the whole show and was impressed by almost every song that was played. The Arena's song and tour advertiser were good, the Transatlantic live rendition of "Brigde Across Forever" was moving, I also liked a lot Alan Reed, Knight Area, Agents Of Mercy and Man On Fire but the two bands that impressed me most were Manning with an incredibly brilliant tune called "The Year Of Wonders" and Magenta with a song of their new album, "Book Of Dreams", that lives up to my very high expectations  8)

Magenta is really my favorite active symphonic/neo prog band, with IQ being a close second. But I will sure check Manning's new album.

All in all a great show that puts me in a mood for more symphonic and neo prog  *horns*
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Fri, 2011-10-28, 07:57:55
Guys, there's an extended teaser on www.arenaband.com!!! I have a feeling this album's gonna be great. I can't wait any longer! :'(

*horns*

Tom
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: maddox on Fri, 2011-10-28, 10:09:32
Quote from: PH on Thu, 2011-10-27, 00:15:30
Well, how did you do it?


Teunis made me aware of the fact that Beyond Rock has it also on pre-order.
I placed my order over there, though I haven't heard anything from them since Tuesday.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: erik on Sun, 2011-10-30, 10:10:11
Burning Down sounds great, quite heavy yet catchy at the same time. I really like the vocals, Paul Manzi is a great new asset for Arena. Just like Pallas with their new vocalist the overall sound has a lot more emphasis on Rock with a capital R. The album got the "highly recommended" tag in the latest issue of the Dutch prog mag iO Pages that arrived yesterday and what I gather from the review is that the Prog is still very much present as well.

Edit: btw the synth solo in Burning Down sounds very "Chosen"!
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: maddox on Sun, 2011-10-30, 14:58:19
Quote from: maddox on Fri, 2011-10-28, 10:09:32
Teunis made me aware of the fact that Beyond Rock has it also on pre-order.
I placed my order over there, though I haven't heard anything from them since Tuesday.

Just got the news that they can only deliver the album after the concert.  :(

Bummer.  :-\
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Mon, 2011-10-31, 11:57:43
Quote from: erik on Sun, 2011-10-30, 10:10:11
Burning Down sounds great, quite heavy yet catchy at the same time. I really like the vocals, Paul Manzi is a great new asset for Arena. Just like Pallas with their new vocalist the overall sound has a lot more emphasis on Rock with a capital R.

Absolutely! Paul's voice is more powerful than Rob's or Wrightson's. He sometimes reminds me of Ashley Holt who sang on Nolan & Wakeman's "The Hound Of The Baskervilles" and is also known for his contributions to Rick Wakeman's albums.

Quote from: erik on Sun, 2011-10-30, 10:10:11
The album got the "highly recommended" tag in the latest issue of the Dutch prog mag iO Pages that arrived yesterday

"Vette krent!" ;D

Quote from: erik on Sun, 2011-10-30, 10:10:11
and what I gather from the review is that the Prog is still very much present as well.

Yes. I am very much looking forward to the other songs as well. And secretly I hope it sounds a bit more proggier than Burning Down.

Quote from: erik on Sun, 2011-10-30, 10:10:11
Edit: btw the synth solo in Burning Down sounds very "Chosen"!

Indeed! That was exactly what I thought when I heard it for the first time! ;D
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Smegal on Fri, 2011-11-04, 22:34:22
Hi everybody limited edition 7th degree of separation for sale on tour RIGHT NOW !!!   includes bonus DVD
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Bupie on Sat, 2011-11-05, 09:03:46
I don't know if it has been already posted : yesterday's interview of Clive on DPRP : http://podcasts.stroudfm.co.uk/index.php?id=183

Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Teunis on Sat, 2011-11-05, 09:56:47
Quote from: Bupie on Sat, 2011-11-05, 09:03:46
I don't know if it has been already posted : yesterday's interview of Clive on DPRP : http://podcasts.stroudfm.co.uk/index.php?id=183
I have just been listening to this show. It was interesting, two tracks of the new album (though 'Burning Down' already was in last week's edition), Clive's comments about the story of the new album and touring. Also about Caamora's 'She', Pendragon and Shadowland. Music from all of these bands/projects. Recommended  ;).
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Sat, 2011-11-05, 17:06:47
Quote from: Bupie on Sat, 2011-11-05, 09:03:46
I don't know if it has been already posted : yesterday's interview of Clive on DPRP : http://podcasts.stroudfm.co.uk/index.php?id=183

Thanks for the heads up! Listening now. A Crack In The Ice is now playing, still a great song. *horns*

Tom
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: maddox on Sat, 2011-11-05, 20:58:21
I'm sorry to nag about something but I'm so very disappointed.
I can't buy the album before the show because I don't have a visa or similar and that troubles me quite a bit.
I hoped to receive the album prior to the show but beyond rock won't provide me with a copy until after the show.

I don't really like that.  :-\
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Petrucci on Tue, 2011-11-15, 13:15:57
No feedback about the last album or the last gigs ?? :(

I have only listened 4 songs from the Seventh Degree and I am a little disapointed: short songs, no risk-taking, lack of inspiration and singer very present...

Waiting for the new album that I have ordered.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Niquicho on Tue, 2011-11-15, 15:18:02
Received an e-mail today from Verglas that they shipped my cd. How long does a boat take from England to the Netherlands? That boat with the bearded guy from Spain took weeks to get here. Hope this one's faster. Anticipation is probably the same. (Dutch inside joke, sorry)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Bupie on Tue, 2011-11-15, 15:33:45
The few written feedbacks that you can find on the web are very good. The ratings, instead, are average ...

The album is 56 minutes long for 13 songs, which leads to a sub-5 minutes average ... but Contagion has no long songs neither and some fans like it  ;)

I am also waiting for the album and I have just heard one song so far on a radio prog show (the link is somewhere on this thread if I don't mistake). It was good but it indeed suffered IMHO from the comparison with other songs played on the occasion (Manning's and Magenta's for instance).
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Tue, 2011-11-15, 16:53:29
I've heard Burning Down which was a very decent song. Very powerful! But also very different from other Arena material. Perhaps not as proggy, but certainly rocky. Catchy too.

But I also hope the album has some more proggier songs.

I'm eagerly waiting for the postman to bring the album to me. So I am also curious how long will it take to get it shipped to the Netherlands. (I too got a mail from Verglas six days ago.)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Draco chimera on Wed, 2011-11-16, 18:32:47
Went to the gig yesterday evening and bought the CD. I didn't listen to it yet (no time!), but I just can't wait! Awesome gig by the way  *horns*
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Thu, 2011-11-17, 10:13:49
I've got it! I've got it! I've got it! ;D ;D ;D
Just came through the mailbox! (Not more than 10 minutes ago.)

The booklet is looking like something of a metal band, it's got some pretty sick pictures. (I'm not really a horror-loving person.)
It's also my first cd with a parental advisory sticker on it.

But what really matters is the music, and I'm going to listen to it NOW!

See ya! ;D
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Draco chimera on Thu, 2011-11-17, 11:01:09
Quote from: PH on Thu, 2011-11-17, 10:13:49
But what really matters is the music, and I'm going to listen to it NOW!

See ya! ;D
Enjoy, then!  ;D Listened to it yesterday evening. It's really different from everything Arena has done before. Need to listen to it again, but some songs already feel awe-some!!! *horns*
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Bupie on Thu, 2011-11-17, 14:55:58
Quote from: PH on Thu, 2011-11-17, 10:13:49
I've got it! I've got it! I've got it! ;D ;D ;D
Just came through the mailbox! (Not more than 10 minutes ago.)

The booklet is looking like something of a metal band, it's got some pretty sick pictures. (I'm not really a horror-loving person.)
It's also my first cd with a parental advisory sticker on it.

But what really matters is the music, and I'm going to listen to it NOW!

See ya! ;D
Go on : I think it is the proper week to tell "take a leap of faith if you want to find out"  ;)

My copy is still somewhere in the outer space  :P
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Thu, 2011-11-17, 16:11:12
Quote from: PH on Thu, 2011-11-17, 10:13:49
But what really matters is the music, and I'm going to listen to it NOW!

So? First impression? Come on!!! ;D

Tom
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Thu, 2011-11-17, 22:06:20
Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Thu, 2011-11-17, 16:11:12
So? First impression? Come on!!! ;D

Tom

Well, you know... It's good. ;D

It's very different from other Arena albums. It's more... accessible, in a way... I think.
I dunno. I need to listen to it more, but there are some songs that are total winners. I guess you'll have to wait a few weeks to hear more about my views. ;)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Fri, 2011-11-18, 07:37:36
Quote from: PH on Thu, 2011-11-17, 22:06:20
I guess you'll have to wait a few weeks to hear more about my views. ;)

I don't mind, I will have the album tomorrow! ;D

Tom
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: debsss on Fri, 2011-11-18, 10:02:06
Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Fri, 2011-11-18, 07:37:36
I don't mind, I will have the album tomorrow! ;D

So will I!!!!  ;D Make a race who will be the first at the merch stand??? ;D I'll race you!
whahaha *horns*
I'm so overexcited for tomorrow! I can hardly wait! Feeling hyperactief!  ;D
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: erik on Sun, 2011-11-20, 16:40:27
Quote from: PH on Thu, 2011-11-17, 10:13:49
The booklet is looking like something of a metal band, it's got some pretty sick pictures. (I'm not really a horror-loving person.)
It's also my first cd with a parental advisory sticker on it.
The pages accompanying the tracks Close Your Eyes and Echoes Of The Fall are indeed quite horrid. Clive said to me yesterday he likes those best and it's basically images from his dreams/nightmares.. Clive's dreams are an important source of inspiration for the Arena themes, concepts and lyrics (and also for other projects, take Shadowland's Dreams Of The Ferryman for instance). It's what Clive calls "stuff from the sewers of my brain".

Bar those two pages that are a bit too much for my taste, I think the artwork looks really great. Just like The Visitor and Contagion, the music, lyrics and artwork of Seventh Degree together create an experience, a journey in unknown territory.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Niquicho on Sun, 2011-11-20, 18:27:54
Please, mr Postman! http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1mpd1_the-marvelettes-please-mr-postman-1_music (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1mpd1_the-marvelettes-please-mr-postman-1_music)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Niquicho on Sun, 2011-11-20, 18:29:14
Still waiting for the mail, that is.  ::)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Nicky007 on Sun, 2011-11-20, 18:32:13
Quote from: erik on Sun, 2011-11-20, 16:40:27
Just like The Visitor and Contagion, the music, lyrics and artwork of Seventh Degree together create an experience, a journey in unknown territory.

Super, Erik, that's Arena alright  *horns*


Quote from: PH on Thu, 2011-11-17, 10:13:49
It's also my first cd with a parental advisory sticker on it.

Whoa, got masses of those  ;D

Probably Funky, Mad & Iggy too  :)

Nicky.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: maddox on Sun, 2011-11-20, 18:33:28
Quote from: Niquicho on Sun, 2011-11-20, 18:29:14
Still waiting for the mail, that is.  ::)

I'll join you!
Lets sing together. ;)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Niquicho on Sun, 2011-11-20, 18:36:42
Quote from: maddox on Sun, 2011-11-20, 18:33:28
I'll join you!
Lets sing together. ;)

That'd be nice, but I'm terrible at singing in key.  :D
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: The Butterfly Man on Tue, 2011-11-22, 13:19:48
Woah, what a brilliant album! I can't stop loving you listening to it! It's so melodic and catchy and dark. The lyrics are very intriguing without becoming to difficult to understand and the artwork looks very good as well. Okay, apart from a few twisted pictures that is, but to be honest I don't mind them that much. I can understand when people are shocked or offended by them though. ;D Anyway, I will have a lot of fun with this album, that's for sure.

When we got the chance to talk to the guys already before the gig last Saturday Clive mentioned that he was in a bit of a fight with Mick over the choruses. Mick wanted to have lots of them whereas Clive initially didn't want that. I'm glad they met each other somewhere in the middle of the road 'cause the choruses keep on running through your head for days and I think (hope?) that maybe this will bridge the gap to other progressive artists who are able to attract a lot of people (relatively speaking of course, after all it's prog we're talking about here ;)). I think that when people give this album a fair chance they might like it so much that they want to dig into the back-catalog and maybe even come to gigs. That would help to 'ensure' the future of the band in this era of downloading, which makes it very hard for 'smaller' bands like Arena to survive.

"We are part of this Arena, we are part of this band!"

Come on guys, let's spread the word! *horns*

Tom
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: bellanova on Tue, 2011-11-22, 15:09:48
I got my copy of the album today so thats my afternoon / evening sorted. I cant wait to see them live again on sunday. I love the album artwork and the darker, the better in my opinion. Its not really that shocking though to me.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: dacook on Tue, 2011-11-22, 20:12:15
Greetings. I joined this forum a while ago, but haven't visited much as Arena activity has been pretty quiet of late. I have been huge fan of the band since buying Immortal? in 2000 on a whim (because of Clive's connection with Pendragon). I have fond memories of 2001 and driving far North in Sweden on a business trip with Immortal? blasting out of the hire car stereo!

Before thinking about the new album, I guess I must state that Pepper's Ghost didn't do a huge amount for me compared to previous classic Arena albums, so I approached this new one with mixed feelings, but being a fan then of course it was ordered, as a band that remakes the same album ten times doesn't progress or take risks, therefore the odd album that doesn't click (a subjective opinion of course) is allowed  :)

Anyway, onto the new album. I took delivery of it last Friday, started listening to it on Saturday and it's been on pretty much ever since! One of those albums with a few immediate stand out tracks to whet your appetite and slowly draw you in to all the others. So what a great album and it shows that there is life aplenty in Arena yet, and for me, it's a very welcome return to form after a long hiatus. Maybe the long lay off was just what was needed (says somebody who's taken three years to write his first two hours of original music!)

Personnel changes in a band always bring mixed feelings and uncertainty, but also opportunities. Ian Salmon and Rob Sowden where very good performers and part of making some great albums, but seeing John Jowitt return was a good move (I'm a huge IQ fan as well) as he is an equally cracking bass player, and Paul Manzi is one hell of a find! :)

So all in all, a very good album.

I think it's been a great year for progressive music and new albums. Prog is no longer a dirty word! And there's still more "must buy albums" out there.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Draco chimera on Tue, 2011-11-22, 22:08:09
Welcome to the Shattered Room ! :D  I couldn't agree with you more when you say that some songs really catch your attention from the very start, while some others need some time. The first two tracks just blew me away the moment I heard them.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: dacook on Tue, 2011-11-22, 22:18:41
Quote from: Draco chimera on Tue, 2011-11-22, 22:08:09
Welcome to the Shattered Room ! :D  I couldn't agree with you more when you say that some songs really catch your attention from the very start, while some others need some time. The first two tracks just blew me away the moment I heard them.

Thanks for the Welcome :) I'll try and hang out a little bit more.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Tue, 2011-11-22, 22:54:09
Quote from: dacook on Tue, 2011-11-22, 22:18:41
Thanks for the Welcome :) I'll try and hang out a little bit more.

Great! :) Welcome Derek!
Interesting take on the "Pepper's Ghost" album.
On this forum we agree to disagree! So not a problem, don't feel guilty! (Only a bit ;))
Differences in opinions makes for interesting discussions.
And I think we all love discussing music around here!
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: maddox on Tue, 2011-11-22, 23:36:44
Ah, a new victim.  8) ;)

Nah, just kidding.

Welcome to the Room Derek.  *horns*
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Bupie on Wed, 2011-11-23, 10:48:51
Welcome dacook  :)

As you may notice by watching my avatar, I am also a huge IQ fan ... even if I prefer the period when they joined the dark (read commercial) side of the Force. Don't hesitate to start a topic about IQ (if there is not already one).

Oh, and BTW, I still haven't received my Seventh Degree ... copy  :P
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Nicky007 on Wed, 2011-11-23, 15:24:07
Welcome Derek, from me too  :)

You appear to be somewhat beyond your teens, and well-versed in prog, so I expect that you and I will be able to discuss music  8)

I'd like to encourage you to write up a listening profile in the Room. You can start with checking out some of our LP's under the section "Listening Profiles". If you already have some useful material on another forum, you can start with copying something over to the Room  ;)

Nicky.

Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: dacook on Thu, 2011-11-24, 20:13:46
Thanks for the welcome, everybody. And yes, I'm a bit of an old 'un. Aged 47, but young at heart, and been a prog rock fan since hearing the Tommy Vance Friday Rock show "All Time Top Ten" circa late 1979. I heard bands like Yes (Starship Troopers - live) and Rush (Xanadu and 2112) for the first time and they totally blew me away. I had simply never heard anything like it before at a time when I was forming my music taste.

I was going to ask a question about what people thought about the new album title and what it means. I got thinking about it because of an article in the newspaper yesterday about the "Six Degrees of Separation" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_degrees_of_separation) and the fact that is now more like four degrees due to Facebook.

So I was wondering if the Seventh Degree of Separation is somehow related to this, and of course being a little more terminal in terms of being connected with people! I haven't really had time to study any of Clive's lyrics yet for the album, so maybe the answer is already in there. But as I said, that newspaper article just struck me due to the music I am currently listening to!
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Draco chimera on Thu, 2011-11-24, 23:12:26
Quote from: dacook on Thu, 2011-11-24, 20:13:46
Thanks for the welcome, everybody. And yes, I'm a bit of an old 'un. Aged 47, but young at heart, and been a prog rock fan since hearing the Tommy Vance Friday Rock show "All Time Top Ten" circa late 1979. I heard bands like Yes (Starship Troopers - live) and Rush (Xanadu and 2112) for the first time and they totally blew me away. I had simply never heard anything like it before at a time when I was forming my music taste.

I was going to ask a question about what people thought about the new album title and what it means. I got thinking about it because of an article in the newspaper yesterday about the "Six Degrees of Separation" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_degrees_of_separation) and the fact that is now more like four degrees due to Facebook.

So I was wondering if the Seventh Degree of Separation is somehow related to this, and of course being a little more terminal in terms of being connected with people! I haven't really had time to study any of Clive's lyrics yet for the album, so maybe the answer is already in there. But as I said, that newspaper article just struck me due to the music I am currently listening to!
I guess so. I read somewhere that the degree was 6,5 in 2010, the Sixth degree being a theoritical state not yet reached - but this article may be a bit old. I'll have to check it out again. I guess that somehow, the Seventh degree means death, as it is the main theme for the album, but in which way exactly? I dunno.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Thu, 2011-11-24, 23:15:37
Hi Derek!

You keep posting those long messages! :P That's a good thing! ;) Most of us love to read. ;D

I was also thinking about the six degrees of seperation. It basically means that everyone is connected to everyone by six degrees. (I know a friend, who knows a guy at the pub, whose brother has an Irish girlfriend and her mother has a relative in America, who's the niece of the president of the United States.) I think the seventh degree has something to do with crossing the border between life and death.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Thu, 2011-11-24, 23:16:12
Ha! You beat me to it Draco! ;D
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: cabo on Fri, 2011-11-25, 11:42:10
Good album, wish there was a long instrumental(more john mitchell) in there and some of the songs seems a bit "hectic" probably due to length.  But overall a very good album! Sound wise i would love a bit more "focused" drumsound, especially the snare drum is a bit "blurry".

Let's hope for a new album next year :) I'll preorder for sure!

Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Fri, 2011-11-25, 11:55:31
Hi Cabo!

Great to see you checking back once in a while! Perhaps you want to give your take on the previous Arena albums in the "Review series" (http://shattered-room.net/index.php?topic=1681.0)? Go look for them! ;)

Quote from: cabo on Fri, 2011-11-25, 11:42:10
Good album, wish there was a long instrumental(more john mitchell) in there...

Yes, I share that 'complaint'. Compared to "Contagion" which was filled to the brim with Guitar and Keyboard solos and very cool instrumentals, this album focuses more on the vocals. Paul is a great singer, but we simply need more Mitchell on each and every album! His guitar solos are extremely good, so I also think there could be more of that on "The Seventh Degree...". Nonetheless, it is a fantastic album!

Quote from: cabo on Fri, 2011-11-25, 11:42:10
...and some of the songs seems a bit "hectic" probably due to length. 

Can you explain that to me?

Quote from: cabo on Fri, 2011-11-25, 11:42:10
But overall a very good album! Sound wise i would love a bit more "focused" drumsound, especially the snare drum is a bit "blurry".

I did not notice.

Quote from: cabo on Fri, 2011-11-25, 11:42:10
Let's hope for a new album next year :) I'll preorder for sure!

;D Let's give the guys a break! ;)
2012 will be a bit early I think (although I won't hold them back!). I set my hopes on 2013. ;)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: cabo on Fri, 2011-11-25, 14:31:15
"Can you explain that to me?"

I can try with my poor english :)

I have heard the album four times now so it's still growing on me.... but for instance: "Thief of souls",  suddenly a refrain out of nowhere. kinda forced into the song? The theme at the start is just amazing, Clive classic intro. (It's my ringtone now :) ) and i would love it if the sequence around 2:02 would last longer before the new theme with refrain starts. and let the intro come back at the end of the song. Clive i want a 15 min remix of this song! *horns*

i still would have more attack on the snare  ;D

just my take on things...

Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: dacook on Fri, 2011-11-25, 18:45:51
I have to say that after having lived with this album for a week, it is simply awesome and up there with "The Visitor" and "Immortal?" as my favourites. Well done, Arena! :)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Highfire on Sun, 2011-11-27, 22:41:11
I love the album, it's Arena 100%. I'm enjoying the old days taken back in some songs as well as the more modern stuff. It's perfectly balanced, and I love also Paul Manzi's voice, more metal but also well integrated into the band.

Congrats, men!! *horns*
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: bellanova on Mon, 2011-11-28, 14:20:49
The album is totally awesome and i too love Pauls voice. I like all the songs and Clives lyrics just get better and better.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: johninblack on Thu, 2011-12-01, 16:31:11
I think this could just about be the best album ever made by anybody ever. Certainly in the top five :) Just my opinion of course!
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: frenchsting on Fri, 2011-12-02, 21:38:59
Hi everyone,

it's been a very long time since i came in. Just to tell you how I feel about SDOS.

The first time I listened to it, I noticed 2 facts :
- Paul's voice sounded to me like Paul Wrigson and Rob Sowden. This, is just because he sings with Clive directives. I also found him to have a flavor of Blaze Bayley on some parts. But seeing him live in Strasbourg, and listening to the album again and again, I'm sure he sings like Paul Manzy. ;)
- The first track that jumped in my ear and still stuck into my head is "What If"  8)

After many listenings, the album is awesome. No really weak songs. I love it !!! :)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: maddox on Fri, 2011-12-02, 22:03:11
Welcome back, Frenchsting!  :D ;)

Thank you for your opinion about SDOS.  *horns*
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: PH on Fri, 2011-12-02, 23:36:52
Hi Frenchsting! It's great to see some fresh (and old) blood in the Room! :D

What If is indeed a very nice track! 8)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Bupie on Sat, 2011-12-03, 08:28:09
Quote from: PH on Fri, 2011-12-02, 23:36:52
Hi Frenchsting! It's great to see some fresh (and old) blood in the Room! :D
You meant French ?  :D
My copy of Seventh degree hasn't reached my French village yet  :P
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: dacook on Sat, 2011-12-03, 10:13:27
Whilst my missus is Christmas shopping (I have a good deal, I buy my present and she buys all the others!) I've got "Seven..." on at full whack. Still loving this one.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Petrucci on Mon, 2011-12-05, 17:58:37
Quote from: Petrucci on Tue, 2011-11-15, 13:15:57
No feedback about the last album or the last gigs ?? :(

I have only listened 4 songs from the Seventh Degree and I am a little disapointed: short songs, no risk-taking, lack of inspiration and singer very present...

Waiting for the new album that I have ordered.

Ok I received the SDOS album 2 weeks ago and I have listened it maybe 10 times.

In my opinion, it's not bad but it's not one of the best albums of the band... I guess it's an homogeneous album, without very good songs.

Paul Manzi is too present I think, I hope there will be another album very soon but with more instrumental parts and, of course, more from John Mitchell.

An other thing, hard to explain for me: in the Visitor (my favorite album), I think the songs were full of inspiration with good constructions and it was always dark (and very energic, for example with Running from Damascus). But mainly since Peeper Ghosts, there are a lot of stange songs. For exemple, I think that Trebuchet has a very good intro, powerful, dark, but after this, the singer enters in the game and it's like another song, much less heavy, dark, fast and like a lack of inspiration.
It's a little the same thing with Catching the Bullet, the intro is great, it seems the album take an other dimension, very epic, but once the singer starts, it's different, it's more "pop" and boring.

My favorite song: The ghost walks, a dark song from the begining to the end, a good Paul Manzi, and a very nice solo from John Mitchell.

Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Bupie on Sat, 2011-12-10, 13:48:26
Incredible ... I finally received it this morning  8) Mad, what about yours ?  ;)

I will come back to give my opinion after a few spins.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: maddox on Sat, 2011-12-10, 20:18:09
Quote from: Bupie on Sat, 2011-12-10, 13:48:26
Incredible ... I finally received it this morning  8) Mad, what about yours ?  ;)

I will come back to give my opinion after a few spins.

Got it as well!

And it's pretty good actually.

And I can say that since I've listened to it at work, two nights on a row, and in the car, and over here in my lovely house...

Me likey!!!!  *horns*
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Karolina on Sun, 2011-12-11, 19:13:47
Hello everybody and thank you for accepting me in The Shattered Room!

First of all, just want to say that I flew all the way to Poland to see Arena's gig, as I have not met a single person in England who had heard of Arena. How sad, considering that all of the band's talents were born in UK. I have a quite big Prog rock group of friends back home.

I purchased the Seventh Degree of Separation at the gig and have been listening to it since. I am absolutely in love with the whole album. Clive's lyrics are always so inspirational and Paul suits perfectly to the band. He has a great voice with a wide vocal range. Personally, I think he is much better than Rob. I love every single track on a new album, however if I have to pick one or two (or three ...), it would be: The Great Escape, Rapture, One Last au revoir and of course What if (composition of lovely Mr Mitchell  ;)).

Thank you Arena,
x x x
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: maddox on Sun, 2011-12-11, 20:16:05
Welcome to the Room, Karolina!
Do return and join the conversation.

About the UK, strange really since there are a few members over here that live in the UK.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Karolina on Sun, 2011-12-11, 20:46:15
I can see now, perhaps I was hanging around "wrong" crowd though, lol.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: maddox on Sun, 2011-12-11, 22:46:29
Quote from: Karolina on Sun, 2011-12-11, 20:46:15
I can see now, perhaps I was hanging around "wrong" crowd though, lol.

If that crowd were strolling on the rhythms of Lady Gaga then I'd say; definitely yes!!  ;D

Take a different route and you'll meet others.
Us progheads, we're not with many, but we're there!!  *horns*


Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Deenfan on Tue, 2012-01-24, 01:44:14
Hi, people, and it's been too long. It's got something to do with the long time since last Arena album, and everything to do with my own life.

I'm very happy to log on and tell you that in my ears, Arena have done it again. They are still the only band I know of, who tops anything they've ever done, every time they release an album. Seriously, I've never experienced anything like it. Usually, a bands best album is to be found among the first three. Some really long-lived acts pushes this a bit, but usually, their most magnificent work is around 20 years back in time. And I'm not one of those guys who would say that anyway. Helloween have all their best albums within the confines of the last albums, in my ears, and I've been there with them since the very beginning. Another exception, I guess, though.

Arena, I started to listen to when "Pride" appeared in my mailbox. (I had a radio show once). I was not surprised to find, later on, that I preferred it, by some distance, to the debut. I was more unprepared for how good I'd find the next album (The visitor, but I didn't need to tell you that, did I?). It was very different, and took some time, but in the end, it's just better as an album, although the four best Arena songs were still on Pride. Or, that's not true, not as whole songs, but the best, most magical parts...

Immortal was still a tiny bit better, and I was impressed by that. Contagion just blew my mind. Even better?! Incredible.

Then "Pepper's ghost" comes along, with the best collection of songs Arena had served up until then. Some said it was too "straight-forward" and the like, but I think it's just a side effect of the songs being much stronger, and the quality of them not hidden very well. Instead, the best harmonies and hooks were lifted out of obscurity. Prog bands usually shamefacedly hide hooks and choruses in weirdness and instrumental indulgences. I was happy to see Arena rise above that, finally. They did hint in that direction on "Contagion" (ref.the first track...)

So, I was in heaven, right?

Well, I have yet in my little history lesson to give away Arena's standing as compared to the other bands I like. They never came all the way up to Magnum, Helloween, Kingdom Come, Shadow Gallery (by all that is holy) and other bands I got even more emotional about.

Emotion is the key.

I've always felt that Arena had an unrealized potential. And I think it's got to do with singers. Rob Sowden was an improvement. More character. A bit of bite to it, if you know what I mean. Singers are important to me. On par with keyboards. Prog bands tend to not have the most Pavarotti-equivalent singers. They often sound more like the neighbour or uncle with who is a bit better at singing than the other folks at the party. They're like guitarists who can sing. Song writers who can sing. Not singers, who are singers, through and through. Who would be considered if a slot opened up in Journey or Queensrÿche, or who would ever be recognized for their vocal abilities, like John Farnham or Ronnie James Dio. Maybe this, that I find a lacking quality, has another side to it that makes it good for other people, and a part of the sound they really adore? Probably, but you are all capable of making your own cases. I'll make mine.

And this is where I won't budge, because it's not a question of taste. It is a musical-mathematical fact: The song writer in Arena has on a number of occasions written melody lines that go outside of the singers range. Rob had to resort to a crude jump into a falsetto here and there. So, not with any power or grace, he made the sound, hit the note, and in the studio they could fatten it up in all sorts of ways. Still, it was what it was, and live he was naked. I considered this, pretty thoroughly, and I came to the conclusion that Clive really wanted that line. He could have altered it, to suit the actual singer. But the song would have been worse for it. Yngwie Malmsteen would have sacked the singer immediately, and ordered one that could do it. Though I'm a big fan, the world needs only one Yngwie, in so many ways. Clive and Rob took the third alternative.

It wasn't optimal.

I have pointed this out before. And recognize that I have said nothing bad about Rob or indeed Clive. Every singer has got a range and other features that make him the singer he is. These dictate what fits him. A song writer is much the same. What sort of ideas does he tend to come up with? If he's prone to intensity and dramatics, he writes for a singer with a wide range, that encompasses some really high notes, and with a variety of "voices" that enables him to slip into and out of different roles and emotions. Clive is a bit like that, and Rob is not. Clive is getting more and more like that, it seems to me, and I thought (and wrote) that he should not be limited by the musicians around him. If nothing else, for the sake of the songs. If they were ever a match, they were not a perfect one anymore. So it's just a good old-fashioned question of musical differencies.

LISTEN to the new album!!! First of all, it is the coolest way in the world of presenting the new member. I remember Iron Maiden started off "Piece of mind" with a drum intro that told the fans not to worry about the new drummer. Having the new singer sing alone, stark naked, for such an extended moment, is brave. It is also, like in the Maiden case, all I needed to know. No previous Arena singer could have sung that intro! And I was stunned upon hearing it. Happy, enthusiastic, impressed, surprised... but also downright.... (I'm sorry, but it's the word to use) flabbergasted. And at the age of 39, that is not happening a lot. In music, I think I've pretty much heard it all, and done some of it myself. Since YouTube, I've stopped being impressed by musical athletics. What ever you hear on an album, a kid on YouTube can play it twice as fast, with triplets, in a much stranger time signature. While balancing an orange on the tip of the nose.

There is nothing of true value, other than the art itself. The song, most importantly, and thereby how it is made the best it can be by capable and musical musicians. Which is why you have to have a certain amount of technique and dexterity and whatnot. Speed. Range. Timing.

For me to be moved, shaken and punched in the face by a piece of music, at this point in my life, and after all those albums having set the bar pretty high, is nothing short of a miracle. It beats a burning bush any day. And I'll be forever in debt to Arena for this. I didn't see that coming, but I recognized it immediately: This is a chance for the band to realize their potential. For the song writers to see their vision become reality, the way it sounded in their heads, or even better than that.

So, I actually had to stop playback, and breathe. Skip back to the beginning and start again. It is magnificent every time. It's like seeing a Lamborghini Murcielago. You never take it in stride. So, what about the rest of the album, then?

Well, I've been through it a few times now, and the verdict is clear as it has never been: This is obviously, and by far, the best Arena album of all time. Yes, we tend to fondly remember, and the mood of the times passed is usually stronger than the mood of today, so many will only come around when this album is reminding them of the old days. But here and now, I'm already certain. The reason is, everything tangible is better this time around. The production is stellar, and the singer can do anything asked of him, with power and grace and quite a bit of conviction. The intangible is harder to put words to, but there is such a strong mood throughout this album, and it never lets go. Quite an achievement, with so many different songs on offer.

Songs, yes. In the twilight between tangible and intangible, there are the songs. I can not remember having ever thought as highly of any Arena song as I do of at least half of those on this album. Three of them would be massive hits and declared best tunes of the millennium if performed by some big stayer, with mass appeal. Celine Dion or Bruce Springsteen or anyone, really. "What if" is as good as the most unique and brilliant moments of U2, Eurythmics, Michael Jackson or anyone. It's, however, heading for a life of relative obscurity, so we, the chosen, should embrace it with all our hearts. There are others, too, and no moment on this album, as far as I can tell at present, is short of very very very good.

I didn't think the new album would be even better than Pepper's Ghost. And I did NOT for a moment imagine that it would beat it on its home turf: Sheer song quality. Lyrics and melody-centered, acoustic guitar by the fire, hummability.

Hats off. Arena, reinvented again. Even better, again. And now, at last, up there with the ones that have moved me the most.

I now truly love this band. I need a t-shirt.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Nicky007 on Tue, 2012-01-24, 13:07:45
Quote from: Deenfan on Tue, 2012-01-24, 01:44:14
Usually, a bands best album is to be found among the first three.

Altho I disagree entirely with you on that, iac re my pantheon groups, it's great to have ya back again, Deenie  8)

Nicky.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Deenfan on Tue, 2012-01-24, 14:08:14
You are an exception, Nicky! ;D

Cheers
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Nicky007 on Wed, 2012-01-25, 16:38:32
There are a bit many exceptions to your great rule, Deenie  ;)

I'm enjoying reading your long post here (returning to it)  8)

Btw Deenie, check up my post in the Lions Cage thread, where I spinned the Wilderness lyrics  ;)

Nicky.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: payter on Thu, 2012-01-26, 17:13:18
My copy of the Making Of DVD that came with the CD has an issue. When I play it, the black and white portions seem to flicker a lot. Or is that deliberate?

It also doesn't play all the way through, I assume because of this: there aren't any scratches, but the clear layer of plastic on the playing side isn't evenly distributed across the surface. There's an oval ring in the middle of it where it's either thicker or thinner, I can't tell, and there's also some little droplets of it elsewhere on the playing surface. I've already contacted Verglas, but they won't do anything, other than tell me to contact the vendor I bought it from, who hasn't answered me yet. And the vendor's stock is backordered at the moment, so I have little hope of this getting resolved any time soon.

I would appreciate someone on here letting me know about the black and white flickering though.

Thanks.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Deenfan on Thu, 2012-01-26, 21:17:00
That is a very unnecessary thing to deliberately add to such a video. Or any video. Must have felt really arty-smarty to come up with it, but it is dreadful. My did play all the way through, though, so that's probably an error.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: bellanova on Fri, 2012-01-27, 02:23:20
Mine is ok too. I actually enjoyed it alot. Probably the best thing I watched on Christmas Day!
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: payter on Fri, 2012-01-27, 18:01:03
Thank you both for answering, but I'm still not certain if you also see flickering in the black and white sections, or not?
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Deenfan on Sun, 2012-01-29, 22:11:13
It does flicker. It seems they've gone for an old movie simulation thing. And it is in black and white.

On the actual album, I've presented it to some of my friends, and both camps (Arenaists and Arenasceptics) are hugely impressed. The verdict is unanimous: The new singer is awesome, and has lifted the bands music to a different level altogether.

So, welcome to the cage, Manzi! :)
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: payter on Sun, 2012-01-29, 22:16:58
Thanks for clarifying the flickering. At least it's not some kind of NTSC/PAL issue then.
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: aswas on Fri, 2012-02-03, 16:38:50
I didn't see and flickering at all. maybe i was lucky. Got the CD about 2 weeks ago, and it definitely Is what Clive said it would be: Dark. I am sorting through all of the instrumental parts and breaking them down. I would have like to hear Clive a little more, maybe another quick solo or 2. He has always blended wonderfully with the band, but several songs he really can't be heard very well. He uses several new sounds throughout, but it is background at the most, at times. maybe this was intentional. He presence builds obviously more towards the ending few tracks. I love Arena and have for many years. I remember  Clive saying that he tires of making CDs because of all the ripoff schemes online and illegal download possibilities. Do you think this may be the last one? Good to be back. Been gone for a long long time due to medical issues. Hope everyone is doing ok.Aswas Dan
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: payter on Fri, 2012-02-03, 16:51:54
Quote from: aswas on Fri, 2012-02-03, 16:38:50
I didn't see and flickering at all. maybe i was lucky.

Hmm... let me ask you another question then: when Clive shows some stuff on his computer monitor, from about 18:40 to 19:10, can you see that (what's on his screen)clearly? I can't. It's all black&white, shaky and flickering (and fuzzy too).
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Draco chimera on Fri, 2012-02-03, 21:56:06
Quote from: aswas on Fri, 2012-02-03, 16:38:50
I didn't see and flickering at all. maybe i was lucky. Got the CD about 2 weeks ago, and it definitely Is what Clive said it would be: Dark. I am sorting through all of the instrumental parts and breaking them down. I would have like to hear Clive a little more, maybe another quick solo or 2. He has always blended wonderfully with the band, but several songs he really can't be heard very well. He uses several new sounds throughout, but it is background at the most, at times. maybe this was intentional. He presence builds obviously more towards the ending few tracks. I love Arena and have for many years. I remember  Clive saying that he tires of making CDs because of all the ripoff schemes online and illegal download possibilities. Do you think this may be the last one? Good to be back. Been gone for a long long time due to medical issues. Hope everyone is doing ok.Aswas Dan
I sure hope it's not their last!! And I would personally travel to England and convince Clive if he thought so.  :P I don't think they would have enganged a new singer and bassist and come back after a hiatus if they had doubts about the success of the album from a commercial perspective because of piracy.
Good to hear from you again, btw ;) Hope you're doing better
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: Deenfan on Thu, 2012-02-09, 17:04:23
Quote from: payter on Fri, 2012-02-03, 16:51:54
Hmm... let me ask you another question then: when Clive shows some stuff on his computer monitor, from about 18:40 to 19:10, can you see that (what's on his screen)clearly? I can't. It's all black&white, shaky and flickering (and fuzzy too).

I'll be standing in a corner, head down, shamefaced, if it isn't intentional, as an effect. I used to be able to tell the difference between effects and technical flaws... :-[
Title: Re: The Seventh Degree of Seperation
Post by: aswas on Sun, 2012-02-26, 02:50:38
Quote from: payter on Fri, 2012-02-03, 16:51:54
Hmm... let me ask you another question then: when Clive shows some stuff on his computer monitor, from about 18:40 to 19:10, can you see that (what's on his screen)clearly? I can't. It's all black&white, shaky and flickering (and fuzzy too).
I
QuoteI will look again man