Today I gave Immortal another spin (after listening to PG for the last two weeks in a row), while biking through town. People gave me strange looks because of my singing along the lyrics ;) Man, did I enjoy it (the album, not the looks)!
That's the good thing about the Arena stuff; it's all so good, that you can come back to it after a while and re-discover it, cos it is so rich in details.
Hi Peter,
what's uuuup ? Sorry that I haven't posted in a while, but you know why... :)
You know, one day you'll get yourself seriously injured if you keep listening to music on your bike.... ;)
Anyway, I arrived safely and I am trying to find Peppers Ghost around here in stores but haven't been succesful yet, so I might order it online and get it send to your adress, is that ok ?
The next one visiting me can grab it and bring it to me then.
I agree with you, Immortal get's you again and again, and for me it's anyway a special album, because it was the first Arena album I listened to.
And by the way, again, great idea starting this forum !
Talk to you soon !
Moviedrome always gives me chill's, that how good it is. And Friday's dream is warm en calm, just like waking up from a nice dream :)
Yeah.... perfect! What else is there to say...
Well, there are 5 other songs on the album ;)
Sorry, I was actually referring to the *whole* album :)
Moviedrome is definitely the best song (actually you can't call a twenty minute piece of music just a song! ;)) of Immortal. But don't forget The Butterfly man, whoa what a good song! It was the first song of Arena I discovered and therefore Immortal was my first Arena-album I bought. It wasn't my only Arena-album for a long time. The rest followed soon.
Quote from: Appelmoes?? on Sun, 2005-02-06, 19:44:41
Moviedrome always gives me chill's, that how good it is. And Friday's dream is warm en calm, just like waking up from a nice dream :)
Totally agree to that! ;D
Newcomer frontman Rob Sowden was indeed a worthy addition to the group, and "Immortal?" - the fourth studio release sees them taking big stride from 1998's "The Visitor"... One way or another, "Immortal?" is to be praised by every real Arena's fan. Great stuff! :-*
Quote from: The Voyager on Sun, 2005-03-06, 14:03:32One way or another, "Immortal?" is to be praised by every real Arena's fan.
So is Contagion ;)
Let's agree to differ, Appelmoes. In my personal view, "Contagion" is the worst effort of Arena. And I'm not the only one who think so...
Quote from: The Voyager on Tue, 2005-03-08, 08:43:29
Let's agree to differ, Appelmoes. In my personal view, "Contagion" is the worst effort of Arena. And I'm not the only one who think so...
I'd agree with that. Doesn't do anything for me at all (apart from the odd track). I'll still buy Contagion Max though. Probably ;D
Quote from: The Voyager on Tue, 2005-03-08, 08:43:29
Let's agree to differ, Appelmoes. In my personal view, "Contagion" is the worst effort of Arena. And I'm not the only one who think so...
Then don't go saying things about what
'real fans' should like ;)
Eeek, folks, keep it cool. Taste is nothing to quarrel about. To discuss at best, and that's what we're here for.
Cos, I am devoted fan of ARENA, but I don't wanna be a flattery man. Bitter truth is better than any nice lie. Get me right.
First you say: '"Immortal?" is to be praised by every real Arena's fan'
Then you say: ' Let's agree to differ'
To me that's a little contradictory. If you say it's ok to 'differ', then you shouldn't say that someone is only a real Arena-fan if you really like 'Immortal?' That's just the point I was trying to make. But because english isn't my native language, the thing I say might seem a little harsh, sorry bout that.
In simple phrase "let's agree to differ" means that you and me can view the same matter in a different light. Nothing more. So please, don't be offended. By the way, english is not my native language too. :)
Well, then we're okay with that :)
The show must go on.
Quote from: The Voyager on Wed, 2005-03-09, 14:23:38
The show must go on.
How did Leo Sayer get into this ??? ;D ;)
As far as I remember, Leo Sayer's hit was very impressive. ;D
To me the thing that's best about Immortal is the heavier edge.
First time I played Ghost in the Firewall it almost blew off all the little things (like bottles and stuff) that were standing on my stereo boxes. I really enjoyed this new sound. But the thing is I don't find Immortal symphonic enough for my taste. So even though the album does really rock and I consider it a worthy part of my collection, to me Immortal is the least of the newer albums (Visitor, Immortal, Contagion). I haven't heard PG often enough to add it to the lot.
In my view, "Immortal?" was the second of their best albums ever(next neighbour of "The Visitor").
Immortal isn't "symphonic" enough? Funny... IMO, from a symphonic/orchestral viewpoint, it might be the strongest thing they've ever done! Almost every song has a really cinematic, movie-soundtrack-like quality, ESPECIALLY the two epics... and isn't that melodic theme of "Moviedrome" completely epic-sounding? :D It would fit perfectly into Star Wars or some other such classic, if you ask me! I guess the argument can be made that the album doesn't 'tie together' from one song to the next, so in that sense it isn't as symphonic. But on their own merits, the songs are very deep in that regard!
And I can relate with "Ghost in the Firewall"... I first listened to it on a system with a good sub, and I couldn't really HEAR anything to begin with, but before I knew it, the floor was shaking! :p Nice mixing, Clive/Simon! And I think the tune itself is excellent, too!
I never thought they would top "Immortal?", that's for sure. But of course, along came the even stronger "Contagion", which led me to wonder how the hell they were gonna get out of that one. The answer was releasing something completely different in Pepper's ghost, where "The visitor", "Immortal" and "Contagion" had some more common ground. The concept feeling, first and foremost.
Of course, "The butterfly man" and "Ghost in the firewall" are songs that nothing can be compared to. I mean, even if it's probably better (how would that sound??), those are really unique. Must be a few proud songwriters on your island!
Quote from: Deenfan on Sat, 2005-07-02, 01:04:35
Of course, "The butterfly man" and "Ghost in the firewall" are songs that nothing can be compared to.
The two big synth sweeps in "Ghost In The Firewall" are pretty damn good! ;)
well I must say that Immortal? is still my fav arena album..........I sing SOloudly along with this!
(obviously when no one is listening...............my singing is criminal!!!)
CAx
I've sung with some of the greatest...
Freddie Mercury, Tom Jones, Ronnie James Dio, Roger Daltrey, etc...
Mind you, I was in the bath and they were on the radio at the time.
;D
Immortal? consists of great individual songs (excluding Climbing The Net, refer to thread least favourite Arena track), but as an album it just isn't very cohesive somehow. Probably also suffers from the "post-Visitor-effect". Do love the heavier sound and the production is great.
I'm not ecstatic about Moviedrome by the way, it has great sections but as a whole doesn't really do it for me (which applies to more of the modern epics such as Marillion's This Strange Engine or Dream Theater's Octavarium). Chosen is probably my favourite.
The Buttefly man is my favorite song on the Immortal? album. Arenas Dark lyrics are really inspiring
I agree with Erik and to me Chosen and Butterfly Man are great crowdpleasers live as well. Though I'd love to see that acoustic version of Waiting for the Flood return.
As a whole I think the album is a bit 'slow'. Up till Climbing (not my favourite either) it has a steady pace, that's not very fast. Very Floydie so to say.
My favourite one on Immortal? is Moviedrome. I find this album darker, harder and more aggressive than the previous ones (which really suits my taste, I was hoping they would follow that line...) though "Friday's Dream" is a really lovely ballad which I tend to re-play on my CDÂ ;) over and over again when I get into a ballad mood.
The cover design was a bit surprising as for a prog band. I thought rather more suitable for some industrial or alternative metal band ;) But really gets the climate of the album. Reminds me a bit of "Clockwork Orange" atmosphere - rotten 20th century word.
E.
Interesting that you should mention it. Industrial, I mean. I have no patience for that type of music, but I'm happy that others do, 'cause Clive, for instance, can take what little is good about it and make use of it in a stylish way. The last few Arena albums has had that slight touch of something "new" to it here and there, without dissolving into noise. Noise, as you may well know, is unpleasant. ;D
Quote from: Deenfan on Sun, 2005-08-14, 23:47:12
Interesting that you should mention it. Industrial, I mean. I have no patience for that type of music, but I'm happy that others do, 'cause Clive, for instance, can take what little is good about it and make use of it in a stylish way. The last few Arena albums has had that slight touch of something "new" to it here and there, without dissolving into noise. Noise, as you may well know, is unpleasant. ;D
me neither, a bunch of my friends are totally crazy for Rammstein, Tool and such....but I do not really get the point of this music... my wits are too small ... I guess :)
As for Arena I always expect something new out of each release, and I do not mind their experimenting at all, in fact I'm for more "heavy" Arena sound and would appreciate more of it. I am really curious how they sound live (someone here earlier asked the band If they got more metal-like because he heard someone saying they did) - I never thought of Arena as metal music ;D but would not mind them being heavy at the concerts (which by the way I'm not gonna see this year as I wrote somewhere before, alas..)
Emilia
Despite a slight temptation to rename it "Climbing up the Market Square" ( ;D), I really love "Climbing the Net" - it's one of the highlights of the album for me. Also love "Waiting for the Flood" - Clive's keyboard solo in this is great, relatively simple but effective.
Hey Peter,
It sounds familiair. I lived and worked in Brussels for 5 years and during travelling time to work I listened a lot to Arena.
Especially "Solomon", "Crying for Help IV" and all the Visitor songs spinned loads of rounds in my walkman (now discman). During Solomon I went almost jumping through the streets and shopping centers, must have been a strange thing to see for other people that didn't hear my music.
There music also helped me through difficult times (problems at work, problems with women ;D)
Take care,
Wiebe
I know the feeling! This past spring I bought my new car to the "Pepper's Ghost" album. It was always in my car at the time, playing in my head in the background to all the deals that had to be made. Now it's known as the Pepper's Ghost car with the cd always in it ready to play if needed. A cayenne red, Subaru 2005. :-* Yes, who knows what people thought as the music bled through the windows. Who cares. ;)
Oh yeah, I definately like Arena with the metal edge as well.
Immortal ? arrived on the doorstep tonight and i am enjoying it a lot :) A few more spins and am sure it will be amazing
Quote from: CygnusX1 on Thu, 2005-08-25, 17:35:05
Also love "Waiting for the Flood" - Clive's keyboard solo in this is great, relatively simple but effective.
Agreed, the Mellotron flutes at the end are blissful as well!
After 4 or 5 spins this album is really starting to impress me.
Pepper's Ghost has been on major play on the Funkster decks of death for a few weeks now so Immortal ? had a lot to live up to. And it has.
Once again there are some amazingly good musical passages and the packaging is ace.
Arena have now overtaken Pallas in my neo prog loves and are hot on the heels of IQ :)
Apologies for the vast majority here who already know how brilliant this album is :-[but i am a newbie
You're welcome, funkster, absolutely. Nice to see someone getting so into it :D
Quote from: funkster on Sun, 2006-02-19, 15:42:58Apologies for the vast majority here who already know how brilliant this album is :-[ but i am a newbie
It's always nice to hear someone's story.
I listened to Immortal ? for the very first time on Saturday night and thoroughly enjoyed it. The intro to Moviedrome, that wonderful almost (as someone else mentioned above) cinematic theme, lulled me. I was sitting there at about midnight, lights down low, headphones on and volume up. When the rest of the band kicked in it startled me so much I nearly hit the ceiling :D :D
Quote from: willowroolz on Mon, 2006-03-20, 11:31:08
I listened to Immortal ? for the very first time on Saturday night and thoroughly enjoyed it. The intro to Moviedrome, that wonderful almost (as someone else mentioned above) cinematic theme, lulled me. I was sitting there at about midnight, lights down low, headphones on and volume up. When the rest of the band kicked in it startled me so much I nearly hit the ceiling :D :D
Fancy seeing you here ;)
Immortal ?is very very good even the Market Square heroes homage that is climbing the net.
In fact i have now taken Ghost reveries off and put Immortal ? on ahain
All your fault Will :)
Quote from: funkster on Mon, 2006-03-20, 15:43:13
In fact i have now taken Ghost reveries off and put Immortal ? on ahain
All your fault Will :)
That's just bizarre - I was listening to Ghost Reveries on Saturday night - then I took it off and put Immortal ? on :D
Don't I know you from somewhere Mr F? :D ;)
Hi everybody
This is my very first post to this forum. ;D
Talking about this album, i have a different version and a different approach to enjoy it.
Actually i am a huge fan of Progressive metal band such as dream Theater, Shadow Gallery, and Pain of Salvation.
The Visitor is my first Arena album. I love some of the single but still feel 'lessen'. The duration is too short and it makes me stuck. ;D
So, I jump to another Arena's album that contains an epic song. So, i found 'Moviedrome' and 'sirens' as my favorite song.
Although i love that song, i still can't enjoy the whole album.
After several months, there are some albums of IQ that blew me away.
I really enjoy their music, that could blend Metal and symphonic cohesive-ly.
And then i've been introduced by another neo band, Pendragon.
And I see that one of the brain of this band is Mr. Clive Nolan.
After my ear could accept the style of Nolan's keys after spin the Pendragon album more and more I back to Arena's album.
Finally, i feel differ feel when spin "Immortal?: album.
They start with a 'metal sense' style 'Chosen'. And then a contradiction style, in ballad way "waiting for the flood".
And then there is one of their peak 'creature', name 'The Butterfly Man'. This song really makes me happy and 'proud'.
Another songs that contain special mood is Climbing the net. Clive really could makes a special sound in the opener of this song.
The atmosphere really remind me to Pendragon song 'not of this world pt 1'.
Moviedrome still peak the Top Chart of my favorite neo songs.
So as a conclusion, Immortal? is really good stuff that created by a very solid band.
Departure of Paul Wrightson and John Jowitt, can be replaced by outstanding work from Mr. Sowden (that for my ear is reminiscent of Mr. Wrightsonl :D ) and Ian Salmon (his work in 'The Butterfly Man' is really rockin my ear).
Well, you've done it. I have to put this one on again now...
This thread inspired me to play Immortal? again. All I can say is wow. It's as if I've never heard it before. It still sounds fresh, even after eight years. I really like Rob's voice on this one. And Moviedrome is such an epic track.
I really should listen to this album more often! *horns*
Tom
And for these recent days, i'am still concentrating on 'The butterfly Man'. Bass line in the middle song is really nice and being one of memorable Arena's solo.
Tom, have you heard the song The Butterfly Man on Immortal? ? ;D
That was an Appy special, but quite standard this time :D
Nicky.
Quote from: Nicky007 on Thu, 2008-12-04, 15:16:16
Tom, have you heard the song The Butterfly Man on Immortal? ? ;D
No, that song isn't on the version of the album I have! :o But tell me, what´s it like?
Well, it actually reminds me of a guy I "sorta" know ;D
He has a weird sense of humor, but that contrasts nicely with my seriousness :D
But apart from that: Superduper song 8) *horns*
Nicky.
Yeah, I played Moviedrome the other day. Those guitarriffs are awesome.
Actually Immortal? was the start of a more heavy Arena.
I really hope the new album will come up soon. Or at least some info about it?
It's been almost 4 years since Pepper's Ghost. We need something new!! *horns*
-Paco
Quote from: PH on Thu, 2008-12-04, 16:37:14
I really hope the new album will come up soon. Or at least some info about it?
It's been almost 4 years since Pepper's Ghost. We need something new!! *horns*
I agree. Time for some new stuff! :)
Tom
Quote from: The Butterfly Man on Fri, 2008-12-05, 07:52:06
I agree. Time for some new stuff! :)
I think that would be heavier (not darker ;D) sound. (I just compare it with Pendragon's Pure). Or maybe they will create an epic song?. i hope so *horns*