Arena – The Theory Of Molecular Inheritance

5,560

5 Stars

*Brilliant artwork for the cover of The Theory Of Molecular Science by David Wyatt.*

Audio CD (paid link)

Clive Nolan and Mick Pointer formed Arena in 1995. The band has had several lineup changes with various comings and goings, but considering the heritage of bands, it’s been pretty stable.

Clive Nolan, the progressive rock keyboard wizard, is still there leading the band. He has had an incredible musical career, joining Pendragon on keyboards in 1986 where he remains to this day, plus his other side project, Shadowland that he formed in 1992. His only problem could be that, as this is such a stupendous album for Arena, it could interfere with his other projects by completely captivating his workload. Songwriter Clive Nolan is Arena’s main force on stage, driving the band forward from a huge array of keyboards.

The other founding member, Mick Pointer, plays his drums from the back of the stage. A very underrated drummer who gives the tubs an almighty thwack, he was also a founder member of Marillion.

*The boys in the band (from left to right) Clive Nolan, Martin Mitchel, Damian Wilson and Mick Pointer.*

Newly appointed to front the band is the singer’s singer, Darren Wilson, who has previously been with Threshold and the remarkable Headspace (hopefully he will soon perform with Headspace again during breaks from Arena), amongst others, as well as an active solo career. He has appeared on countless studio albums (100s?) since making his recording debut in 1992. His vocal range is both monumental and distinctive. Added to that, he has an amazing stage presence. He is somewhat of a liability as he does enjoy a bit of stage diving, not common amongst progressive rock singers, even from the heavier side of the tracks. Can you imagine Jon Anderson of Yes jumping head-first into the audience? Just not the done thing, old boy. Well, our Damien loves it.

These are undoubtedly the stars of the show.

But there are two more equally important members of Arena. Lead guitarist John Mitchel has been with the band since 1997. Just listen to him wig out on this album. He is on an equal footing with any of his peers in the current rock scene.

The man prancing about in his hat on the left-hand side of the stage is Kylan Amos playing his dexterous bass. He has formed a formidable rhythm partnership with Mick Pointer, giving Arena a fine launchpad.

As Arena have progressed over the years, the sound has grown heavier until with this album, we have reached a fine plateau.

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Does the music live up to expectations? By thunder, yes.

The Theory Of Molecular Inheritance is a concept album, as is the wont of progressive rock, so best played from start to finish, all 62 minutes of it.

As the first crescendo of Time Capsule comes over the speakers you are hooked anyway. The music is huge, way beyond being put into any category, except maybe just rock.

*Clive Nolan not only plays the keyboards like a wizard; he actually*
*looks like one. A very nice white wizard mind.*

As the first riff comes storming out, you are dragged in by the combined powers of the music. Damian Wilson’s first vocal salvo is a broadside not heard since the illustrious days of David Byron in Uriah Heep. As it’s the vocalist’s first outing with the band, he is allowed plenty of space to show off his full range. The others do not take a back seat, but the splendor is there for all to revel in—a very satisfactory opening.

The story starts being told on the second song up, ‘The Equation (The Science of Magic),’ almost delving into Terry Pratchett’s Discworld territory.

The true joys of this band are laid bare for all to enjoy. The rhythm section excels here on a rolling riff, with keyboards and guitar swapping solos supporting Damien Wilson’s storytelling. All wizards will be bangin’ their staffs along to the theme.

So, the story comes out at you, intensity building from track to track. The band sounds well-seasoned and in perfect harmony, tighter than a cauldron of witches. ‘Twenty-one Grams’ may not weigh a lot, but it can mean a lot. Especially with John Mitchel riffing, putting some weight behind it.

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‘Confession’ is a beautiful piano-led ballad, adding a fine balance after the intensity of the first quarter of an hour.

*The band receives a well-earned round of applause after a show.*

The impressively titled ‘The Heiligenstadt Legacy’ (in Goethe, this means the heritage of the sanctuary) follows in similar fashion with Wilson and Nolan combining nicely until the two-minute mark when the Arena opens up. It’s a mighty punch musically; the song has an epic feel. It is something Deep Purple would have tried an eon ago; very impressive.

‘Field of Sinners’ is a good band workout, with deft touches from Mick Pointer. ‘Pure of Heart,’ by its title, would lead you to expect a ballad but is quite the reverse, this thing rocks. It will take on a life of its own on stage, perhaps stealing the show. Arena performs at their most menacing here.

The moog and guitar interplay dazzle on ‘Under the Microscope,’ leaving you longing for an extended version between all the masters of their craft. It’s already the longest piece on the album, but could easily double in length while keeping your attention.

After a calm start, ‘Integration’ gets the same treatment with a barrage of soloing from Arena’s terrible twins Nolan and Mitchell, both bringing whoops of good cheer as they shred away. Underneath, the rhythm section keeps the music bouncing along.

*All the bells and whistles with the deluxe version. It is coming up to Christmas you know?*

‘Part Of You’ is an instant stage classic, which will soon have the faithful baying in the aisles. Marvelous tempered work from John Mitchel, with a glorious performance from Damien Wilson. You can almost hear him winking at the audience.

‘Life Goes On’ sums up Arena very nicely with a mid-tempo number allowing each member to shine whilst bidding farewell.

A very satisfying album; now we have to hope that the Gods of Rock are kind to us and keep this wonderful band together for many a decade.

As they say, “All Killer No Filler.”

The band is currently in the middle of a European Tour. So far, there are only a few numbers from The Theory Of Molecular Inheritance—this is only to be expected for a band with such a long history, but there is certainly time for all these numbers to be integrated into the set.

{The molecular inheritance theory is a study of genes, hereditary and genetic variations, defining how children look like their parents. There, so now you know.}

If you buy the Deluxe Version of this album there is an extra CD of outtakes, demos, and instrumentals. A nice addition to your collection. Also includes a coffee book with 180 pages of Arena history, plus an up-to-date 16-page colour book of the present band with artwork by David Wyatt.