Emanating from England, the quintet known as “Arena” commingles tasty keyboard arrangements with electro-acoustic interludes and bone crushing rhythms on this new release titled, Immortal?. Perhaps the distinguishing factors could be attributed to Rob Sowden’s expressive and at times poignantly dramatic vocals and Clive Nolan’s creative, whimsical yet altogether harmonious and crystalline keyboard charts. Sowden’s often emphatic and/or prophetic vocals provide some extra importance to the lyrics as his near flawless diction and rather poised delivery is to be commended. Viewed as a whole, the band displays cohesive synergy amid a commanding presence although many of these pieces reside within the medium tempo straight-four spectrum.

Essentially, Immortal? does age well on subsequent spins as this group borrows a bit from the past, along with some – gothic – tendencies, yet surge forward with charisma and eloquence. Hence, “Arena” offers a breath of fresh air to a sometimes-stagnant progressive rock scene.

* * * ½ (out of * * * * *)