ARENA — The Theory of Molecular Inheritance (review)

ARENA — The Theory of Molecular Inheritance album cover

Album · 2022 · Metal Related

4/5 · 2024-03-22
siLLy puPPy

One of the big three in the modern world of neo-prog along with IQ and Clive Nolan’s other powerhouse project Pendragon, ARENA enters another decade with yet another singer, in fact their fifth! Replacing Paul Manzi who joined the team for three albums from 2010-2020, seasoned veteran Damian Wilson of [Headspace], Landmarq, Star One and the off and on vocalist of Threshold jumps into the singer’s seat and leads ARENA into the next chapter of its near three decade exsistence.

THE THEORY OF MOLECULAR INHERITANCE is the band’s 10th album from longtime band members drummer Mick Pointer and keyboardist Clive Nolan. Returning from the previous “Double Vision” is long time guitarist John Mitchell and newer but now well established bassist Kylan Amos. Continuing the modern trend of neo-prog hybridization with the heavier aspects of modern progressive metal, THE THEORY OF MOLECULAR INHERITANCE too blurs the lines between the synthesizer-laden characteristics which launched neo-prog into its own prog subgenre and the more caustic contrast of the world of heavy guitar distortion of the world of modern metal.

At just over an hour’s worth of quality material on display, THEORY offers 11 tracks with a deluxe edition offering a bonus CD with one extra track and instrumental versions of the tracks on the main album. With a renewed sense of vigor and a bit of that chomping at the bit feeling due to the two year delay courtesy of the 2020 world pandemic, ARENA’s latest offering may have arrived later than expected but pretty much follows in the trajectory of albums being released every three to four years. As always ARENA exercises restraint and focuses on quality over quantity and once again delivers an above average slice of prog metal-tinged neo-prog that unleashes all the expected larger than life melodies, all-encompassing keyboard omnipresence and the ability to suck you in and keep you hooked for the album’s entirety.

As with many neo-prog albums, ARENA included, THE THEORY OF MOLECULAR INHERITANCE is one of those nerdy pseudo-concept albums that dances around a central storyline but remains nebulous enough for individual interpretation. Purportedly tackling the theory of entanglement and other quantum concepts, the lyrical content crafts an emotional connection to the world of the abstract through its strong melodic hooks, soaring synthesized expansiveness and the heavier than usual implementation of metal guitar heft including staccato guitar stomps as well as the expect neo-sweeps that are almost a mandatory feature in this nook of the greater prog universe.

It goes without saying that Damian Wilson was the absolute right choice as new lead vocalist for this dynamic English act as stellar neo-prog is primarily animated by a competent and charismatic vocalist in the vein of classic Fish-era Marillion. Wilson has more than proved himself as a seasoned veteran in some of the most demanding prog metal bands on the scene these days and feels equally at home in the world of metal-tinged neo-prog which increasingly has become more entwined in the world of prog metal in recent years. The results are no less than spectacular and although i’ve never disliked any of the vocalists ARENA has employed in its ten album run, Wilson seems to have the perfect vocal style which suits the music to a T.

ARENA is certainly one of the top dogs in the world of neo-prog and THE THEORY OF MOLECULAR INHERITANCE keeps the band relevant in an ever changing world where musical acts come and go. ARENA has showed not only a strong propensity for crafting a traditional standard but has also proved to adapt to the necessary changes that keep it relevant in the 21st century. While i wouldn’t call this latest offering as accomplished in terms of songwriting as past glories such as “Contagion” or “The Visitor?,” nevertheless this Surrey sensation has proven once again why it is remains neo-prog royalty with an uncanny consistency and the ability to attract some of the best vocalists the world of prog has to offer. Another excellent album that gets extra credit for wrapping it all up with stunningly beautiful album cover art.