?Rapture?, a brand new DVD by the British band Arena is now officially released in Europe. The DVD was recorded in 2011, when Arena visited Poland as part of the tour promoting their new release ?The Seventh Degree of Separation?. The album opened a new chapter in the history of the band led since 1995 by two acclaimed

?Rapture?, a brand new DVD by the British band Arena is now officially released in Europe. The DVD was recorded in 2011, when Arena visited Poland as part of the tour promoting their new release ?The Seventh Degree of Separation?. The album opened a new chapter in the history of the band led since 1995 by two acclaimed musicians: Clive Nolan (Pendragon, Caamora, Shadowland) and Mick Pointer (ex-Marillion). The album was recorded with a new singer, Paul Manzi (Oliver Wakeman Band), the bassist John Jowitt, who returned to the band?s line-up after a several year break, and the guitarist John Mitchell.

Filmed in 2011 at Wyspiański Theatre in Katowice, Poland, the DVD features a wide cross-section of Arena?s music, with material ranging from the tracks from the band?s very first release (including The Visitor, Solomon, Crying For Help VII, Ascension) up to their latest songs (The Great Escape, The Seventh Degree Of Separation, Rapture, One Last Au Renoir, The Ghost Walks, What If?, Burning Down). The DVD also features an interview with Mick Pointer and Clive Nolan, additional ?Live in Warsaw, 2011? footage, photo gallery, discography information, and desktop images!

And today you can read the review of the DVD on ProgArchives.com:

?With the gig running to around 2 hours, over 20 songs are included in the performance, including (appropriately) seven from the new album. Mazni's voice suits both the new and the old material perfectly, with selections from albums such as "The visitor" and "Contagion" sounding fresh but reassuringly familiar. Every album from the band's history is covered, going right back to "Songs from the lions' cage" which contributes "Valley of the kings" and the magnificent "Solomon", still a highlight of the set. The set list is loosely laid out as the tracks appear on the albums, with the songs which introduce the original albums coming up front and the closing tracks forming the latter part of the concert. This gives the DVD a feeling of continuity, although it can be a little disconcerting when a familiar song does not lead to the expected successor.
The five man line up are in great form, and clearly enjoying the experience of playing together to an appreciative audience. Despite his relentless commitment to numerous projects Clive Nolan is full of energy, his keyboards at times balancing precariously as he leads the band towards another crescendo. John Mitchell's lead guitar has never sounded finer, his solo at the end of the title track of "The visitor" still drawing a tear, such is the emotion of the piece. He also adds an unexpected solo to "Ascension" that only serves to make the song even more powerful.
(?)
In summary, a magnificent performance by a great band capture perfectly. With the limited opportunities available to see the band worldwide, I would commend this as a very worthy alternative.?

For full review go HERE.

?Rapture? DVD is out now in Europe. April, 9th is the released date in USA (via MVD).

Arena - ?Rapture?

Label: Metal Mind Records
Cat. no.: MMP DVD 0203
Barcode: 5907785037663
Format: DVD
Genre:  progressive rock
Release date: 25.03.2013 Europe / 09.04.2012 USA

Tracklist:

1. The Great Escape
2. Crack in the Ice
3. Don?t Forget to Breathe
4. City of Lanterns
5. What If?
6. One Last Au Revoir
7. Burning Down
8. Serenity
9. Valley of the Kings
10. Crying for Help IV
11. The Eyes of Lara Moon
12. Ghost in the Firewall
13. Rapture
14. The Ghost Walks
15. Bedlam Fayre
16. The Tinder Box
17. The Visitor
18. Solomon
19. Crying for Help VII
20. Ascension