Always room for a thread for this talented guy.
Also, concerning Guilt Machine (his newest project) guess who's going to be on the 8 minute instrumental bonus track? ;D
Always room for a thread for this talented guy.
Also, concerning Guilt Machine (his newest project) guess who's going to be on the 8 minute instrumental bonus track? ;D
The Count of Tuscany?
Oh no, what have I done?!
I'm gonna guess either Petrucci or Michael Romeo.
I love me some Ayreon.
Hopefully when he returns to Ayreon, he'll get Ripper, Barlow (wouldn't that be something), More Hansi, Some Schaffer, Petrucci, Kevin Murr, More Sharon Den Adel, Jorn "Chimes in at last chorus" Lande, and other of MY favorite musical talents that he's unaware of.
Please, no Ripper or Barlow in Ayreon. Also, no Schaffer. Basically, Iced Earth needs to stay away from Ayreon. :lol
Hopefully when he returns to Ayreon, he'll get Ripper, Barlow (wouldn't that be something), More Hansi, Some Schaffer, Petrucci, Kevin Murr, More Sharon Den Adel, Jorn "Chimes in at last chorus" Lande, and other of MY favorite musical talents that he's unaware of.
I have a friend who has been actually been talking sort of as a messenger between Arjen and his favorite vocalist, Claudio Sanchez.
I know not what to think.
I don't know, it would entertain me, at least.
A clash in interests over Space epics for sure.
Please, no Ripper or Barlow in Ayreon. Also, no Schaffer. Basically, Iced Earth needs to stay away from Ayreon. :lolActually I think Barlow would be AWESOME in the right role. Plus, Arjen is an amazing vocal director and really does get fantastic performances out of his singers. On all the Ayreon albums I've felt that the performances from most of the singers have been amongst their best.
My absolute singer favorite composer. Ayreon, Star One, and Stream of Passion are all excellent. I adore pretty much every Ayreon album except the Migrator I & II, and even those are good.Really? I got introduced to Ayroen by those two (because of Russell Allen's participation). The Dream Sequencer is some of his best stuff, imo. Very laid back, 2084, My House on Mars etc are fantastic. I can't say I'm a big fan of his earlier stuff, though. Some songs on ITEC are good but most of it is not for me, same for the previous albums.
This thread needs to be bumped.How to eternally ruin Day 7:
I've recently started listening to Ayreon (and specifically The Human Equation) and I love it. Days 7 and 11 are favourites so far, but probably more when I've listened enough.
Any Ayreon fans have any thoughts on the 3CD box set 'Timeline?' I don't normally like to buy box sets/compilations, especially for bands I am not familiar with, but this one looks pretty solid.
This thread needs to be bumped.How to eternally ruin Day 7:
I've recently started listening to Ayreon (and specifically The Human Equation) and I love it. Days 7 and 11 are favourites so far, but probably more when I've listened enough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_O6QtwFtkk
I remembered that video having James Labrie sitting in a tree singing. Unfortunately I remembered wrong :(.This thread needs to be bumped.How to eternally ruin Day 7:
I've recently started listening to Ayreon (and specifically The Human Equation) and I love it. Days 7 and 11 are favourites so far, but probably more when I've listened enough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_O6QtwFtkk
Anyways, Days 2, 3, 12, 15, 18, 20 are all amazing songs. Plenty of other "great" one too, like Days 5, 11, 13, 14, 17.
Arjen announced the new Guilt Machine album!
https://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=59300772&blogID=496415040
This thread needs to be bumped.How to eternally ruin Day 7:
I've recently started listening to Ayreon (and specifically The Human Equation) and I love it. Days 7 and 11 are favourites so far, but probably more when I've listened enough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_O6QtwFtkk
:rollin :lol :rollin
It's finger lickin good.
Best lyric ever.
It's finger lickin good.
Best lyric ever.
If by best, you mean worst, then I agree with you. The lyrics in that song make the ones on the last two DT albums look like they were written by Shakespeare. :lol
It's finger lickin good.On the other hand, The Human Equation is the most overrated record ever in prog circles.
Best lyric ever.
It's finger lickin good.On the other hand, The Human Equation is the most overrated record ever in prog circles.
Best lyric ever.
Stop being such a Borlag.
However, some of these vocal melodies seem pretty freakin similar (almost recycled) from some fo the 01 stuff.
I see that ex- PT guy Chris Maitland is doing the drums for Guilt Machine, which intrigues me. I think he's an excellent drummer. His presence could make for a slight shift in Ayreon's overall sound.That's pretty cool! Chris Maitland was the drum teacher for my friend Ian. Apparently he used to try to get Ian to listen to PT records, but he never bothered. :lol
Next to Mikael Akerfeldt, I think Arjen may be the single greatest songwriter ever. I CANNOT stop listening to his albums. I've listened to Zero One probably 10 times all the way through in the last few days. It's inconcievable how one man could handle so much weight on his shoulders and make the product come out like his.
Next to Mikael Akerfeldt, I think Arjen may be the single greatest songwriter ever. I CANNOT stop listening to his albums. I've listened to Zero One probably 10 times all the way through in the last few days. It's inconcievable how one man could handle so much weight on his shoulders and make the product come out like his.
I know, right.
I loved THE and for some reason when I got 01 I didn't think much of it, then when it clicked I was all "woah, this even tops THE!"
Need more new-style ayreon please, I don't go for the old.
I loved THE and for some reason when I got 01 I didn't think much of it, then when it clicked I was all "woah, this even tops THE!"
That x200I loved THE and for some reason when I got 01 I didn't think much of it, then when it clicked I was all "woah, this even tops THE!"
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
I love 01011001 and all, but THIS IS HERESY.
What? An avant-guard sci-fi concept rap album from Arjen and you won't buy it? Blasphemy! That would be the best release in the year it comes out.I can't even begin to imagine what an Arjen-penned avant-garde sci-fi concept rap album would sound like. :lol
What? An avant-guard sci-fi concept rap album from Arjen and you won't buy it? Blasphemy! That would be the best release in the year it comes out.I can't even begin to imagine what an Arjen-penned avant-garde sci-fi concept rap album would sound like. :lol
Listening to 01011001 and thoroughly enjoying it. Connect the Dots is amazing. :metal
Got my Guilt Machine in today and I'm on the bonus DVD!!!!
2. He does NOT consider 01 his best work, even though it's his newest and that attitude is expected of musicians, an interesting bit of honesty there.
Except for a bunch of songs.
Except for a bunch of songs.
Such as? 01 has other good songs, but not in comparison. Sixth Extinction or Unnatural Selection would probably be 2nd.
Edit: That one segment at 8:50 of the Fifth Extinction is the best moment of the album. ("And as the smoke slowly rises...")
Just gonna throw this out there, Across The Rainbow Bridge is the best song on at least Disc 1 of Into The Electric Castle musically.
2. He does NOT consider 01 his best work, even though it's his newest and that attitude is expected of musicians, an interesting bit of honesty there.
Did he mention what he considers his best work?
Relistened to Human Equation and 01 today, always so good. The minimal weak spots are always covered and flow so well....
On that note, would there be any interest in an Ayreon survivor?
Thread revival.
Does anyone know in what order the Ayreon plot goes in? It doesn't seem very clear to me.
There seems to be lots of good music there, but nothing that really grabs me. It makes for pleasant listening at work, but a few songs will go by and I will think back and not remember anything about what I just heard. Normally after this many listens I’ve made some sort of decision on how I feel about the music, good or bad.
I know the story, I was just wondering which order the albums go in. I was assuming that it was chronological, but I also think that the Universal Migrator albums might take place after 01.Thread revival.
Does anyone know in what order the Ayreon plot goes in? It doesn't seem very clear to me.
I guess I could try to explain it tomorrow if it's the story you want. It will take a while, though :lol
I know the story, I was just wondering which order the albums go in. I was assuming that it was chronological, but I also think that the Universal Migrator albums might take place after 01.Thread revival.
Does anyone know in what order the Ayreon plot goes in? It doesn't seem very clear to me.
I guess I could try to explain it tomorrow if it's the story you want. It will take a while, though :lol
The Human Equation takes place sometime in modern times.
I think it was a Forever saying "Emotions, I remember". The Forevers aren't a part of the Dream Sequencer though. They just built it if I recall correctly.
Want... more... star... one... updates...
Happy 2011 all, thanks for making Star One a success! No touring though, sorry... Next up is my solo album, I feel really inspired :-)
Couldn't find any other general Ayreon topic.
From Arjen's Twitter:QuoteHappy 2011 all, thanks for making Star One a success! No touring though, sorry... Next up is my solo album, I feel really inspired :-)
Regarding "solo album"... Do you think he means another Ayreon album with different guest vocalists and musicians as before, or really a solo album with just him on vocals and all instruments (maybe except drums)?
I have had the human equation ( cam what a masterpiece ) for a long time mow and still play it all the time is it me or am i the only one who thinks this is the only great album out of them all or ahould i relisten to one of the others again ? I want to and keep trying to latch on to another album but i nothing has clicked yet.
Hot News: The long out-of-print Ambeon 'Fate of a dreamer' (with 14 year old Astrid van der Veen on vocals) will be re-released with loads of extra (unreleased) tracks !
I guess it's because it felt more like leftover from the last two Ayreon albums but performed by 1 guy so it was a bit boring after a while.
Couldn't find any other general Ayreon topic.
From Arjen's Twitter:QuoteHappy 2011 all, thanks for making Star One a success! No touring though, sorry... Next up is my solo album, I feel really inspired :-)
Regarding "solo album"... Do you think he means another Ayreon album with different guest vocalists and musicians as before, or really a solo album with just him on vocals and all instruments (maybe except drums)?
I'm surprised at the lack of love for Guilt Machine, I never really got into Ayreon or Star One but I love that album. I like every song on it except for Over.
Got Timeline the other week. Great compilation at a great price, excellent package.
Got Timeline the other week. Great compilation at a great price, excellent package.
This is the only Arjen release I have and I like it a lot too. I've listened to most, if not all, of the Ayreon material and think 'Timeline' does represent the best parts of each album as best, or at least as close as possible for a compilation like this.
Haven't checked out any of his other material.
Dickinson's absolute best performance ever is on Into The Black Hole.
Russel Allen
Dickinson's absolute best performance ever is on Into The Black Hole.
Dickinson's absolute best performance ever is on Into The Black Hole.
I think I have to agree with this.
I only got into Ayreon because of James LaBrie in The Human Equation, then i discovered the rest of Arjen's work, I was amazed to Hear Bruce Dickinson and Russel Allen in a few of his songs :metal
Dickinson's absolute best performance ever is on Into The Black Hole.
I think I have to agree with this.
Wrong. Watch Tears of the Dragon on the Tribuzy live DVD. Seriously one of the best vocal performances of anyone on anything ever.
Russel Allen
TWO L's!
TWO FUCKING L's!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm ok.
Interesting that he's calling it a solo album. Didn't he write absolutely everything for his other projects anyway?
Interesting that he's calling it a solo album. Didn't he write absolutely everything for his other projects anyway?
Interesting that he's calling it a solo album. Didn't he write absolutely everything for his other projects anyway?
I might be wrong, but I think he's doing all of the vocals on this one too. Which is what would make it more "solo".
https://store.arjenlucassen.com/newreal.html
Some awesome bundles for our European friends. Unfortunately the cost to the states is unreal. $42 after conversion for the bundle isn't too bad, but the shipping is then another 25 euro, or about $32, making it total around $74.
I completely expect that Arjen will have written music with his own voice in mind, and while the vocal talent certainly won't be there, I think the music he writes will make great use of his voice. Sorta like Kevin Moore in OSI.
Wow, sorry, I somehow hopped over that part when reading it the first time. :lol
In any case I'd say your next best best is Into the Electric Castle and either of the Star One albums.
Trailer:I... What..?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVJSvW80CyU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVJSvW80CyU)
Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVJSvW80CyU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVJSvW80CyU)
That was cheesier than that Christopher Lee Metal thing.
That was cheesier than that Christopher Lee Metal thing.
Having heard the Christopher Lee metal thing....no, it wasn't. Arjen at least doesn't take himself seriously. That Christopher Lee cd took itself very seriously.
So I'm looking for some advice here...
Ayreon is relatively new to me. I only have one album (the Human Equation), and I have really enjoyed it for the past few months. I am now curious to expand my collection further. What album would you guys suggest I check out next? Do they all tend to be near the same level of quality, or does anyone stand out above the rest?
Thanks.
I prefer Victims of the Modern Age to Space Metal.
I prefer Victims of the Modern Age to Space Metal.
Victims of the Modern Age was a HUGE disappointment.
I prefer Victims of the Modern Age to Space Metal.
Victims of the Modern Age was a HUGE disappointment.
Get those two albums and you have everything that is good about Ayreon.
Pretty cool song, but he's still on with the narration and whatnot, even as a solo artist. :facepalm:
Mason likes to fail hard on occasion.
Even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in awhile.
Even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in awhile.
This coming from someone who was getting beat so bad they quit
Average album is average.
jeez....that was fast :|
I have no idea why people expect something else from his lyrics, especially on this album. Just kick back, enjoy the music and great melodies and have fun.I tend to agree. After all, I'm probably one of the only people in the world who isn't bothered by some of the lyrics on 01011001, but these are just...fuck.
I found The Human Equation purely through JLB and MA being involved in it and I was blown away. Some awesome work there both vocally and instrumentally, that Devon Graves really impressed me. One of the best albums I've heard. Great mixes of heavy, prog, and folk! Gunna have to check a few other albums out by Ayreon/Arjen. Any recommendations, I was thinking 01011001.
Mason likes to fail hard on occasion.
On this topic, I side with Nick. That's a fail beyond fail, professor. VOTMA continues to get mad props and lots of spins here. Couple of so-so tracks, but the rest of it more than compensates. My last.fm most played song list is almost exclusively VOTMA - that pretty much sums it up for me.
Arjen Lucassen - Come back to me (Day Seven: Hope) - 21-04-2012 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_I_yUa4PEvw&feature=relmfu)
Yeah, the lyrics are incredible.Hm. The song SUBJECTS are incredible (aside from Where Pigs Fly), but the lyrics are pretty crummy for the most part.
Yeah, the lyrics are incredible.Hm. The song SUBJECTS are incredible (aside from Where Pigs Fly), but the lyrics are pretty crummy for the most part.
damn man.. I'm so much in love with this guy.....
:hearts:
thanks for sharing MrBoom_shack-a-lack...... WUT..... you've got a horrendous name sir :lol
damn man.. I'm so much in love with this guy.....
:hearts:
thanks for sharing MrBoom_shack-a-lack...... WUT..... you've got a horrendous name sir :lol
:lol Yea you have no idea how many times i have said that too myself! I can´t remember why i choose it and now i´m stuck with it! >:(
A great kind of personal inteview with Arjen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9U2RXOq6KI&feature=player_embedded
4:33! That´s how everybody should listen to music! :rollin
hey don't beat yourself up buddy... that's a very memorable name... now I know who you are ;)Haha yea thats a good point....so i guess i´ll stick with it then! :)
Boom_shack-a-lack :laugh:
where were we ? yeah.... Arjen... :hearts:
It's refreshing to see an artist who is able to not take himself too seriously and do hilarious things like that.Absolutly! :)
hey don't kill me for this but
most of the original disc 2 material is better than most of the disc 1 material IMO
I mean it's all at least good but a lot of the disc 2 songs are way superior to the disc 1 ones, minus the closer.
Ayreon or another solo album next I'd say.:tup
Ayreon^This
And another comment from his personal facebook page...Ayreon^This
For those who don't want to look through his facebook comments here is a little spoiler....(from his "Ayreon" facebook page)
Yes, I think it's time for another over-the-top rock opera thingie soon :-)
If I can get them reasonably priced in America, then I'll be buying.Did you know that Into The Electric Castle was released on Vinyl last year?
If I can get them reasonably priced in America, then I'll be buying.Did you know that Into The Electric Castle was released on Vinyl last year?
It is available at CMDistro and the new vinyl coming out should be available there too.
I did not, but checking now they have it for $40, which is ridiculous.For a triple vinyl, tri-gatefold sleeve and slipcase? I don't know about that. Oh and it is WAY cheaper in the US than it is on InsideOut's website, which I suppose is not surprising since VAT is included on their website(38 Euros, not including shipping) and most of us in the US don't have to pay an online sales tax..........yet
Hell yeah, new Ayreon!! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Hell yeah, new Ayreon!! :hefdaddy :hefdaddy :hefdaddy
Anyone here ever encounter the Australian prog band The Third Ending (https://www.thethirdending.com/)? I've done some collaborating with their guitarist before. Anyway, a few years back, I produced a charity CD to benefit the victims of the Tsunami. The project was called "The Tsunami Projekt" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tsunami_Projekt)
The second track on disc one of that two disc set was by a band called "Theory of Everything" - that band is now known as "The Third Ending" and you know why?
Because someone crawled out of the woodwork and threatened to bring legal action against them for using "Theory of Everything" as their name because it was already copyrighted.
Just makes me wonder if Arjen will run into any issued with that album title :justjen
:squee:
:happydance:
:caffeine::metal :hat :hefdaddy
:metal :metal :tup :biggrin: :heart:squee::happydance::caffeine::metal :hat :hefdaddy
Would adding the article "The" before it make it ANY different in the eyes of copyrights? I mean, if so, then good for Arjen. I like the title, A LOT, and if it's going to tie in with all the previous Ayreon albums (as it should), then the title is very fitting.
If not, there's always alternatives like "The Everything Theory", which is similar, twisted in a way, but still conveys the same idea, I think.
-Marc.
:rollinWould adding the article "The" before it make it ANY different in the eyes of copyrights? I mean, if so, then good for Arjen. I like the title, A LOT, and if it's going to tie in with all the previous Ayreon albums (as it should), then the title is very fitting.
If not, there's always alternatives like "The Everything Theory", which is similar, twisted in a way, but still conveys the same idea, I think.
-Marc.
Or he could just go with "The Theory Of Everything Of Fire" :loser:
Nem knows but she won't tell :yeahright
Also
:caffeine: :caffeine: :caffeine:
I suspect there's also a distinction between band names (identity, ownership) vs song or album titles - which is only a description. I have a playlist of songs that have the EXACT same title - there's 667 songs from my library alone with the exact same title.
Nonetheless, cool title and picture. Now we just need a release date, and list of guests! If stalker 'Nemmie' wasn't so tight-lipped! >:(
Mmm.. ok now I am gonna make an album… let’s give it a title.. yessss… Scenes From a Memory.. that sounds cool … now I need a memory…. :lol:P :P :P
Ok now.. what to call the opener track… oh.. how about Regression? Wow.. that’s it…
Now I’ve got all the song names… here you go John .. go ahead get the the booklet printed , I will compose some songs
Wait a minute...ALL of his albums have been double-albums.... :facepalm:
Wait a minute...ALL of his albums have been double-albums.... :facepalm:
I was about to post my super secret reaction gif, but yeah, you are right :biggrin:
Wait a minute...ALL of his albums have been double-albums.... :facepalm:Yea i know.....
Or go like Gogol Bordello and make the Supertheory of Supereverything. :hatAnyone here ever encounter the Australian prog band The Third Ending (https://www.thethirdending.com/)? I've done some collaborating with their guitarist before. Anyway, a few years back, I produced a charity CD to benefit the victims of the Tsunami. The project was called "The Tsunami Projekt" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tsunami_Projekt)
The second track on disc one of that two disc set was by a band called "Theory of Everything" - that band is now known as "The Third Ending" and you know why?
Because someone crawled out of the woodwork and threatened to bring legal action against them for using "Theory of Everything" as their name because it was already copyrighted.
Just makes me wonder if Arjen will run into any issued with that album title :justjen
Would adding the article "The" before it make it ANY different in the eyes of copyrights? I mean, if so, then good for Arjen. I like the title, A LOT, and if it's going to tie in with all the previous Ayreon albums (as it should), then the title is very fitting.
If not, there's always alternatives like "The Everything Theory", which is similar, twisted in a way, but still conveys the same idea, I think.
-Marc.
The lyrics aren't finished, let alone any of the recording, so it will likely be several months until we have a date.
It’s been quiet in the Ayreon camp for the past couple of months, but Arjen Lucassen has broken his silence to reveal that the title of the eagerly anticipated forthcoming new album will be ‘The Theory Of Everything’, and that it will be a double album! Aiming for a tentative release at the end of this year!
I really hope he decides to showcase only 9 or 10 singers again, instead of doing what he did with 01011001. I think Electric Castle had it best; you really couldn't listen to the full album without getting a really good feel for each vocalist and character. Not so for 01011001, which most characters just had a few lines or a chorus. Even THE kinda suffer from too many vocalists syndrom. Outside of the main characters and a very really distinct voices, a couple of those "emotions" just blend right together.
A name is announced in March for an album expected to be out at the end of the year?Well, a quick glance at DT side confirms that fans of these types of extremely popular progressive metal projects want any morsels they can get, asap.
A name is announced in March for an album expected to be out at the end of the year?Well, a quick glance at DT side confirms that fans of these types of extremely popular progressive metal projects want any morsels they can get, asap.
Lucassen says: “I’ve finished recording demos of the music, I’m now about half-way finished with the lyrics. It’s going to be a double album, so there is a lot to write.
“It’s extra challenging as well, because lyrically I’ve left the old Ayreon universe behind, and I have to create a new one from scratch. I’m really excited about the line-up and how everything is progressing so far.”
and that's about it but i would call this thread the official one. :)
I've just listened to The Human Equation 4 times on my 5th now. This has to be the greatest album I've heard in the past decade. I'm so disappointed that I've been missing out all these years.Yea it's an awesome album and probably my favourite.
I really hope he decides to showcase only 9 or 10 singers again, instead of doing what he did with 01011001. I think Electric Castle had it best; you really couldn't listen to the full album without getting a really good feel for each vocalist and character. Not so for 01011001, which most characters just had a few lines or a chorus. Even THE kinda suffer from too many vocalists syndrom. Outside of the main characters and a very really distinct voices, a couple of those "emotions" just blend right together.I think the problem is that in 01, the vocalists didn't really have characters. We were told they were different characters, and they had little symbols in the booklet, but you wouldn't have guessed.
01011001 is Ayreon's best album.
01011001 is Ayreon's best album.
Correct! Human Equation is close for me too though
The Human Equation
Into The Electric Castle
The Universal Migrator (Parts 1 and 2)
10101001
The Final Experiment
Actual Fantasy
-Marc.
01 did have characters, they showed their feelings since t he giant machines blocked out their sun till the end. Anneke is loving hence the heart symbol...things like that give the forevers their identity...its to distinct themselves as another race that used symbols as their name.I didn't say they weren't written with characters - I even acknowledged that I'd heard Hansi was the sciencey one. I'm saying I don't think they're conveyed successfully - they end up a little indistinct. Anneke's meant to be distinctly loving, but this is genuinely the first I've heard of it. Not sold on the execution.
The Human Equation is meh. Extremely overrated.
01 did have characters, they showed their feelings since t he giant machines blocked out their sun till the end. Anneke is loving hence the heart symbol...things like that give the forevers their identity...its to distinct themselves as another race that used symbols as their name.I didn't say they weren't written with characters - I even acknowledged that I'd heard Hansi was the sciencey one. I'm saying I don't think they're conveyed successfully - they end up a little indistinct. Anneke's meant to be distinctly loving, but this is genuinely the first I've heard of it. Not sold on the execution.
The Human Equation is meh. Extremely overrated.
The Human Equation is meh. Extremely overrated.
I normally don't agree with you. This time I will :tup
I'm inclined to join this camp....01011001 is Ayreon's best album.
Correct! Human Equation is close for me too though
The Human Equation is meh. Extremely overrated.
I normally don't agree with you. This time I will :tup
You mean:The Human Equation is meh. Extremely overrated.
I normally don't agree with you. This time I will :tup
Sign me up here as well. Disc one is pretty good, but I almost never listen to the second disc. And like KevShmev wrote above, when I listen to Ayreon I also usually select one of the Dream Sequencer discs or one of the Electric Castle discs, although I do admit that I kind of enjoyed that 0010010100010101001010100101010001010100000110000101011001010 thing too.
actually taking Electric Castle seriously for perhaps the first time. never really dug this one much before but I'm attempting to.
I just wish there were less songs that sucked on a mostly pretty good album.
The Castle Hall is awesome dammit! :angry::metal :metal
Into The Electric Castle has got to be the biggest slab of cheese ever created. But I still love it :hat
Time Beyond Time and The Castle Hall are both pretty worthless.
Into The Electric Castle has got to be the biggest slab of cheese ever created. But I still love it :hatthis is exactly why I had trouble liking it for the longest time
Into The Electric Castle has got to be the biggest slab of cheese ever created. But I still love it :hatthis is exactly why I had trouble liking it for the longest time
also.
why oh why does the middle of Cosmic Fusion suck so hard.
the beginning is great, the instrumental is one of the best moments on the album, ugh why arjen why
Day Twelve: Trauma is such a well constructed song and god damn Mikael's growls sounds so good and so does everybody else.
I AM DEATH.....thats the best part of the song. I can picture the Indian floating towards the sun in a hypnotic trance.I have no problems with the growls themselves.
Exactly! :metal :metalDay Twelve: Trauma is such a well constructed song and god damn Mikael's growls sounds so good and so does everybody else.
YOUR WAYS CANNOT BE JUSTIFIED!
I've been meaning to get into this band/project for a while, but the huge cast of special guests on the albums kind of turns me off. I've noticed that they've used some of my favorite singers, like Anneke van Giersbergen, but it sounds kind of gimmicky to be honest. I'm not sure if this will make any sense but are all the vocalists used well, like on Devin Townsend's Deconstruction where they all blend in with the music as if they're band members, or does it sound like they're just there for the sake of having an all-star cast?
I've been meaning to get into this band/project for a while, but the huge cast of special guests on the albums kind of turns me off. I've noticed that they've used some of my favorite singers, like Anneke van Giersbergen, but it sounds kind of gimmicky to be honest. I'm not sure if this will make any sense but are all the vocalists used well, like on Devin Townsend's Deconstruction where they all blend in with the music as if they're band members, or does it sound like they're just there for the sake of having an all-star cast?
Well, I'm probably a bit of an Arjen fanboy, but I've always thought that the vocalists were utilized very well. If you're new to Ayreon, I'd recommend you check out The Human Equation first, as most people consider it his best.
I really like 01011001 as well, but there are so many singers on that one, none of them have space.
That's my (slightly) educated opinion. Hope it helps.
I didn't see this until today, but I still haven't checked ou Ayreon. I'll add THE to my wish list. Thanks!I've been meaning to get into this band/project for a while, but the huge cast of special guests on the albums kind of turns me off. I've noticed that they've used some of my favorite singers, like Anneke van Giersbergen, but it sounds kind of gimmicky to be honest. I'm not sure if this will make any sense but are all the vocalists used well, like on Devin Townsend's Deconstruction where they all blend in with the music as if they're band members, or does it sound like they're just there for the sake of having an all-star cast?
Well, I'm probably a bit of an Arjen fanboy, but I've always thought that the vocalists were utilized very well. If you're new to Ayreon, I'd recommend you check out The Human Equation first, as most people consider it his best.
I really like 01011001 as well, but there are so many singers on that one, none of them have space.
That's my (slightly) educated opinion. Hope it helps.
Back to the vocalist thing-I prefer when albums have guest singers performing the vocals that you get, at most, two in a song. It was kind of getting to the point with Aryeon in particular where every song was being sung by so many people you needed charts to keep track of them, and I think that's one of the reasons I kind of soured on Arjen Lucassen's music, it became, for lack of a better word, gimmicky. There's also the problem where he plays damn near every instrument, uses the same drummer over and over, and the albums are all produced identically. It's like, why buy a new one when I got the Universal Migrator Pt 2 right there?
Mmmm....things are moving fast.....Halfway? what does he mean?....he only plays on 4 tracks?
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/943193_480967465307165_393943630_n.jpg)
Finished song #2 which puts us... halfway :-X
Well he confirmed that it's a double album so only 4 track is unlikely unless he's gone major prog on us. :lol
I fully agree, i would totally accept that! :metalWell he confirmed that it's a double album so only 4 track is unlikely unless he's gone major prog on us. :lol
It's his version of Tales From Topographic Oceans.
Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he did that - it would be an amazing departure to the usual concept album format he follows. By doing 4 epics of 20-30 minutes in length, he automatically sets up the vinyl release by doing four sides, one for each song. I'd be interested in hearing epics with multiple vocalists in them, rather than single shorter songs with one or two vocalists being featured.
If Arjen has gone 'major prog' on us, you can bet that his album MIGHT have four SONGS, but they may be tracked by their movements to allow for easier digestion and listening. Each epic may have 4-7 parts, so really, the album could have up towards 25-28 tracks, but still only 4 songs.
-Marc.
...or maybe he's just recording the songs out of order, and by song #2 he means the second song on the album, not the 2nd song he recorded. :PYea but he said "halfway"!
We finished recording drums for the new Ayreon album. As expected Ed Warby did an AMAZING job again!
We recorded cello yesterday for the new Ayreon. Thanks Maaike...great job as always!
About...the Theory of Everything! There is physics involved, but mainly it's about human relationships and the emotional costs that come with treading the fine line between genius and madness.Maybe we'll finally have characters along the lines of Einstein, Hawking, Curie, Feynman, Thorne, Higgs, Mandelbrot, Tesla, Lorentz, etc. I would actually seriously enjoy that. :corn
Finally...I'm basically ready with the new Ayreon album! Just in time for a release this year, I'm happy to say. So...expect the 'guess this musician on the new Ayreon' contest to start any time now. :)
Back to the vocalist thing-I prefer when albums have guest singers performing the vocals that you get, at most, two in a song. It was kind of getting to the point with Aryeon in particular where every song was being sung by so many people you needed charts to keep track of them, and I think that's one of the reasons I kind of soured on Arjen Lucassen's music, it became, for lack of a better word, gimmicky. There's also the problem where he plays damn near every instrument, uses the same drummer over and over, and the albums are all produced identically. It's like, why buy a new one when I got the Universal Migrator Pt 2 right there?
:panicattack:Yep.
I'm hoping for some more Hansi.
I'm hoping for some more Hansi.
Don't hold your breath. Isn't his intention to not re-use vocalists? Very few have appeared more than once.
I predict he'll invite Tommy Karevik...
I swear Arjen has already used all the good singers. Every singer I think of that I would want on this album has already been on an Ayreon album. :/
I'd like to add Tommy Giles,Steven Wilson and Ross Jennings to this list. Now thats a full album worth of singers right there :tupI swear Arjen has already used all the good singers. Every singer I think of that I would want on this album has already been on an Ayreon album. :/
I could name a bunch I'd love to see (going off the top of my head, so I don't know if they had any bit parts on earlier albums).
Johnny Gioelli, Mark Boals, Altzi, Kelly Sundown, DC Cooper, Dec Burke, Alder, Matos, Edu, Tarja... lots of possibilities
Why would he get Tarja when he can always get Floor?Well both Anneke and Floor have been guests before but not Tarja so that would be a reason.
I just hope Anneke is on the album and in a more prominent role than before. She always sounds so amazing on Ayreon (as she does in general actually).
I wonder if an Ayreon album would work if he gets mainly female singers for once. That could be interesting.
Ok, shit is getting real now. Emerson, Wakeman and Rudess on the same fucking album. :|
Also, inb4 someone uploads that clip of Rudess as a DT12 leak.
Speaking of which, Nicky S is sure to be on this album!:lol :lol :lol
If he's not repeating, and can't have James again, might as well do the next best thing!
:angry:Speaking of which, Nicky S is sure to be on this album!:lol :lol :lol
If he's not repeating, and can't have James again, might as well do the next best thing!
So far, I'm not so pumped about the vocalists and talent announce so far, but IIRC Arjen tends to start with the smaller fish and work his way up to the big guns, so there's still plenty of time.
Speaking of which, Nicky S is sure to be on this album!:rollin
If he's not repeating, and can't have James again, might as well do the next best thing!
JR just retweeted a guy saying that JR will be playing on the next Ayreon album. (https://twitter.com/frantiqdrummer/status/371011935263014912)That's really awesome! :metal
The only thing that would put this OVER the top is if he had Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett on here too!!! :lol:omg:
I'm more psyched for this album now, and I'm glad we're getting it this fall and not next year! It could very well give DT12 big competition for AOTY!
-Marc.
"Spirit Cerries On,,, JR INDONESIAN FAMILY LIKE YOU \m/ 666"
JR on Ayreon is amazing news, and the solo in the snippet is extremely promising stuff!Bloody brilliant.
On other news, a post on Arjen's FB status announcing Jordan's involvement: :DQuote"Spirit Cerries On,,, JR INDONESIAN FAMILY LIKE YOU \m/ 666"
New day and a new secret vocalist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIP74WyBFYc
It´s.....Steve Hackett!!Wow. Favorite guitarist and favorite keyboard player(s) in one album. I like the way this is going. Now get Steven Wilson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rex5nEinjb4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rex5nEinjb4)
It´s.....Steve Hackett!!Wow. Favorite guitarist and favorite keyboard player(s) in one album. I like the way this is going. Now get Steven Wilson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rex5nEinjb4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rex5nEinjb4)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdI3cLWN7AA
Guess the vocalist!
Well,It's 100% John Wetton. Now that's awesome. But come on. PG. PLEASE. PG.
There's a note in the Into the Electric Castle booklet about just that. Which is odd, I don't think SW is really all that different than many of the artists Arjen does work with, but I guess acting like you're unaffiliated with your closet peers is just another face of the prog tradition.It´s.....Steve Hackett!!Wow. Favorite guitarist and favorite keyboard player(s) in one album. I like the way this is going. Now get Steven Wilson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rex5nEinjb4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rex5nEinjb4)
The way Arjen and Steven Wilson approach music... I just can never see it happening. It's funny, they are my number 1 and 2 individual song-writers, but they are worlds apart. I wouldn't see Wilson doing it even as a simple guest vocalist.
The only thing that would put this OVER the top is if he had Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett on here too!!! :lol
I'm more psyched for this album now, and I'm glad we're getting it this fall and not next year! It could very well give DT12 big competition for AOTY!
-Marc.
It´s.....Steve Hackett!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rex5nEinjb4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rex5nEinjb4)
What did I tell you about Tommy Karevik :angel:Yet another reason I should trust your instinct every fucking time. :D
What did I tell you about Tommy Karevik :angel:Yet another reason I should trust your instinct every fucking time. :D
And this make me want to listen to some Kamelot. :smiley:
TOMMY KAREVIK :heart
It is divided into 4 long tracks:omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :metal
Release date is late October, 2013 :omg:
#It will be a double albumSweet mother of all the holy cows!! :omg:
#It begins a completely new story line for the Ayreon universe
#It is divided into 4 long tracks
#It’s a true Rock Opera with a dramatic, real-world story
#Release date is late October, 2013 :omg:
#Pre-orders in Arjen’s webshop will start sometime in September (details TBA)
Well he confirmed that it's a double album so only 4 track is unlikely unless he's gone major prog on us. :lol
It's his version of Tales From Topographic Oceans.
Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he did that - it would be an amazing departure to the usual concept album format he follows. By doing 4 epics of 20-30 minutes in length, he automatically sets up the vinyl release by doing four sides, one for each song. I'd be interested in hearing epics with multiple vocalists in them, rather than single shorter songs with one or two vocalists being featured.
If Arjen has gone 'major prog' on us, you can bet that his album MIGHT have four SONGS, but they may be tracked by their movements to allow for easier digestion and listening. Each epic may have 4-7 parts, so really, the album could have up towards 25-28 tracks, but still only 4 songs.
-Marc.
From Arjens's Website:
It will be a double album
It begins a completely new story line for the Ayreon universe
It is divided into 4 long tracks
It’s a true Rock Opera with a dramatic, real-world story
I admit it, didn't knew he had the nerves to do it but he proved me wrong and convinced me that Arjen has finally gone...Also, as for my statement about Arjen going "Major Prog" on us, who knew back that considering he's got Wetton, Emerson, Wakeman, Hackett and Rudess all on one album! Not to mention everyone else, this is a HUGE prog-star studded album and the overt prog-ness of it (double album with four songs...TFTO anyone?) will probably draw a lot of fans who have been curious about Arjen/Ayreon over the years but haven't gotten into his stuff.Well he confirmed that it's a double album so only 4 track is unlikely unless he's gone major prog on us. :lol
It's his version of Tales From Topographic Oceans.
Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he did that - it would be an amazing departure to the usual concept album format he follows. By doing 4 epics of 20-30 minutes in length, he automatically sets up the vinyl release by doing four sides, one for each song. I'd be interested in hearing epics with multiple vocalists in them, rather than single shorter songs with one or two vocalists being featured.
If Arjen has gone 'major prog' on us, you can bet that his album MIGHT have four SONGS, but they may be tracked by their movements to allow for easier digestion and listening. Each epic may have 4-7 parts, so really, the album could have up towards 25-28 tracks, but still only 4 songs.
-Marc.
-Marc.
Good thing DT has the new album released in three weeks, waiting one more month for the new Ayreon won't be so hard. :omg:
Greetings...
Nef
Now that is how you do a great cover. :tup
My only big issue with the cover is that it seems turned a bit clockwise for no reason.
Edit: And if you turn it fully so that the lighthouse is straight up and down it still looks weird. The image needs to be rotated about 10-15 degrees counter, and the lighthouse re-done for this to really look right at all.
That said I love the concept and the way it was done, just don't like that bit.
So will the songs actually be divided into tracks, or are these the titles of the sections?Haha that reminded of the little track number "trick" they did on The Human Equation on CD 2. They masked 11 small "tracks" into the first song on CD 2 to make it actually appear as track number 12 or Day Twelve.
42 tracks, with 4 songs across 2 discs. Heh...Arjen you cheeky bum.
Sadly, not a particular fan of any of them.I think I can make you become a fan of Tommy Karevik in about five minutes :xbones
Sorry, he does absolutely nothing for me, along with the band he sings in.
Sorry, he does absolutely nothing for me, along with the band he sings in.
Arjen's documentaries are always fun to watch so I'm going with the 2CD+DVD package.
And another preorder of the big bundle. I don't know, but... Artbook! Poster! T-Shirt! No way to say no to that.
Greetings...
Nef
Aww screw it, I can't take it with me, right?
Pre-ordered the super-deluxe-special-spiffy-artbook-cd-signed-shirt thing
One of the thing that always kills the Ayreon store for me is the exchange rate. It never seems to be that good for the US, and then shipping is expensive AND it too goes through the exchange rate. In a perfect world I can see myself getting the 2CD+1DVD and then separately the 2LP for $40 shipped, which I'll be happy with.
In other news, my musical focus (or that of Mason) will be turning to churning out a review in the coming week or so.
I bought the vinyl package with T-Shirt and poster. Bad thing is that there is no version with vinyl where the DVD comes too. They made us to buy extra for profit.
I bought the vinyl package with T-Shirt and poster. Bad thing is that there is no version with vinyl where the DVD comes too. They made us to buy extra for profit.
That's really quite unfair. I too find it unfortunate that there is no version that has vinyl and DVD, but they offered a bunch of different bundles and gave fans a lot of options with single items as well. There is a lot of better examples of bands out there gouging fans for money.
Standard Ayreon fare.Yeah, that was pretty much my reaction as well :biggrin:
WHICH IS AWESOME!!!! :metal
He's a minor, you sick freak!You're sick for thinking that was directed to me. :rollin
BACK ON TOPIC....(and not each other)...
I think I am going to wait hearing any more samples or songs from this. It comes out in 2 weeks and I've already got it pre-ordered, so I think I can be patient enough to hear the first new Ayreon album in FIVE YEARS. Cannot wait to hear what's sure to be another masterpiece! I was a bit let down by 01 so I am hoping this takes things up a notch and pushes it to ITEC and THE levels of awesome.
-Marc.
Standard Ayreon fare.
WHICH IS AWESOME!!!! :metal
BACK ON TOPIC....(and not each other)...
I think I am going to wait hearing any more samples or songs from this. It comes out in 2 weeks and I've already got it pre-ordered, so I think I can be patient enough to hear the first new Ayreon album in FIVE YEARS. Cannot wait to hear what's sure to be another masterpiece! I was a bit let down by 01 so I am hoping this takes things up a notch and pushes it to ITEC and THE levels of awesome.
-Marc.
I'll agree with your last statement. Other than a few lyrically challenged moments in 01, it's grown on me. When it came out, I didn't know all the vocalists on the album the way I know many of them now (Lande, Luyten, Kursch, Englund, Jansen, Catley, Hegt, Simmons), so in some respects, I can listen to it in a different way. Those lyrical moments are still lol-worthy, but it's aged well.
I think it's about time I dug this out and listened to it again. It did absolutely nothing for me when it came out and I love most of the singers on there. I should listen again.
Post what you think of it now when you are done.
It's not rape when both sides enjoy it...
What the fuck did I just say? :rollin
Vocally... he's got too many vocalists. None of them have a chance to really shine. They're in and out with never more than a single verse to themselves before someone else comes in. There's never any character development like he achieved with T.H.E.
Not only has he got too many vocalists, he's got too much singing. The Truth is In Here is an 8 minute song, with more lyrical stanza's than you'd find in many 20 minute epics.
Arjen has at this point repeatedly said that 01 had too many vocalists with too little room for each to shine. That's a big reason why this album has far fewer.
Post what you think of it now when you are done.
Musically, it's aged very well. I liked it well enough upon release, and I probably enjoy it even more now.
Vocally, the performances are excellent... and as I mentioned, now knowing these voices better than I did 5 years ago, I really enjoy them even more.
Here are the flaws with it though:
The lyrical lol-moments are still incredibly :facepalm: (I'm looking squarely at you, Connect the Dots - although the chorus isn't too bad). There are a few other lyrics that are cringe-worthy - Web of Lies is particularly painful... which sucks, because it's Simone's only contribution.
Vocally... he's got too many vocalists. None of them have a chance to really shine. They're in and out with never more than a single verse to themselves before someone else comes in. There's never any character development like he achieved with T.H.E.
Not only has he got too many vocalists, he's got too much singing. The Truth is In Here is an 8 minute song, with more lyrical stanza's than you'd find in many 20 minute epics.
Hansi's tone is far to domineering. Even when he's singing with others, his voice just drowns all others.
Still give it a 3 or 3.5 out of 5.
Here's my Ayreon rankings:
T.H.E
ITEC
Flight of the Migrator
01011001
Actual Fantasy
The Final Experiment
The Dream Sequencer
Dream Sequencer is at the bottom of your list? After THE and ITEC that's my third favorite (although I normally see The Universal Migrator as one double album)
My major complaint is that the singers are so similar to each other that only reason I know one guy stopped singing and another did was the context of the lyrics. The singers themselves aren't bad, just too similar.That's a real shame - one of the things that really stands out about THE and ITEC is the characterisation of each person.
My major complaint is that the singers are so similar to each other that only reason I know one guy stopped singing and another did was the context of the lyrics. The singers themselves aren't bad, just too similar.
I don't like how there are 40 songs and it's all connected. Thus,I don't have a favorite track that I will revisit every day.My little prog heart got a bit heart by that. :'(
Come on,instead of having 40 parts for one huge song,I'd rather have 12 real songs.I don't like how there are 40 songs and it's all connected. Thus,I don't have a favorite track that I will revisit every day.My little prog heart got a bit heart by that. :'(
Hmm. Musically, it's really good.
Vocally, I'm not sure. There's so much operatic oversinging going on. Honestly, that's one of the things which have been causing me to veer away from the progressive metal genre. I don't like it.
Ayreon's always been like that, though, so I can't blame Arjen for personal changes in preference.
The prodigy didn't help for money, he helped to get the drug to be able to work on the theory again.
This is his best album, so far. The story is portrayed well, and the vocalists do a fantastic job of communicating the emotion of the characters.
Honestly, who gives a rats ass about the diction of the lyrics, it makes no sense to me. Lyrics help explain the message, and if its simplistic I don't mind at all. Because life isn't fancy dazzling glitter all the time...
The way Arjen tells his stories is why I enjoy Ayreon. It may sound cheesy but the portrayal is brilliant.
It's such a shame such a talented songwriter is always marred by his lyrics. I just can't listen to it, I gave up 10 minutes into this release. I just wish the guy went the Elton John route where he writes the music, and someone else writes the lyrics. I think he would be waaaay more popular than he is now.
I think I'm part of a sizable percentage of prog likers who would listen to Ayreon if it weren't for the lyrics. Would he be DT popular? Nah, of course not. But as it is the guy is total fringe.
Then again, I might also be just over-picky :lol
It's such a shame such a talented songwriter is always marred by his lyrics. I just can't listen to it, I gave up 10 minutes into this release. I just wish the guy went the Elton John route where he writes the music, and someone else writes the lyrics. I think he would be waaaay more popular than he is now.
It's such a shame such a talented songwriter is always marred by his lyrics. I just can't listen to it, I gave up 10 minutes into this release. I just wish the guy went the Elton John route where he writes the music, and someone else writes the lyrics. I think he would be waaaay more popular than he is now.
Well, there's always Guilt Machine.
More to the point, why do you think Arjen is "fringe"? He's really popular and successful enough to be getting some really big names involved.I think I'm part of a sizable percentage of prog likers who would listen to Ayreon if it weren't for the lyrics. Would he be DT popular? Nah, of course not. But as it is the guy is total fringe.
Then again, I might also be just over-picky :lol
Curious... what do you base your belief that your 'part of a sizable percentage'?
Put the Tee-Shirt on for band rehearsal last night:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/55966936/Ayreon_Stuff/Ayreon_Stuff2.JPG)
I'm about 5 or 6 full spins into this album now and I can definitely say for sure that I like it a LOT more than "001011001011010010101010010000001110101001011000010110" and "The Human Equation"
01011001 is not that hard to type.
I'm about 5 or 6 full spins into this album now and I can definitely say for sure that I like it a LOT more than "001011001011010010101010010000001110101001011000010110" and "The Human Equation"
01 I can understand it being better than because that was average, but better than the Human Equation?! :eek
I'm starting to think that this is my favorite Ayreon album. It's at least up there with electric castle. Then again I'm pretty much in love with the concept so I might be biased.
Wow, I wrote a lot. Wonder if anyone'll ever bother to read it. :lol
The almost universal love for THE baffles me. It's a decent album, but it just never clicked much for me. I could probably make one good solid CD of music I like by condensing the best stuff from the two discs onto a single disc.
I find this new album to be a lot less ponderous and WAY less bloated than THE or Y.
I also prefer the smaller group of vocalists. Sometimes less is more.
I think after Day 13 is where I lose interest, but I still like the concept and can listen to it. Into The Electric Castle is better, but TTOE is his best yet.This is full of truth.
Let's talk more about how awesome this album is. I personally enjoy it more than THE. Also, I'll be adding this album to the list of 2013 albums that are better than DT12.Agreed on both counts. :tup
I put each phase as one song....they go by fast.
I put each phase as one song....they go by fast.
Same here. I understand why the songs were divided into such small chunks, but I'm not a fan of that approach.
In any case, I've decided that this is my favorite Ayreon release to date.
However, I've decided to give The Human Equation another shot. With so many people whose musical opinions I respect and generally agree with saying they love it, I'd say it's worthy of a few more spins to see if something clicks.
I put each phase as one song....they go by fast.
Same here. I understand why the songs were divided into such small chunks, but I'm not a fan of that approach.
In any case, I've decided that this is my favorite Ayreon release to date.
However, I've decided to give The Human Equation another shot. With so many people whose musical opinions I respect and generally agree with saying they love it, I'd say it's worthy of a few more spins to see if something clicks.
I like to put my ipod on shuffle, and it wouldn't make sense because most of the tracks are 1min. Long
My solution for that issue? Listen to the album as a whole, as it was meant to be (especially consider it's a concept album) :lolExactly! Do you guys even prog? ;)
My solution for that issue? Listen to the album as a whole, as it was meant to be (especially consider it's a concept album) :lolExactly! Do you guys even prog? ;)
OK, question here. Is it possible to buy The Universal Migrator I & II separately, or is the only version available the special edition with both? Not that it really matters, but I'm weird and would like to have both to put on my CD shelf. :lol
Today we will announce the last Guest Appearance for the new album "Mirage - A Portrayal Of Figures".
I am very happy to say, that Arjen Anthony Lucassen, the mastermind of Ayreon, plays a guitar solo on one of the songs. It is more than an honour to me. He also made compliments to the parts of music he heard and joined playing on it.
Further news about the release and pre-order will follow later.
It is on my list of albums to buy.
Arjen A. Lucassen is really a nice, kind and down to earth guy........ :heart
indeed :tupArjen A. Lucassen is really a nice, kind and down to earth guy........ :heart
^ This.
Incredibly nice guy, very passionate about what he does and has a lot of time for the fans.
https://www.reddit.com/r/progmetal/comments/1wt4mc/hi_this_is_arjen_anthony_lucassen_ama/cf54r21
James. :heart
One thing that stands out in particular is the guitar, Arjen is one of my favorite guitarists, and he's got a lot of great moments on here.I totaly agree! So original... He definitely acquired an 'identity'. Youc an tell when is Arjen playing :)
A theatrical production of 'The Human Equation' is in the works:That. Is. Awesome.
(https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/1902709_696956600349101_1043466682_n.jpg)
Thinking about auditioning....
A theatrical production of 'The Human Equation' is in the works:
(https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/1902709_696956600349101_1043466682_n.jpg)
Awesome. I understand that a production like this will be quite heavy financially so to do it locally makes sense. I guess we can only hope that the production will be a success so it can be set up in other countries as well.
A theatrical production of 'The Human Equation' is in the works::tup yay
(https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/1902709_696956600349101_1043466682_n.jpg)
Thinking about auditioning....
Sorry for the few updates lately, but I'm working hard on a new project and it's going really, really well. Too early to say something about it... but I will soon :)
Quote from: ArjenSorry for the few updates lately, but I'm working hard on a new project and it's going really, really well. Too early to say something about it... but I will soon :)
Let the speculations commence! :tup
Yea actually I remember him saying something about the possibility of a new Star One album but in this case he mentions a new project so i'm not sure what to think. I'm mos def into Star One III though! :metal
Anything to hear Russell Allen sing properly and with good music, not that solo/Lande crap.
Anything to hear Russell Allen sing properly and with good music, not that solo/Lande crap.
wtf is this
Anything to hear Russell Allen sing properly and with good music, not that solo/Lande crap.
wtf is this
Allen/Lande?
I guess it's ok if you're into that style of music, but for me it's pretty much all bland and boring minus a couple of songs overall.Anything to hear Russell Allen sing properly and with good music, not that solo/Lande crap.
wtf is this
Allen/Lande?
This? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen-Lande
And do I spot The Flower Kings alum Jaime Salazar on drums? Cool! This band/side-project/supergroup? can't be all that bad...can it?
-Marc.
I know what it is, it's the use of "crap" as a descriptor for Allen/Lande that inspired my reaction.
I know what it is, it's the use of "crap" as a descriptor for Allen/Lande that inspired my reaction.
I'm probably the only one that really wants him to make another Guilt Machine album.
Though maybe he's too happy for that these days, I dunno. :P
Guilt Machine is good.
The only thing we know is... that Arjen is working on an undefined something.
The only question is... when can I preorder? :biggrin:
Greetings...
Nef
Here's the official website:
https://www.thetheaterequation.com/ (https://www.thetheaterequation.com/)
Heather Finlay added to the cast, btw.
Oh, that's huge.
Sadly I won't be able to witness this live, but I'm ready to pay ridiculous amounts of money for the DVD if there will ever be one.
if he gets Mikael Akerfeldt, that would explain the Opeth release being pushed.Why would that explain the Opeth release being pushed? Were talking september 2015, not this year.
if he gets Mikael Akerfeldt, that would explain the Opeth release being pushed.Why would that explain the Opeth release being pushed? Were talking september 2015, not this year.
Anyway this is awesome news and quite the surprise, this really proves how much the artists loved Arjens concept.
If this is a big production, it'd be nice to see them act out their parts as well.It's being touted as a theatrical production, rather than just The Human Equation live - I'd be surprised if that's not the plan.
I always thought James LaBrie might be too big for something like this, I was a little surprised they got him for Ayreon, but come to think of it, he's always said he'd be interested in doing Broadway, hasn't he? In retrospect, yeah, of course he went for it! It's theatrical, very different to his usual gigs, but a completely logical progression. And he gets to take the lead role.I thought he was simply too busy to do this, not too big - he's done small club shows for his solo project and said he was looking forward to doing more of them before the Static Impulse tour fell through. I think he'll do fabulously.
He needs to do another live on Earth. I want some more of that cheesy goodness.
He needs to do another live on Earth. I want some more of that cheesy goodness.
Not very likely. Arjen has professed time and again how much he hates touring/performing live. It's just not his thing. Also, it needs to be stressed that although it's his music that's being performed, Arjen himself is not putting this production together. He has said on FB that he'll be in the audience with a whole box of Kleenex.....
He needs to do another live on Earth. I want some more of that cheesy goodness.
Not very likely. Arjen has professed time and again how much he hates touring/performing live. It's just not his thing. Also, it needs to be stressed that although it's his music that's being performed, Arjen himself is not putting this production together. He has said on FB that he'll be in the audience with a whole box of Kleenex.....
That explains him not playing the role of The Best Friend.
He needs to do another live on Earth. I want some more of that cheesy goodness.
Not very likely. Arjen has professed time and again how much he hates touring/performing live. It's just not his thing. Also, it needs to be stressed that although it's his music that's being performed, Arjen himself is not putting this production together. He has said on FB that he'll be in the audience with a whole box of Kleenex.....
That explains him not playing the role of The Best Friend.
The guy who does the Best Friend part however is a Dutch hiphop star, who is loudly stating his love for DT and other prog in the media. I knew him as a hiphop singer, but this makes him a hundred times as awesome.
He needs to do another live on Earth. I want some more of that cheesy goodness.
Not very likely. Arjen has professed time and again how much he hates touring/performing live. It's just not his thing. Also, it needs to be stressed that although it's his music that's being performed, Arjen himself is not putting this production together. He has said on FB that he'll be in the audience with a whole box of Kleenex.....
That explains him not playing the role of The Best Friend.
The guy who does the Best Friend part however is a Dutch hiphop star, who is loudly stating his love for DT and other prog in the media. I knew him as a hiphop singer, but this makes him a hundred times as awesome.
He even did a cover of A Nightmare to Remember if I recall correctly.
He needs to do another live on Earth. I want some more of that cheesy goodness.
Not very likely. Arjen has professed time and again how much he hates touring/performing live. It's just not his thing. Also, it needs to be stressed that although it's his music that's being performed, Arjen himself is not putting this production together. He has said on FB that he'll be in the audience with a whole box of Kleenex.....
Well - there's different kinds of "bigness." He's not Metallica, but Dream Theater have built up a bit of a brand, I did wonder if he might have been slightly outside the budget of a little indie theatre project in the Netherlands! Not necessarily, though, he had a blast with THE, and he's interested in doing musical theatre, so it's something he might do for the love of it. Schedule is the main thing, though, absolutely, and I suppose that's part of the reason they're planning so far in advance - block it out now and it's more likely to be free.I always thought James LaBrie might be too big for something like this, I was a little surprised they got him for Ayreon, but come to think of it, he's always said he'd be interested in doing Broadway, hasn't he? In retrospect, yeah, of course he went for it! It's theatrical, very different to his usual gigs, but a completely logical progression. And he gets to take the lead role.I thought he was simply too busy to do this, not too big - he's done small club shows for his solo project and said he was looking forward to doing more of them before the Static Impulse tour fell through. I think he'll do fabulously.
I'm usually not very interested in travelling pretty much anywhere but I caught myself seriously considering a trip to .nl next year.
Well, let's see how this will unfold.
Greetings...
Nef
No Nicky Spaanjaards? Not interested. :rollin:rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin :rollin
Well, didn´t make the cut, but here´s a video of the auditions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4ydPQIF6D0&hd=1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4ydPQIF6D0&hd=1)
Probably my 2nd fav Arjen album. Though, I can't stand It All Ends Here - I probably skip it 80% of the time. Cassandra Complex and Human See, Human Do are where it's at for me. Damian's performance in 24 hours is freakin amazing too. That three track run is as good as any in my library.Interesting, any particular reason why? I guess the slow tempo could be a factor of it being a bit tough to bear but for me that just makes it heavy and powerful. Love the heavy riff at 4:50.
Human See, Human Do is amazing, especially Joost's work. Even more so towards the final part, at 4:37. That shit is so fucking brutal.Yea the ending is awesome with the guitar riff being more and more heavy from 4:39 and Dans growls being added.
The Theory of Everything is amazingly awesome. I have it split by phases, with my favorite being Phase 3. The story flows like a movie with no real choruses.I agree, he really nails the flow in phase III, love track 1 and 2. Have to highlight The Breakthrough from phase IV though, I just love the vocal work with the high screams followed by The Note, man Tommys voice is pure ear candy.
I have recently decided that Into The Electric Castle is my favorite Ayreon record.I can get behind this.
I have recently decided that Into The Electric Castle is my favorite Ayreon record.This is the correct choice.
I've been thinking about The Theater Equation lately, and I came up with a question I thought I'll ask here. It's known there will be three shows (on Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Now, imagine you're going there and can book tickets only for one show, which one will you pick? The first one because you would want to see this thing as soon as possible; or maybe the second one because there might be less f*ck-ups; or maybe the third one for whatever reasons? Let's say your schedule doesn't matter, so you can visit any of the three.
The Gentle Storm is a new band formed by Arjen Lucassen and Anneke van Giersbergen. Their double concept album will be released early 2015.:metal :sadpanda:
The Gentle Storm double album is an epic production of Ayreon proportions, divided into two parts as a full-on metal assault (CD1) and lighter folk arrangements (CD2). It also heralds Anneke's return to the realms of heavy guitars and soaring vocals reminiscent of The Gathering's breakthrough album, Mandylion.
Due out in early 2015,the album release will be followed by live dates through the spring and summer European festival season. Known for touring extensively year after year, Anneke will take The Gentle Storm on the road backed by well known Dutch talents. Arjen, however, will not be part of the live production.
I just learned that ticket sales for The Human Equation Theater Experience start on October 25, 2014 at 19.00 CET! The word is that they will sell out very quickly. Eric Clayton joins James LaBrie, Heather Findlay, Marcela Bovio, Devon Graves, Irene Jansen, Magnus Ekwall and Wudstik who replaces me as Best Friend.
I just hope they don't do a theatrical thing with the show. Just them playing and singing their hearts out.What exactly do you mean? Because it's called The Human Equation "Theater Experience". It's not just the concert experience or anything like that. I'm pretty sure there's acting while they sing or even dialogues not just them standing there singing.
I just hope they don't do a theatrical thing with the show. Just them playing and singing their hearts out.What exactly do you mean? Because it's called The Human Equation "Theater Experience". It's not just the concert experience or anything like that. I'm pretty sure there's acting while they sing or even dialogues not just them standing there singing.
That's exactly what I mean. They are musicians, not actors.I just hope they don't do a theatrical thing with the show. Just them playing and singing their hearts out.What exactly do you mean? Because it's called The Human Equation "Theater Experience". It's not just the concert experience or anything like that. I'm pretty sure there's acting while they sing or even dialogues not just them standing there singing.
“The Gentle Storm” concept album will be a double CD, with the same songs on each CD but in VERY different, contrasting arrangements. CD1, the “Gentle”album, will be all acoustic and folky with lots of exotic instruments. CD2, the “Storm”album, will be an all-out, bombastic orchestral metal album. Of course there are plenty of progressive elements mixed in as well. Questions? Ask away!
From FB this morning:Quote“The Gentle Storm” concept album will be a double CD, with the same songs on each CD but in VERY different, contrasting arrangements. CD1, the “Gentle”album, will be all acoustic and folky with lots of exotic instruments. CD2, the “Storm”album, will be an all-out, bombastic orchestral metal album. Of course there are plenty of progressive elements mixed in as well. Questions? Ask away!
I'm likin the sounds of this.
They've got Eric Clayton too. Awesome.Oh damn. I've been listening to Eric's band (Saviour Machine) a lot recently, and I really recommend that stuff. He just sounds different from THE. I don't know if better, but it is quite a different thing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_2fhZHYn-Y (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_2fhZHYn-Y)
They've got Eric Clayton too. Awesome.Oh damn. I've been listening to Eric's band (Saviour Machine) a lot recently, and I really recommend that stuff. He just sounds different from THE. I don't know if better, but it is quite a different thing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_2fhZHYn-Y (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_2fhZHYn-Y)
From FB this morning:(https://slenderchallenge.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/i-am-so-excited_thumb.jpg)Quote“The Gentle Storm” concept album will be a double CD, with the same songs on each CD but in VERY different, contrasting arrangements. CD1, the “Gentle”album, will be all acoustic and folky with lots of exotic instruments. CD2, the “Storm”album, will be an all-out, bombastic orchestral metal album. Of course there are plenty of progressive elements mixed in as well. Questions? Ask away!
I'm likin the sounds of this.
Yeah, it's kind of tiring after a while, and their albums are really long :lol . But hey, if you liked them try Legend Part I, it has a more epic (ala movie soundtrack) atmosphere and more instrumental sections. It made my top 50 ;) .They've got Eric Clayton too. Awesome.Oh damn. I've been listening to Eric's band (Saviour Machine) a lot recently, and I really recommend that stuff. He just sounds different from THE. I don't know if better, but it is quite a different thing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_2fhZHYn-Y (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_2fhZHYn-Y)
He sounds the same to me... the difference is there's no break in his voice, no contrast. I tried the first two Saviour Machine albums, and liked them, but I'm not sure that a whole album with his voice is really my cup of tea.
Unfortunately, neither Mikael Akerfeldt nor Devin Townsend will be able to join our production due to their schedules. Their replacements will be announced soon!
My guess is schedule conflict or not, Mikael or Devin wouldn't have been interested.This.
The project we're currently working on is for a good cause. We want the world to see what the metal fans worldwide are capable of making happen when they gather and show their support!
Arjen Lucassen? Floor Jansen? Anneke van Giersbergen? Simone Simons? (and more names)
I don't believe it's a project that will make music / albums. On first glance, it appears to be some kind of movement to support the Dutch music industry.
We can't play you any music for now, but we can start giving you an inside look at the recording process. Curious? Let's begin. Countermove Recording Sessions Pic#1: Manda Ophuis of Nemesea in the studio. — met Nemesea en Manda Ophuis.
Cover looks nice indeed. Arjen mostly has beautiful covers. I'm curious what direction the album will take (aside from the soft and more hard discs).I don't believe it's a project that will make music / albums. On first glance, it appears to be some kind of movement to support the Dutch music industry.
Could be, but this was their latest message:QuoteWe can't play you any music for now, but we can start giving you an inside look at the recording process. Curious? Let's begin. Countermove Recording Sessions Pic#1: Manda Ophuis of Nemesea in the studio. — met Nemesea en Manda Ophuis.
So it seems they are at least making something as they show pics of recording sessions. And it is also meant for charity (with that charity not being Dutch music), as I understand it. Let's see.
The Countermove Foundation was born in 2014 as an initiative of professional musicians from the Netherlands.
The foundation aims to promote music, culture and collaboration between artists in support of charity organizations.
we do have an awesome female grunter (grunteress?) to handle these few lines.
Arjen left NL for the first time in several years to shoot a video in Belgrade with Anneke. Naturally, several of my friends hunted them down and spent the evening with them :lol we might go to Bulgaria or Hungary to see that Arjen/Anneke tour next year - I'm just mildly interested in Arjen's stuff but I like Annie a lot so I'm looking forward to hearing her live.
F'n Europeans! >:(I'll just have to say that this is the very first time any sort of special tour or concert even hit southeast Europe, and that only 50% of Euro tours hit southeast Europe, and that only 10% of those that do hit Serbia, so... :lol at least I don't live in Montenegro or Macedonia.
jk.
So what is this?https://youtu.be/zRh60UXUdeE?list=UU9FuiXZ6vFzYOvIthPEthag
https://www.facebook.com/countermovemusic?fref=photo (https://www.facebook.com/countermovemusic?fref=photo)
https://www.countermove.org/COUNTERMOVE/COUNTERMOVE.html (https://www.countermove.org/COUNTERMOVE/COUNTERMOVE.html)
Arjen Lucassen? Floor Jansen? Anneke van Giersbergen? Simone Simons? (and more names)QuoteThe project we're currently working on is for a good cause. We want the world to see what the metal fans worldwide are capable of making happen when they gather and show their support!
A beneficial event/project?
Also, that choir from the upcoming theater show is used on Arjen's new project with Anneke (and that new thing Countermove), glad to see Arjen uses the oppertunity.
Not only Arjen is an awesome musician and songwriter (he wrote some of the prettiest melodies, and some of the heaviest riffs that I know of) but he's so extremely humble and down to earth, to the level where he actually answers to FB messages. Everyone should be like this.
Scary moment... the very first song preview of The Gentle Storm! Here are two lyric videos for the same track: Endless Sea. Two very different versions: the acoustic (gentle) and the heavy (storm) version. Hope you enjoy them, please let me know!
The storm version sounded too a la power metal for my taste
Below is The Gentle Storm tracklist of The Diary that so many of you have been asking for! Oh, the pre-sales in my own webshop start soon.
CD1 : Gentle
1] Endless Sea (gentle version) 05:59
2] Heart of Amsterdam (gentle version) 06:36
3] The Greatest Love (gentle version) 04:08
4] Shores of India (gentle version) 06:40
5] Cape of Storms (gentle version) 05:28
6] The Moment (gentle version) 06:08
7] The Storm (gentle version) 05:56
8] Eyes of Michiel (gentle version) 03:56
9] Brightest Light (gentle version) 04:46
10] New Horizons (gentle version) 05:24
11] Epilogue: The Final Entry (gentle version) 02:02
CD2: Storm
1] Endless Sea (storm version) 05:53
2] Heart of Amsterdam (storm version) 06:37
3] The Greatest Love (storm version) 03:57
4] Shores of India (storm version) 06:24
5] Cape of Storms (storm version) 05:32
6] The Moment (storm version) 06:10
7] The Storm (storm version) 05:58
8] Eyes of Michiel (storm version) 04:00
9] Brightest Light (storm version) 04:54
10] New Horizons (storm version) 05:25
11] Epilogue: The Final Entry (storm version) 02:03
I will replace Mikael Åkerfeldt as Fear in The Theater Equation and join James Labrie, Marcela Bovio, Devon Graves, Heather Findlay, Eric Clayton, Irene Jansen, Magnus Ekwall and Wudstik on stage.
All three shows are completely sold out, but luckily the production team has decided to add a fourth show! Get your tickets for that extra show NOW! (taking place on the 19th of September at 3 pm)
Anneke XxX
I know there are just a few on the album, but I wonder if she will be able to perform growls.
Plus, when is the last time you heard him do harsh vox?This is the likely culprit.
It was an amazing show. Just, speechless.
Strange Machines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBaarWpteA8
Update #7 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqRCoCZZzN0&feature=youtu.be)
Awesome music on this one.
My favorite part of the video is when Anneke is in the streets, they can't seem to have more than a 2 second shot before someone in the frame clearly is watching and going "what the fuck is going on?" :lol
The video is the Storm version. Don't expect the Storm versions to be anything very heavy. I wouldn't even call them as heavy as say, Star One.
I saw Anneke in some Indian looking garb in another photo, making me hope they've also done a video for Shores of India, which is another really great track from the album.
I saw Anneke in some Indian looking garb in another photo, making me hope they've also done a video for Shores of India, which is another really great track from the album.
Well, not exactly what I hoped, but another great choice by them for a song release! :D
I saw Anneke in some Indian looking garb in another photo, making me hope they've also done a video for Shores of India, which is another really great track from the album.
Well, not exactly what I hoped, but another great choice by them for a song release! :D
Well, someone on facebook guessed the Indian looking garb is indeed featured in the video for Storm Version of Shores of India, and Arjen replied with something like "Excellent guess!", so I guess there's still a chance for that.
Here is my review of the new album: https://wpapu.com/2015-03-05/Nice review! :tup Only just read it now as Evermind and I are doing a disc each for LOMM (should be up fairly soon) and I didn't want to prejudice my own review.
Here is my review of the new album: https://wpapu.com/2015-03-05/Nice review! :tup Only just read it now as Evermind and I are doing a disc each for LOMM (should be up fairly soon) and I didn't want to prejudice my own review.
Have to say, even though I'm only really doing the Storm disc, it's scary how similar some of our comments are. I'm scared that I'm turning into you. Or maybe you're turning into me, which would be awesome.
Only just read it now as Evermind and I are doing a disc each for LOMM (should be up fairly soon) and I didn't want to prejudice my own review.Is that the magazine you work for, or am I missing something here? :P
Only just read it now as Evermind and I are doing a disc each for LOMM (should be up fairly soon) and I didn't want to prejudice my own review.Is that the magazine you work for, or am I missing something here? :P
Yeah, it's Lady Obscure's online magazine: https://www.ladyobscure.com/. I only joined it recently.Only just read it now as Evermind and I are doing a disc each for LOMM (should be up fairly soon) and I didn't want to prejudice my own review.Is that the magazine you work for, or am I missing something here? :P
Arjen explaining the different versions of the album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uksGzmYPnEk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uksGzmYPnEk)
I like the Artbook.
I guess I just prefer the new Neal Morse and Enslaved albums.Why would that affect how much you like this album?
The announcement of the last singer on The Theater Equation on their facebook:
> Mike Mills joins the Theater Equation in the role of "Rage/Father". He will take on both parts originally sung by Devin Townsend and Mike Baker.
Mills is the frontman of Australian rockers Toehider and is no stranger to the Ayreon family. He appeared on the in 2013 released album 'The Theory Of Everything' where he sung the part of "Father" alongside Christina Scabbia. Mills displays an amazing vocal range and is a valuable addition to our cast which is now complete!
Clip looks awesome! And heh, yeah, Arjen cracks me up :lolThe announcement of the last singer on The Theater Equation on their facebook:
> Mike Mills joins the Theater Equation in the role of "Rage/Father". He will take on both parts originally sung by Devin Townsend and Mike Baker.
Mills is the frontman of Australian rockers Toehider and is no stranger to the Ayreon family. He appeared on the in 2013 released album 'The Theory Of Everything' where he sung the part of "Father" alongside Christina Scabbia. Mills displays an amazing vocal range and is a valuable addition to our cast which is now complete!
Awesome! Don't know about live, but the guy's studio performance on TTOE was something to behold. And it helps that he played a shitty father in that, too.
Oh wow, my favourite song so far performed live - I hope there's a good video of Shores of India.
Wow I read the setlist. Didn't expect that encore.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11081401_10204981496751631_4275201003195158663_n.jpg?oh=57e6b7a5086af8ac5ea02c83f8a55091&oe=55A61CCB&__gda__=1437031582_fe7632c10801bb998f1eef5017112434)
And I thought Waking Dreams couldn't be any better. Damn!
What was the keyboardist thinking, though? WD's keyboard solo is one of the best things ever.
Joost's solo on 6th is really nice and I generally enjoy his work but in this case I simply can't see a solid reason for changing it. Tomas did a perfect job and that solo is one of the most elegant things I've heard.
Official live video of The Storm:Hmm did they forgot to private the video because they released it today?
[urlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qpseRKIYuE&feature=youtu.be][/url]
Agreed, basically if it isn't on Timeline or titled 'Comatose', 'Liquid Eternity', 'Connect the Dots', 'Beneath The Waves' or 'E=MC2' (I don't know how to do the squared on here) it isn't really worth it to me. Still, I will buy 01... the second I see it. Same as I will with every Ayreon album, except Theory of Everything which I already have the super deluxe version with the 4CD+DVD+hard cover booklet version, which was purchased with the pay from my first paid gig EVER!
Once again i'm reminded how good sonically Victims Of The Modern Age is. Had a listen in my car today and I feel that the album shine when you blast it on speakers rather than headphones. The guitar sounds is so freakin good imo. Hearing Closer to the Stars on speakers at a good volume is epic!
I always thought it would be cool to see The Human Equation live. This is awesome!
Yeah, I'll certainly look through the forum ErHaO posted. I'm most interested in the Luxor Theater description, I think I can handle travelling and accomodation.
I won't be able to visit the try-out show of course, but I also kind of don't want to. I'd like to see this show fresh and with the original singers (well, mostly), that's why I booked the first Friday show. I think I'll be avoiding this thread from 6th of September so I wouldn't get spoiled at all (I want to know if the try-out show was awesome or not though :lol )
We can also do some sort of meet-up before the main show too. ;)
I always thought it would be cool to see The Human Equation live. This is awesome!
I've been spinning THE a couple of times this past week. This album aged pretty well. When it was first released, Akerfeldts vocals were a turn-off. But now that I LOVE Opeth, it's a whole different animal.
About a meet-up, that's cool. I am attending the sunday afternoon show. But I live about 20 min away from Amsterdam's centrum, so if you want to meet up before/afterwards, you are welcome! And I frequently visit/travel trough Rotterdam as well, so chances are I am close-by anyways. If you have any questions about the Netherlands, be it transport or general cultural stuff, don't hesitate to ask ;) Goes for other DTF'ers as well.
Checked this out the other day. I liked the gentle disc a lot but couldn't really get into the storm disc. The heavier orchestrations and distorted guitars took me out of the album at times. Some good moments there but the gentle disc was far superior IMO.
Hi Arjen!, The Theater Equation will be recorded for Blu-ray?
I hope so, Bastian, we are working on it!
Quote from: Fan QuestionHi Arjen!, The Theater Equation will be recorded for Blu-ray?Quote from: ArjenI hope so, Bastian, we are working on it!
:metal
Don't know if you guys are aware of this:That's cool, will check it out.
https://omegataupodcast.net/2014/02/142-making-ayreons-music/
As always I’m curious to your thoughts... which WELL-KNOWN singer would you most like to hear on a new album of mine? It’s okay if I already worked with him/her. ONLY ONE NAME please, thanks!I would love to see a collab with Bruce Dickinson again or Tony Martin. I think i'm ready for a new Star One.
I think i'm ready for a new Star One.
So many names I wanted to list but since i had to go with one, I picked Sebastian Bach. His vocals on Frameshift are nothing short of amazing.
I’d also have a blast finishing the album with Adrian, no doubt. FS3 is completely finished and rocking’ and the 4th one with Adrian would be killer…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rRrHd_8L_8 His YT channel has a lot of cool vids, demos and "tutorials".
I have all that stuff sitting here, but no label giving me any money for it… I want peanuts… next to nothing…. but no interest… but I do need something… this stuff is worth money and I don’t see the point in releasing it only for the „fans“ to download it for free and share it like it belongs to them… this is my job and I need to make a living with it.
So… I don’t know if, how and when this music will ever be released… I just need a few bucks for it to send it out into the world !
Heads up, there will be a try out for the theater equation show, featuring the original band and the choir/understudies performing the whole album. Nice appetizer for the actual theater production and I love being able to see the album in regular concert form as well. I am definitely going to this :biggrin:
Heads up, there will be a try out for the theater equation show, featuring the original band and the choir/understudies performing the whole album. Nice appetizer for the actual theater production and I love being able to see the album in regular concert form as well. I am definitely going to this :biggrin:
I'll also write you a PM in a few days about the meet-up and some general questions about Netherlands.
Heads up, there will be a try out for the theater equation show, featuring the original band and the choir/understudies performing the whole album. Nice appetizer for the actual theater production and I love being able to see the album in regular concert form as well. I am definitely going to this :biggrin:
So, was the show awesome? Please don't include any spoilers in your answer though. :angel:
I'm back from the show, and damn, words are not enough to describe how magnificent it was. By far the best live performance I've ever seen.
From what I saw on Youtube, everyone nails it! I really, really hope this gets an audio release if nothing else. I cannot un-hear Anneke.
From what I saw on Youtube, everyone nails it! I really, really hope this gets an audio release if nothing else. I cannot un-hear Anneke.
That video on Youtube is absolutely amazing. This NEEDS a video release. I'm really sad I can't be there for any of the performances.
Well I have to say that was absolutely the best show I have ever been to. Must admit, for the first ever at a concert time I got a bit emotional tonight. It was just stunning.
People are saying there were cameras in the audience today!!!!!! I was on the balcony and obviously did not pay a lot of attention the the people sitting underneath me. ;D
Yep seems Sunday show was recorded with "20 camera's in all" according to their FB page. whoooooooooooooooooop :metal :metal :metal:tup :tup :tup
Yeah, the recording is great news, but OMG, there's NOTHING in the local press over here that I can find. How the hell is that possible? :facepalm:
Yeah, the recording is great news, but OMG, there's NOTHING in the local press over here that I can find. How the hell is that possible? :facepalm:
Yeah, sometimes I think Dutch people barely know Arjen Lucassen. Even the symphonic/prog/rock/metal lovers I know. A friend of mine actually loved Stream of Passion and knew a lot of the people on stage during the try out by name, yet never heard a note of Ayreon. And he is not the only example. What gives, Dutch people who love this niche? ??? :facepalm: I almost feel like sending a Dutch review to some music websites, in hope they at least cover this event :P
Yeah, the recording is great news, but OMG, there's NOTHING in the local press over here that I can find. How the hell is that possible? :facepalm:
Yeah, sometimes I think Dutch people barely know Arjen Lucassen. Even the symphonic/prog/rock/metal lovers I know. A friend of mine actually loved Stream of Passion and knew a lot of the people on stage during the try out by name, yet never heard a note of Ayreon. And he is not the only example. What gives, Dutch people who love this niche? ??? :facepalm: I almost feel like sending a Dutch review to some music websites, in hope they at least cover this event :P
It's officially official. DVD confirmed on Ayreon FB page.
Day 1 pre-buyer right nere.
It's officially official. DVD confirmed on Ayreon FB page.
Day 1 pre-buyer right nere.
Yeah, the recording is great news, but OMG, there's NOTHING in the local press over here that I can find. How the hell is that possible? :facepalm:
Yeah, sometimes I think Dutch people barely know Arjen Lucassen. Even the symphonic/prog/rock/metal lovers I know. A friend of mine actually loved Stream of Passion and knew a lot of the people on stage during the try out by name, yet never heard a note of Ayreon. And he is not the only example. What gives, Dutch people who love this niche? ??? :facepalm: I almost feel like sending a Dutch review to some music websites, in hope they at least cover this event :P
I would almost urge you to do so. I can understand the genre not being wellknown with the national press, but the music press/magazines? Come on. I also know a lot of the people workin on the show and some vocal coaches from my time in a SOP and Ayreon tribute band (around 2007/08) but decided to distance myself a bit. I'm a bit shy when it comes to walking up to Arjen or Marcela and others. Ed Warby lives very near where I live and we greet eachother when I bump into him at the supermarket, but that's it. I do have facebook contact though.
It just amazes me that such a large production (I really can't remember anything this large in the music/theater field) which stars some of progmetal's biggest vocalists (Labrie, van Giersbergen, Ekwald, Bovio, Graves) and boast such an elaborate stageproduction and attracts audiences from all around the world doesn't attract ANY attention other than the people already familiar with Ayreon and other projects of Arjen.
Yeah, the recording is great news, but OMG, there's NOTHING in the local press over here that I can find. How the hell is that possible? :facepalm:
Yeah, sometimes I think Dutch people barely know Arjen Lucassen. Even the symphonic/prog/rock/metal lovers I know. A friend of mine actually loved Stream of Passion and knew a lot of the people on stage during the try out by name, yet never heard a note of Ayreon. And he is not the only example. What gives, Dutch people who love this niche? ??? :facepalm: I almost feel like sending a Dutch review to some music websites, in hope they at least cover this event :P
True, I'm Dutch and I know almost no people that know Arjen/Ayreon. A shame. I keep recommending his music to everyone though - I'm trying ^^'
for the harsher parts they used the original recording, assisted with live singers.In the try out this was very apparent, since she didn't share the vocal parts and wasn't in the background.
I know I'm behind the times, but I'm just listening to The Gentle Storm for the first time now.
This is really cool stuff.
The Diary is definitely one of my favourite albums this year. Just amazing stuff all around I'd say, and the acoustic disc is even more wonderful.
I am really interested in seeing them and they frequently have shows here (Netherlands), but really had to pick artists this year unfortunately. This year's concert tickets were Blind Guardian (two times), Theater Equation (and try out), Kamelot, Nightwish, Damian Wilson, Night of the Proms (Joe Jackson amongst others), Racoon, and The Neal Morse band. And next year Iron Maiden and Steven Wilson already cost me, I expect DT as well.
On an additional note, I will probably go to Arjen's signing session at the record fair in Utrecht the 21th of November (see his FB page). I will try to buy his solo album on vinyl there, which I'd like to have signed by the man himself.
What a tease... I got all giddy thinking this was going to be Theater Equation news! :angry:
What a tease... I got all giddy thinking this was going to be Theater Equation news! :angry:
Could be a blasphemy to say this on DT forum, but everything on TTOE is better than The Astonishing. I don't agree about the short tracks part though, I've got plenty that are amazing and particularly touching for me, the examples being TTOE pt. 1, The Consultation, Dark Medicine, Fluctuations / Transformation, Side Effects, Mirror of Dreams and The Lighthouse. I know I have this unusual fondness for this album, and I can see how some people can dislike it, but I will defend it with whatever I have. I think it's a brilliant album.
And speaking of that, everything on The Human Equation is better than TTOE.
‘The Theater Equation’ will be available as a deluxe artbook version including blu-ray, 2DVD’s & 2CD’s, as well as a special edition 2CD & DVD digipak, standalone blu-ray & digital download.
man, i kinda want the artbook, but i don't want a second copy of the album as well :lol
Uhhhhh, let's see here. YES, PLS. Of course, I want to buy that. I just need to make sure that I can buy it at either Amazon or Best Buy or any common stores that sells live DVDs (Target, Walmart, whatever). I just don't want to travel far and/or search obscure areas to get this DVD.What do you mean travel? Just order it online?!
DVD + Bluray + 2CD ordered. Pricey as shit, but well worth it for my #2 album of all time.
Shame there isn't a Bluray + CD option. Would really like it in HD and have the audio too but no way am I paying for the package with Bluray, DVD and CD, far too pricey.
Shame there isn't a Bluray + CD option. Would really like it in HD and have the audio too but no way am I paying for the package with Bluray, DVD and CD, far too pricey.
Yeah, that doesn't make sense. If you have a Blu-ray player, you don't really need the DVD version.
Did they really put growling over all of Anneke's parts or was it just some? I saw one of the bootlegs and it was just her that I could hear but in the trailers there's someone ruining her parts. Surprised they don't know this fundamental law of physics - one does not layer other voices on top of Anneke, unless it's more of Anneke. Newton came up with that iirc.
I don't know, from what I heard on YT I loved how she sounded as Fear. It was somehow eerie.
Looks like I can buy the Blu-Ray and the CDs separately on Amazon for $37. Added to wishlist.
After joining this site I noticed how many fans there were of his music. I've seen a lot of praise for THE especially (I liked the album but didn't really get the amount of praise it was receiving) so decided to try and give it a proper go and dive into the concept fully. When checking out the Wikipedia page I suddenly realised that I didn't have the full album!!!! Disc 1 was complete but disc 2 only had the first 2 tracks.
After joining this site I noticed how many fans there were of his music. I've seen a lot of praise for THE especially (I liked the album but didn't really get the amount of praise it was receiving) so decided to try and give it a proper go and dive into the concept fully. When checking out the Wikipedia page I suddenly realised that I didn't have the full album!!!! Disc 1 was complete but disc 2 only had the first 2 tracks.
Wow, that's actually kind of hilarious. :D
Well if you liked The Human Equation, you might want to try The Theory of Everything, the second best Ayreon album in my opinion.
Official song preview is on YouTube.Yeah, I agree some of the shots aren't the best, but the music totally makes up for it. I probably watch the live DVD twice or thrice and after that I just listen to the audio.
Day Two: Isolation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zaJlvmpLrw)
Pretty cool but I'm kind of bothered by some camera shots where you can see people's heads in the bottom of the screen, and also some shots where the camera took some sweet moments to focus. And apparently there's some spoken parts added or maybe they were performed on Sunday show, because they weren't there at the Friday show.
Damn Eric Clayton is flawless. I can't wait to hear him on the songs where he shows up more.
Looks like I can buy the Blu-Ray and the CDs separately on Amazon for $37. Added to wishlist.
The CDs include the DVD. You can see in the details it's 3 discs (2 audio, and one video).
According to the site, the DVD is 5.1 audio only - no video -> https://www.arjenlucassen.com/content/the-theater-equation-to-be-released-on-dvd-and-blu-ray/
Looks like I can buy the Blu-Ray and the CDs separately on Amazon for $37. Added to wishlist.
The CDs include the DVD. You can see in the details it's 3 discs (2 audio, and one video).
According to a comment on Amazon:QuoteAccording to the site, the DVD is 5.1 audio only - no video -> https://www.arjenlucassen.com/content/the-theater-equation-to-be-released-on-dvd-and-blu-ray/
It was a cut off on stage, very similar to the studio version, except JLB'S scream was more like a scream and less of a high note. At least that's what happened on Friday show.
Is it just me or does Irene sound pretty off key most of the time? Everyone else sounds pretty on point, but Irene seems a bit off.
Due to production issues, the pre-order item 'The Theater Equation (2CD+DVD Digipak)' is not expected to ship until 07/22/2016. We appreciate your patience and look forward to sending your order on 07/22/2016 or sooner.
Uhhhhh, what??? Just got this in my email today. Did anyone else got something like this?QuoteDue to production issues, the pre-order item 'The Theater Equation (2CD+DVD Digipak)' is not expected to ship until 07/22/2016. We appreciate your patience and look forward to sending your order on 07/22/2016 or sooner.
Pretty good...
Although I want to see it as this was meant to be seen.
Yeah, but they were never in love!
Just listened through 01011001 for the first time in awhile and I think this is easily my least favorite Ayreon album. The story is not interesting, most of the songs are not interesting, and most of the singers aren't interesting either.
They should have included the curtain call to the ending though, it just belongs there. Great watch, the sound is fantastic, and all the criticism over the video editing, this was never planned as a dvd release. The litterally thought of it last minute.
So Amazon just told me that my blu ray has been delayed till mid August. So I just cancelled the order.
Is there a way to get this blu ray sometime....soon?
So Amazon just told me that my blu ray has been delayed till mid August. So I just cancelled the order.
Is there a way to get this blu ray sometime....soon?
It was here at launch day and you guys definitely have something to look forward to
Lucky. Where did you order from?
To me, The Dream Sequencer and Into the Electric Castle stand far above everything else he did under the Ayreon name; both are great from start to finish. Nothing else is close (although every other album has some good stuff, despite all being hit or miss).
Which album did you listen to?
Alright, so as some of you guys know already, I'm planning to run a big Arjen Lucassen-related Survivor in Polls / Survivors section in 2017, which will include all Ayreon albums and most of his side project albums (not counting the various spin-off survivors and some other content I'll need to check with mods about before I'm going to get into details). I'm laying the schedule for it right now and it looks like it will take the whole year with threads popping up on daily basis.
The thing is, 2017 is more than four months away, and I'd like to get as many people as I can on board, so it seems reasonable to run Ayreon and Arjen Lucassen-related projects Discography Thread to maybe get some people into Arjen's music, nudge people into discovering some Arjen albums they've never bothered with or just to enjoy relistening to some great records Arjen has put out over the years. And after it's done, maybe I'll get more people in the P/S section for the survivor thing. Or maybe not, but it's worth it in any case.
I've checked with Chad about this (since he called dibs on Arjen's discography thread earlier) and he gave me a green light. I'll need about two weeks to prepare enough material so that I don't fall behind but manage to maintain decent pace instead. With more or less one album a week schedule, I'm planning to finish this right before Christmas.
Is there enough interest in this?
I thought high pitch Rage guy was a nice touch.
I thought high pitch Rage guy was a nice touch.
I just really like high pitch vocals. Sometimes I get chills when these mutants belt out such notes.
I understand. Angry people don't shriek in rage, they yell, or in the case of metal or rock music, growl. I like both interpretations of the song.
Wow, that's awesome! I was about to say it's a little early for a new Ayreon, then I realized TTOE was in 2013. Time flies.
https://www.facebook.com/ArjenLucassenOfficial/videos/10153717810836152/ (https://www.facebook.com/ArjenLucassenOfficial/videos/10153717810836152/)
Just posted on his Facebook page: A new Ayreon coming our way!
Looking forward to it! Looking at the vid, I think I see two singers from the Theater Equation there (from the choir, the stand-ins for both Irene and James during the try-out) and that guy Will Shaw? (I remember seeing some yt cover songs by that guy). Could be wrong though, haven't looked them up. Anyways, those are singers I absolutely don't mind hearing on the album.
Also, I think it would be great if Arjen switches between Ayreon and a different project each time (Theory of Everything - Gentle Storm - New Ayreon - something else?). But only if his creative drive is there, offcourse.
All I could hear in that were the sounds of forklifts, piracy and someone digging a hole. Very strange :laugh:
Ooo....James LaBrie as "The Historian"
Ooo....James LaBrie as "The Historian"
I can't be the only one that hopes soon we have a "bearded gentleman"?
I mean is it to ludicrous to expect this might be The Human Equation 2 or some sequel of sort? He usually have a rule to not bring back previous singers for any new Ayreon project but this time James is back so maybe he's bringing that character back. One can dream though :)
Ohh :-\, well nevermind then. I was gonna ask if Arjen actually mentioned something about it.I mean is it to ludicrous to expect this might be The Human Equation 2 or some sequel of sort? He usually have a rule to not bring back previous singers for any new Ayreon project but this time James is back so maybe he's bringing that character back. One can dream though :)
He replied in the comments somewhere that LaBrie is not playing the same character unfortunately.
Ohh :-\, well nevermind then. I was gonna ask if Arjen actually mentioned something about it.I mean is it to ludicrous to expect this might be The Human Equation 2 or some sequel of sort? He usually have a rule to not bring back previous singers for any new Ayreon project but this time James is back so maybe he's bringing that character back. One can dream though :)
He replied in the comments somewhere that LaBrie is not playing the same character unfortunately.
Given the nature of some of the artwork displayed on the site, I'm gonna go with a sequel to Electric Castle.
So many 0101 references, if he doesn't get Anneke again for it I'd be mad.
Hoping for Amanda Somerville, but she's always so busy.
Wow that last Sample of Tobias Sammet sounded epic as hell.
Ayreon Universe Live - 17 september 2017 (https://youtu.be/LNlLfnQ9LdY)
:tup
Trains in the Netherlands are frequent, but in the evenings you're going to be out of luck. There is probably no way you can get to Germany that same night.
I'm considering to get a ticket as soon as sales start, but since that's at 10:00am, I will be working then. How quickly did the Theater Equation sell out? I know we're not talking about Adele or Beyoncé here, but I would be sad if this sells out before I've even had the chance to get a ticket.
Okay, so here's the deal. I'm still pissed I missed The Theater Equation, and I want to be at this, badly.
Is anyone here near a major market that is looking to travel to this? I'd be looking to fly into like Berlin, London, Paris, etc and then travel with someone for both shows to help keep my costs down.
^ all of that. I do however think that 013 is the perfect venue for this. Many a prog band has played there begore.
I'm seeing
Ride the Comet
Journey on The Waves of Time
The Decision Tree
01 songs
Pretty much anything other than THE
I'm seeing
Ride the Comet
Journey on The Waves of Time
The Decision Tree
01 songs
Pretty much anything other than THE
Marco, Tommy, and Mike probably means a TOE part as well.
So, which day are people rooting for? I think the Saturday will be more convenient for me.
Got my regular ticket (and two more for my friends) for the Saturday show!
So that means both Friday and Saturday are completely sold out in presale? Damn, that was quick.
Can't wait for the DVD..........in like 18 months :(
Can't wait for the DVD..........in like 18 months :(
I am sure the actual new Ayreon album can soften the wait a bit ;D
Can't wait for the DVD..........in like 18 months :(
Can't wait for the DVD..........in like 18 months :(
To be fair, I think waiting 18 months for a DVD is a little less stressful than waiting 10 for the actual show.
I didn't recognize the guy but I wrote it's Nils K. Rue just to have a chance to win the guessing game. :biggrin:
Could be petrucci but also heard some linstruth and Romeo.That would be a likely and great choice, but I hope it's Petrucci.
Maybe Marco from JLBs band?
Nice artwork indeed. :tup Still, I wonder why Arjen isn't working with Jef Bertels this time.I mean honestly I first thought it was Jef but looking closer it's a bit diffrent from his style but not to much though. That tower thing to the right look very much like Jefs style imo.
I mean honestly I first thought it was Jef but looking closer it's a bit diffrent from his style but not to much though. That tower thing to the right look very much like Jefs style imo.Because it comes from the The Dream Sequencer cover :P
so I guess im the only one who doesnt really like it at all? :lol i've always loved ayreon artworks (THE has amazing artwork, even in the booklet. so does TTOE) , but this does nothing for me, i find the color scheme to be close to disgusting
Is it moving? That's tight if it's like Kaleidoscope.
Filler is the bane of all his two disc albums and I'm gonna guess this will end up the same.
4, 8, 19 are all filler tbh
Somehow didn't notice the track lengths, that's a tiny bit better then though only 10 minutes or so under the usual double discs he puts out (itec, the, 01011001)
I'd say there's absolutely no filler on THE.
The first single seems to be on Spotify for the Aussies, and it's the 12 minute song. Seems like a weird pick for a first single but I haven't heard it yet.
This is the first Ayreon (Arjen in general) album at his new label right?
This is the first Ayreon (Arjen in general) album at his new label right?
No, pretty sure he also released Guilt Machine at Mascot. They may be two different companies technically, but I think they belong to the same label group.
The first single seems to be on Spotify for the Aussies, and it's the 12 minute song. Seems like a weird pick for a first single but I haven't heard it yet.
The first single seems to be on Spotify for the Aussies, and it's the 12 minute song. Seems like a weird pick for a first single but I haven't heard it yet.We got something first for once? :lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFuMKdrzPqU&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFuMKdrzPqU&feature=youtu.be)Uhm.. this is fucking awesome?
Video has just been released too :azn:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFuMKdrzPqU&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFuMKdrzPqU&feature=youtu.be)Uhm.. this is fucking awesome?
Video has just been released too :azn:
Tommy Karevik's part, holy shit. I don't have time for the whole thing but I'm excited!
Could only skim through the song (for now, will listen later) but as far as what little I saw of the video, I thought the combination of recording footage and Arjen's commentary through text was brilliant.
Yea it's a really cool video. Works great to combine commentary and recording footage.
Great song! The singers all sound fantastic, and I really liked the bluesy section.
Rusell was easily the weakest part of the song for me. But I guess that happens when you dislike the vocalist. :lol
Give me more of Michael Mills, LaBrie and Tommy and I'll be happy. I hope Zaher shows up often, his preview was the one I enjoyed the most. Love the arabic influence in Ayreon's sound.
Listened to the song, man it was great!
Best Ayreon production yet, and the binary code thing was insane. When does the album come out? Super pumped for this one.
Listened to the song, man it was great!
Best Ayreon production yet, and the binary code thing was insane. When does the album come out? Super pumped for this one.
If only some super cool mod type dude had already edited the release date into the thread title. Then this type of info would be easy access. If only. :p
Listened to the song, man it was great!
Best Ayreon production yet, and the binary code thing was insane. When does the album come out? Super pumped for this one.
If only some super cool mod type dude had already edited the release date into the thread title. Then this type of info would be easy access. If only. :p
I don't look at thread titles! You never know when Black_Floyd turned them into a boner reference.
Rusell was easily the weakest part of the song for me. But I guess that happens when you dislike the vocalist. :lol
Give me more of Michael Mills, LaBrie and Tommy and I'll be happy. I hope Zaher shows up often, his preview was the one I enjoyed the most. Love the arabic influence in Ayreon's sound.
anyone having a problem ordering the album from mascot label group? when I'm on the page for any of the products theres no button to order or add to cart, can't figure out how to fix it :huh:
Track is definitely growing on me. I find myself humming the main heavy riff a lot.
Another thing I would like to add... this is what good production sounds like. James should borrow Arjen for a few albums. :lol
Ayreon is not really on my radar anymore, but given all of this chatter, I gave that new song a listen earlier. Not bad. I thought the video was really neat, with all of his fact tidbits and commentary, but I've never liked when he shoehorns that many singers into one song like that. It's almost distracting, trying to figure out who is singing what, and before you know what, you've lost track of what is what and the song is over.
Ayreon is not really on my radar anymore, but given all of this chatter, I gave that new song a listen earlier. Not bad. I thought the video was really neat, with all of his fact tidbits and commentary, but I've never liked when he shoehorns that many singers into one song like that. It's almost distracting, trying to figure out who is singing what, and before you know what, you've lost track of what is what and the song is over.
But it's a part of the story and plot.
Cool, but I just pre-ordered the MP3 off Amazon for $11.50.
That was fucking amazing. Can't wait for this album!
After my second listen I've just noticed that it's Tommy who does the "DIIIIIIIIIIIES" growl at the very end :lol hope he does some more harsh vox on the album
I like this new song, very catchy
Nice interview, some really interesting tidbits there.
Can we start speculating on the setlist now?
No way they won't play Two Gates from ITEC.
Nice interview, some really interesting tidbits there.
Can we start speculating on the setlist now?
Awwww yeaaah. One of my bigger wonders is if he'll go in order. I think it would be really cool if he starts at the beginning, works his way forward, and then encores with whatever extra tracks he wants.
I'll speculate on what I think will be played, as opposed to what I want:
Computer Reign*, Sail Away to Avalon
Computer Eyes*, Abbey of Synn
The Castle Hall*, Valley of the Queens, Amazing Flight
And the Druids Turned to Stone*, My House on Mars
Dawn of a Million Souls*, Into the Black Hole*
Pain, Love
Ride the Comet*, Liquid Eternity or Age of Shadows
TTOE (see notes)
The Source (see notes)
Intergalactic Space Crusaders, Victim of the Modern Age
First off, a * denotes songs I'm more confident in. Computer Reign I just have a good feeling about, there are several choices based on singers, especially Ride the Comet. Would be sad to have Magali there and not let her rip on that song. With the Theory of Everything, and there being so many tracks that flow into one another it's almost impossible to say. I can only assume that they will do a chunk, maybe a full section, and won't jump around the album. With The Source I think they could jump around, but I would be more than thrilled if they stuck to the first chronicle. The two tracks from it already released remain two of my favorites, and the track between isn't a slouch either. I think Journey to Forever is a good possibility as well though, because (I believe) it's the only song with entire sections sung by "The Ship's Crew", and the opportunity to have 16 vocalists doing the sections justice may be too hard to resist.
I can see four or five Star One tracks (given 3.5/4 are there), and goddamned they better do Master of Darkness.
Excellent interview, Nick! :nickdidntfail:
I hope ErHaO is right, in that they pick from songs that haven't been done live before (other than THE obviously). I'm would suspect the songs from THE will be ones that DON'T involve James.
Others are bound to show up a second time - Dawn of A Million Souls for instance - due to the vocalists in attendance, and sheer awesomeness of the songs. I can see four or five Star One tracks (given 3.5/4 are there), and goddamned they better do Master of Darkness.
Agree on the use of Maggy - Ride the Comet and Liquid Eternity are MUST HAVE. On the latter, who would you think should do the Jorn parts? I'm thinking Jonas or Hansi
:caffeine: at the prospect of a BluRay that he's already thinking about how to make it a top-notch production - considering it was right up until the weekend of the show that we didn't know FOR CERTAIN that there'd be one with The Theater Equation.
New song, Star of Sirra!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obySu2DExWY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obySu2DExWY)
I think it's already being mailed out if you ordered it...
I think it's already being mailed out if you ordered it...
I think it's already being mailed out if you ordered it...
Maybe some of the earlier preorders are. I preordered it a month ago from Mascot and they haven't shipped mine yet.
I think it's already being mailed out if you ordered it...
Maybe some of the earlier preorders are. I preordered it a month ago from Mascot and they haven't shipped mine yet.
I got the Ultimate package through mascot. So it'll likely ship the end of the week I hope.
I wouldn't be so sure we're getting two songs from each Star One album, just based on length of the show. I remember at one point Arjen said two hours, and given the level of detail into everything my guess is that might grow some, but not a lot. Let's get liberal and say 2h30m.
Now let's say from all the albums other than The Source and average of 15 minutes of music gets played. That's reasonable I would say and gives you 2 hours. Add to that 20 minutes from The Source and you're only left with 10 minutes of Star One. You could of course play less from Ayreon, but by the same token you could also stick closer to the two hours Arjen initially set.
My hope is, given the enormity of this, Arjen was just being a little whimsy with the time and will come out with a full Avantasia length show of 3 or 3.5 hours. The only people that would be taxing on are the five main musicians (two guitars, keys, bass, and drums), as the singers and other musicians will all have plenty of breathers.
What do you think the chances are of having a few songs swapped in/out across the weekend? I'm sure a lot of people (like Nick) are going to multiple shows, so that might be a way to get the most out of the 16 singers.
What do you think the chances are of having a few songs swapped in/out across the weekend? I'm sure a lot of people (like Nick) are going to multiple shows, so that might be a way to get the most out of the 16 singers.
I have it directly from Arjen that the setlist for all the shows will stay the same.
New song, Star of Sirra!:tup :metal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obySu2DExWY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obySu2DExWY)
What do you think the chances are of having a few songs swapped in/out across the weekend? I'm sure a lot of people (like Nick) are going to multiple shows, so that might be a way to get the most out of the 16 singers.
I have it directly from Arjen that the setlist for all the shows will stay the same.
importcds probably ships to canada and i'm sure it's cheaper there
Into the Ocean is a great dark horse song here.
No, I think Lori has kept a tight eye on the cringy lyrics this time around...Doom, Gloom, the world goes Boom! :biggrin:
No, I think Lori has kept a tight eye on the cringy lyrics this time around...Doom, Gloom, the world goes Boom! :biggrin:
I agree with Rich in that it is highly formulaic. It's odd, while it doesn't sound samey, it does steal a LOT from Star One - the crunchy/rhythm guitar tones and some of the riffs in particular. And I'm not saying that is a bad thing, because those two Star One albums are Top 10 material (of all-time) for my tastes.
So, while DT went in a completely new and innovative direction with TA, Arjen doesn't ... and I (by miles) enjoy The Source much more. Simililtude of a Dream was the same ... highly repetitive (hell, he could've called it Snow II), but I loved it.
The great thing about this is that there are (at least from what I can tell with 2 listens), not many cringe-worthy lyrics that plagued 01011001. I don't have my earbook yet, so haven't followed the lyrics yet.
I just disagreed it was similar to TTOE overall and think it contains enough fresh musical elements to give the album it's own feel/tone. The album overall is Ayreon trough and trough and has all the elements that make me a fan of Arjen's music in the first place.
The reason I don't mind the commonalities with Arjen's previous works is because it's all over the map of his past. If this was ANOTHER 01 or ANOTHER Star One or ANOTHER TTOE that would be one thing. But in sounding like at times so many different works it ends up with a diversification that makes it special unto itself.
At this point I do not believe The Source will surpass my favorites albums in The Human Equation or Into the Electric Castle. However I consider those both masterpiece albums. It has planted itself right below that as a stellar album I hold beside The Theory of Everything and The Final Experiment for 3rd place in the Ayreon discography.
Arjen over time has developed a very distinct style and everything he does sounds like him. So it's not surprising that this new Ayreon sounds like older Ayreon or any of his other projects. As long as it isn't outright copying of already done parts I don't mind. In fact I know what to expect and Arjen so far has delivered.
The album has a lot of atmosphere, which seems to be what the album is going for. Even though the songs sound happy its really saddening that they're basically leaving all they knew to begin anew. Which is why I like the ending it fits that distraught they all faced. Makes it even messed up for the whole world that were left to die.
One thing that bothers me a little is that in 'Sea of Machines' (mind you, more Ayreon albums have the same problem) this highly advanced race that supposedly lived billions of years ago, is talking about radio, satellites, tv and phones :') why would they be the same to humans and invent the same sort of things? I get that it's probably for story-telling purposes, but I find it rather strange nonetheless.If we're being that picky, why are they speaking English?
I think we can take it as a given that the dialogue/lyrics are a translation, in which case "radio", "satellites" etc. will be the nearest translation of whatever it is they're referring to.That's actually a pretty nice view of things
If we're being that picky, why are they speaking English?
Still haven't listened to it. How does it compare to THE-01? Theory of Everything was quite disappointing.I also found Theory of Everything a little disappointing, and personally I find The Source a fair bit stronger. Maybe not quite THE (which I think is Arjen's best) but more on a par with 01, though slightly less weak lyrically!
Very random comment but since the album was mentioned... do you know how to type the exact title of 01011001? I've learnt, they're four pairs of 01, but the second to last is reversed. 01 - 01 - 10 - 01. Easier to remember that way.
Still haven't listened to it. How does it compare to THE-01? Theory of Everything was quite disappointing.I also found Theory of Everything a little disappointing, and personally I find The Source a fair bit stronger. Maybe not quite THE (which I think is Arjen's best) but more on a par with 01, though slightly less weak lyrically!
Very random comment but since the album was mentioned... do you know how to type the exact title of 01011001? I've learnt, they're four pairs of 01, but the second to last is reversed. 01 - 01 - 10 - 01. Easier to remember that way.
For what it's worth, I still love TTOE, it's my second favourite Ayreon album. But you know that already.
I also still haven't received my copy of The Source. :facepalm:Very random comment but since the album was mentioned... do you know how to type the exact title of 01011001? I've learnt, they're four pairs of 01, but the second to last is reversed. 01 - 01 - 10 - 01. Easier to remember that way.
Oh, that's a good question. I just split it into three sequences, like 01 - 011 - 001.
For what it's worth, I still love TTOE, it's my second favourite Ayreon album. But you know that already.
I also still haven't received my copy of The Source. :facepalm:Very random comment but since the album was mentioned... do you know how to type the exact title of 01011001? I've learnt, they're four pairs of 01, but the second to last is reversed. 01 - 01 - 10 - 01. Easier to remember that way.
Oh, that's a good question. I just split it into three sequences, like 01 - 011 - 001.
After the snafu at customs I've been waiting for a shipping email and I still haven't even gotten that. Kinda praying that it at least ships today and is waiting for me Monday after RoSfest. But who knows, could be a week or two yet.
For what it's worth, I still love TTOE, it's my second favourite Ayreon album. But you know that already.
I also still haven't received my copy of The Source. :facepalm:Very random comment but since the album was mentioned... do you know how to type the exact title of 01011001? I've learnt, they're four pairs of 01, but the second to last is reversed. 01 - 01 - 10 - 01. Easier to remember that way.
Oh, that's a good question. I just split it into three sequences, like 01 - 011 - 001.
I just type a random bunch of 0 and 1 and everybody knows what I'm talking about.
Third listen and this one is growing strong. It reminds me most of 010101010, but clearly has it's own character.
And on the topic of TToE, I love, love love that record. After my initial disappointment with it, I now rank it at number 2 behind THE.
Are The Source and 0101010110 related?
I wouldn't really call THE connected. The ending is more of a nugget than anything else.
It's not that it isn't a part of the plot, but I just don't have the same feeling when I listen to the album like I get with the other Ayreon sci-fi works. It feels way more genuine and I can actually really connect with the emotions displayed by the lyrics. It's one of the only albums ever where I really pay attention to the lyrics (TTOE is another of those albums), I really don't care for the story behind the other albums at all.
So yeah, I guess it was wrong of me to say that it isn't connected, just that I personally see it as a standalone story and would prefer to have it left aside of the general Ayreon sci-fi cheese-fest. :lol
Yeah but that was obvious from the start and kind of the point of the story.How is it obvious from the start? And why is it the point of the story? THE's plot is definitely amazing as a stand alone story :P
Yeah but that was obvious from the start and kind of the point of the story.How is it obvious from the start? And why is it the point of the story? THE's plot is definitely amazing as a stand alone story :P
Ah, I thought you meant about the whole coma thing, not the scifi part. Meh, I didn't care about that at all.Yeah but that was obvious from the start and kind of the point of the story.How is it obvious from the start? And why is it the point of the story? THE's plot is definitely amazing as a stand alone story :P
Also, I've played this one and 01010010 etc, back to back and it merges into the latter effortlessly. Really cool.
Arjen was at DWDD?
Well, those of us whom pre-ordered are gonna be getting shipping notifications soon. Haven't received my email yet, just the email letting us know its at the warehouse in the US. Yay..
Anyone have their stuff ship yet?
Anyone have their stuff ship yet?
(https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18485607_1608745972488620_4875718333393874201_n.jpg?oh=e2e9c0dfa2a695f2ccaad6728a0d0bfd&oe=59774A18)
(https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18485607_1608745972488620_4875718333393874201_n.jpg?oh=e2e9c0dfa2a695f2ccaad6728a0d0bfd&oe=59774A18)
That was May 10th. I would like to think that after the delay they would have made this priority 1, 2, and 3, and we wouldn't be sitting here 5 days later waiting for it to arrive, much less ship.
Six days is not ASAP.
I have off tomorrow, perhaps I'll just make a day trip to Albany and pick my shit up. Grrr.
My copy of the earbook has just arrived! I'm finally going to be able listen to this tomorrow evening.
My copy of the earbook has just arrived! I'm finally going to be able listen to this tomorrow evening.
Did you get a shipping notification? Because I haven't got nothing yet.
I wonder what the hold up is this time. Still waiting for an email...
I wonder what the hold up is this time. Still waiting for an email...
Saved me my daily bitch, thanks.
My great hope now is that instead of the two shipping notices we were promised we get none, and it's just waiting at home for me.
Just got it today in the mail in Texas. I didn't get any of the shipping confirmarion emails.
Just got it today in the mail in Texas. I didn't get any of the shipping confirmarion emails.
Didn't have much time to listen to The Source in depth over the last couple days but slipped in a casual listen or two. It really is starting to grow. Don't know where it will end up in a final ranking but I'm really liking this one. And I get a lot of Star One and 010101 associations when listening to it.
Mike Mills is great, JLB has mostly quieter parts and I'm a bit underwhelmed. He's good but not used to his full potential.
All in all there are soms great vocal arrangements that I haven't heard on previous Ayreon records. Maybe the choir arrangements and additional choir pieces on The Theater Equation had rubbed off on Arjen?
Didn't have much time to listen to The Source in depth over the last couple days but slipped in a casual listen or two. It really is starting to grow. Don't know where it will end up in a final ranking but I'm really liking this one. And I get a lot of Star One and 010101 associations when listening to it.
Mike Mills is great, JLB has mostly quieter parts and I'm a bit underwhelmed. He's good but not used to his full potential.
All in all there are soms great vocal arrangements that I haven't heard on previous Ayreon records. Maybe the choir arrangements and additional choir pieces on The Theater Equation had rubbed off on Arjen?
Yeah, I agree James isn't used to full potential, though his performances are good in what they set to achieve.
Yeah, I thought that was weird as well. You can easily recognize them when they are playing but still. And the vocalists are listed very detailed, so why not the guest musicians
Gilbert plays on Star of Sirrah and Guthrie on Planet Y. Coenen and Mark Kelly play on The Dream Dissolves. And while I really like all those guest solos they go on a bit too long for me. If they were shorter and more condensed I'm sure they were even better.
Decided to pick a copy of this up on the weekend. Only heard a couple of songs but sounds promising. Not sure what the go was with past albums, I'll have to check, but I find it weird in the booklet that it doesn't list solo credits. With the likes of Gilbert and Guthrie in there, you'd think it would state where and what songs they play leads on. I'm sure it will be easy enough to figure out, but I just found that odd.Glad i'm not the only one! Thought it was weird he left that out in the Earbook.
Decided to pick a copy of this up on the weekend. Only heard a couple of songs but sounds promising. Not sure what the go was with past albums, I'll have to check, but I find it weird in the booklet that it doesn't list solo credits. With the likes of Gilbert and Guthrie in there, you'd think it would state where and what songs they play leads on. I'm sure it will be easy enough to figure out, but I just found that odd.Glad i'm not the only one! Thought it was weird he left that out in the Earbook.
Finally listening to this right now! Currently on Everybody Dies and I've got to say, the three opening songs are so strong on this album. Hopefully this will also be the case for the rest of the record.
edit: finished my first listen. Won't go into the detailed thoughts (I'll leave them for The Source writeup which will come in a few weeks in Arjen's Discography thread), but I felt this album was pretty damn good. Not on the level of THE, TTOE or TDS for me, but probably on the level of 01011001. I thought the first CD was much better than the second.
Well, being a sucker for power metal, I loved Run! Apocalypse! Run!, probably the second best song after the opener so far for me.
Am I the only one who didn't care much for TTOE?
Received mine in the mail yesterday, almost forgetting I had it even coming in! :lol
FYI, I'm on the Eastern Shore of MD (the peninsula, for the uninitiated), so the East Coast is getting theirs, hopefully.
-Marc.
Yeah, I thought that was weird as well. You can easily recognize them when they are playing but still. And the vocalists are listed very detailed, so why not the guest musicians
Gilbert plays on Star of Sirrah and Guthrie on Planet Y. Coenen and Mark Kelly play on The Dream Dissolves. And while I really like all those guest solos they go on a bit too long for me. If they were shorter and more condensed I'm sure they were even better.
Yeah, one of the male singers is an aquaintance of mine. Is it weird to feel a little bummed out that I've got a ticket for the real deal and this is announced now?
Yeah, one of the male singers is an aquaintance of mine. Is it weird to feel a little bummed out that I've got a ticket for the real deal and this is announced now?
Anyways, let's blame this one on fucking Adrenaline Mob as well :P
I'm sure John will shine, Lindsey, thanks! And I'm sure you can meet Russell in his own projects. Not with me anymore though, sorry.
Not really, Rosie, don't worry! I'm just really glad that I'm in the luxurious position now where I can be more picky about the singers I choose to work with. So all is good!
Considering Arjen does 1 live thing per year (at best), the comment of Russell not being seen with him "anymore" could specifically be referring to the Universe show. And the second quote doesn't necessarily need to be interpreted as a direct connection to Russell... as was mentioned in The Source DVDs, he does have the luxury of choosing from some Tier 1 names nowadays - whereas in the early years, he (to some degree) had to take what he could get.
Perhaps we can meet another time Russ
i wonder if there's a chance of Russel Allen showing up at the Ayreon shows now his band is (probably) done touring?
i wonder if there's a chance of Russel Allen showing up at the Ayreon shows now his band is (probably) done touring?
i wonder if there's a chance of Russel Allen showing up at the Ayreon shows now his band is (probably) done touring?
Little too soon? FFS, the guy is still in the hospital, and grieving a (2nd) dead band-mate.
i wonder if there's a chance of Russel Allen showing up at the Ayreon shows now his band is (probably) done touring?
Little too soon? FFS, the guy is still in the hospital, and grieving a (2nd) dead band-mate.
I'm sorry, what happened to Adrenaline Mob is an absolute tragedy, but I know that tons of people feel like Allen was a wasted talent in that band. I know it's soon, but if this tragedy would result in Allen being more involved with other projects it would be an almost dictionary definition of a silver lining.
Cannot stress enough that I am not happy that this happened, but I think we should be cutting Schurf some slack here.
I'm sorry, what happened to Adrenaline Mob is an absolute tragedy, but I know that tons of people feel like Allen was a wasted talent in that band. I know it's soon, but if this tragedy would result in Allen being more involved with other projects it would be an almost dictionary definition of a silver lining.
Cannot stress enough that I am not happy that this happened, but I think we should be cutting Schurf some slack here.
I'm honestly aghast Nick. Someone's death (in this manner) is a "silver lining"? The lack of empathy, and what seems to be selfishness (ie, how you can "benefit" from Dave's death) in such a comment less than a week after this tragedy is shocking.
The fact is that when tragedies happens it usually results in stronger bonds as a band so I wouldn't be surprised to see even more of A Mob in the future.
This is our planning for the Ultimate Ayreon Universe Experience:
11:00 Opening 013 Box Office
12:00 Start Ultimate Ayreon Universe Experience with collection goodie bag, exclusive merch pre-sale, dress rehearsal and Meet & Greet
17:30 End Ultimate Ayreon Universe Experience
This is our planning for the shows on September 15:
18:00h Early entry VIP + collection goodie bag at entrance 013
18:00h - 19:00h Go get yourself some nice merch and find the best spot inside the Main Hall
19:00h Doors open for all visitors
20:30h Start show
23:00h Expected end show
yes, Arjen already confirmed a DVD/Bluray on FB. You should check ayreon's page, Arjen comments a lot and answers pretty much every question you ask him in PM.
I am super tired, so I apologize if this question has long been answered, but was this show professionally recorded (or will be or whatever)?
It's a day 1 purchase for certain. Full artbook package and whatever else comes along.
Sounds like an amazing show. :) How was the guy who replaced Russell Allen? What songs did Jonas Renkse do? How was Hansi? Um, hmm, I imagine Damian Wilson was great. :)
Sounds interesting about Maggie doing Allen's parts. I'm not familiar with her other than through Ayreon. Looking forward to the dvd to see how all of that came together.Sounds like an amazing show. :) How was the guy who replaced Russell Allen? What songs did Jonas Renkse do? How was Hansi? Um, hmm, I imagine Damian Wilson was great. :)
Russel's replacement was great. A similar vocal powerhouse and he brought tons of energy to the stage. Offcourse he is different than Russel, but I loved his parts. This was probably always going to be the case, but Maggie also did some parts of songs Russel normally would sing (Intergalacric Space Crusaders and Stars of Sirrah).
Renske did Waking Dreams and Comatose. Not familiar with him but he has a pleasant voice.
Hansi was Hansi. He has that unique texture to his voice that makes him shine and he was mostly a chorus guy, except for River of Time. I loved that this song made the setlist, because it is the song that introduced me to Ayreon (me being a Blind Guardian fan).
And yes, Damian absolutely delivered ;D
Alright, I know we have a FB chat going for this, but just in case we missed anyone, here are the details for the DTF and extended friends Ayreon meetup:
Saturday, September 16, 3:00pm we will meet at the venue. From there we will wander together to a place to actually sit down and have a few hours prior to the show. Please let us know if you'd like to join.
No it did not and I thought it was indeed a missed opportunity. I guess they made the decision due to time, but seeing as both Renske and Anneke were there, I thought it a bit odd.
And what a damn Rockstar Magaly Luyten is! :metal
Alright, I know we have a FB chat going for this, but just in case we missed anyone, here are the details for the DTF and extended friends Ayreon meetup:
Saturday, September 16, 3:00pm we will meet at the venue. From there we will wander together to a place to actually sit down and have a few hours prior to the show. Please let us know if you'd like to join.
Was really cool meeting you guys!
Indeed, the omission of We Are Forever section was one of my few disappointments with the show, along with the omission of Waking Dreams solo.
Well, to be honest the 1-0 etc. part would be hard to pull off in a live enviroment.
Indeed, the omission of We Are Forever section was one of my few disappointments with the show, along with the omission of Waking Dreams solo.
That makes me worried about Comatose. Saw Waking Dreams too, man those parts were reasons why I was excited about it.
It bugs me when bands dont play full versions. Which I have with queensryche not playing the middle part of Empire.
Well, to be honest the 1-0 etc. part would be hard to pull off in a live enviroment.
Bummed out to hear that the binary sequence with Anneke was cut, it's one of my favourite parts of the album (even have it as my ringtone).And mine is the "time, but a passageway" part that was also cut. Too bad they couldn't have made it work, but I totally get that they had choices to make and think it's a pretty amazing end result (based on YouTube) regardless.
And a technical question, can they mix recordings of the two shows? For example, looking at youtube, Hansi sings the first chorus of Everybody Dies out of tune on friday and on saturday it was Floor singing the last chorus out of tune (guess it is a difficult melody to sing?). Wonder if they can clean it up by using both shows. Anyways, for a show like this, very little (notable) mistakes were made and it are only brief moments. It happens to the best.
Also, during his speech Sunday, Arjen said he will aim for early next year for the BR/DVD and that he would start working on it as soon as past monday. I hope he will remain on schedule this time ;D
And a technical question, can they mix recordings of the two shows? For example, looking at youtube, Hansi sings the first chorus of Everybody Dies out of tune on friday and on saturday it was Floor singing the last chorus out of tune (guess it is a difficult melody to sing?). Wonder if they can clean it up by using both shows. Anyways, for a show like this, very little (notable) mistakes were made and it are only brief moments. It happens to the best.
4) The Dream Sequencer
This one was a real grower - I did not expect to like it that much. Just like Flight of the migrator it is only one side of the thing, here the ambient one, but unlike Flight, it does succeed much better. There is a real sense of sadness, despair but also of wonder that comes out of that one, and pretty much every song helps conveying that kind of feeling in its own way. I guarantee a song like 2084 can hit pretty hard when listened to alone in the dark on a rainy day... Or it is really easy to let your mind wander along the waves of Dragon on the Sea at the end of a long day. I love every song on here except for Temple of the Cat which is the only one that dissapoints. My favorite is surely One small step because it does associate that sense of despair and of wonder in such a beautiful way. The verse 'As I lie here in this cold tank, living a dream/I'm the last on the planets/I decided this morning I don't want to be/The man on Mars' is so powerful. I think all the singers here did a really great job.
Well, it's got great melodies but it's not really that memorable and it just feels 'weaker' overall, but maybe it would also grow on me if I took the time to re-listen to it outside of the album. But One Small Step will without a doubt remain my fave for that album.
Glad that you agree with me on the rest though! ;) You would rank them exactly in the same order?
Hmm, if you rank The Final Experiment along with the Electric Castle maybe I would really like it. Why do you rank ITeC so low?
I guess I'm the only guy who didn't care for TTOE. It was okay, but easily bottom tier for me.
My issues with The Theory of Everything did not have to do with the music (we all know that the music from Ayreon will be top-notch), but it was hard for me to find sympathy for the main character of the story compared to Me in The Human Equation which was funny given that Me seemed like an a-hole at times.
It also did not help that The Theory of Everything is basically 4 20 minute songs and that I do not much have the biggest urges to relisten through those and that The Human Equation has plenty of standalone songs with plenty of repeat value.
The Final Experiment is the most impressive Ayreon album. Before he had notoriety, before all the big names, before all the resources, before having stable label support he cranked out an amazing rock opera that just barely site below his most widely loved and known works.
But yes, it is unclear whether it is 4 long songs or 42 short ones, and I think it doesn't really matter.
Wow I don't even own Pools. And cheesy is a term used a lot in regard to Arjen! Great journey yet to come! :tupI hope so ;) I will be relistetning Electric Castle today to get more into that one. Very good album.
Wow that must have been a hell of show, almost 30 Arjen songs? 3 hours easily... :metal
They cut "Arjen's Speech" !? What a shame, love that track.
What's the specific defition for an earbook? it's something that looks like a book but you can hear? :lol because books are not shaped like that, and by "that" I mean what appears for "Earbook" in Google Images. I would call them digipack if at all...It's basically a big CD book. Atleast I think this is what they call an Earbook. I took some pictures:
What's the specific defition for an earbook? it's something that looks like a book but you can hear? :lol because books are not shaped like that, and by "that" I mean what appears for "Earbook" in Google Images. I would call them digipack if at all...It's basically a big CD book. Atleast I think this is what they call an Earbook. I took some pictures:
No problem. I like them because it's like a digital vinyl and a collectors item. As someone that grew up looking at the cover and booklet in vinyls and CDs while listening to the music this is a extra nice treat because of the large print. To bad they're a bit pricey but as I said I treat them as collecters items and also Ayreon is basically the only artist I buy stuff like this from although, if Maiden did something similar, I would be all over that! :biggrin:What's the specific defition for an earbook? it's something that looks like a book but you can hear? :lol because books are not shaped like that, and by "that" I mean what appears for "Earbook" in Google Images. I would call them digipack if at all...It's basically a big CD book. Atleast I think this is what they call an Earbook. I took some pictures:
Ah, ok, thanks. I didn't realize the actual difference in shape, Google Images for Earbook gives also Blind Guardian's latest album, which I have in the digipack format, and I figured they were all the same size.
Awesome, will probably buy the Earbook as I usually do. :tup
They cut "Arjen's Speech" !? What a shame, love that track.
Bought a new album two days ago... great Israeli prog-metal... and it has Arjen as a guest on one track...Thx for this Goose, it's an amazing record. :tup
Hope you enjoy
https://open.spotify.com/track/3stif2pP7Mk9tBiQ9toJcg?si=ORqSRQL0TTitbG8sogQuOQ
Bought a new album two days ago... great Israeli prog-metal... and it has Arjen as a guest on one track...Thx for this Goose, it's an amazing record. :tup
Hope you enjoy
https://open.spotify.com/track/3stif2pP7Mk9tBiQ9toJcg?si=ORqSRQL0TTitbG8sogQuOQ
Everybody Dies from the Universe shows is up on Deezer and I assume Spotify. Clip will probably follow soon?
Everybody Dies from the Universe shows is up on Deezer and I assume Spotify. Clip will probably follow soon?
You assume wrong - at least, not on Spotify Canada.
Everybody Dies from the Universe shows is up on Deezer and I assume Spotify. Clip will probably follow soon?
You assume wrong - at least, not on Spotify Canada.
Maybe it changed now, it does show up on my Spotify as well (in the Netherlands).
The US Mascot site was functioning far better than the EU too.
he did say it took a lot of convincing from Anneke to do those gigs, and that it helped it wasn't in his own country doing very small shows ;-)
I agree. Arjen and Anneke should work together more. All the time, if possible.
Valley of the Queens (Live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbebO5BZi-I&feature=youtu.be
Beautiful. But as nice as it is to have them sing together, Anneke could have sung lead throughout. It's her song.
Valley of the Queens (Live): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbebO5BZi-I&feature=youtu.be
Expensive as hell, but it'll be one of the few truly rare pieces in my Ayreon collection...
Snagged myself the Ayreon Universe vinyl test pressing.
Expensive as hell, but it'll be one of the few truly rare pieces in my Ayreon collection...
Snagged myself the Ayreon Universe vinyl test pressing.
You need a 12-step program or something.
Beautiful. But as nice as it is to have them sing together, Anneke could have sung lead throughout. It's her song.deleted
Thats a great interview. Makes me anxious for seeing it in the mailbox.
Thats a great interview. Makes me anxious for seeing it in the mailbox.
Thank you! Funnily enough I had almost no time to prepare and I honestly think it's the best of the three I've done with him. One interviewer had to pull out, then another, and I was only available because we had a massive snowstorm that had me take a day off work. But he is such a joy to talk to!
Beautiful. But as nice as it is to have them sing together, Anneke could have sung lead throughout. It's her song.deleted
Got my copy in the mail today. :tup Haven't watched it yet though other than I had a peak in the booklet.
Sweden which is pretty close to Netherlands so I assume that's the reason. Was a bit suprised myself when I got the shipping notification.Got my copy in the mail today. :tup Haven't watched it yet though other than I had a peak in the booklet.
Where are you located? Seeing a bunch of people in Europe, and I think one Canadian getting this early, but no confirmed Americans yet.
Haven’t gotten mine yet.
Help me decide if I should get the earbook. I’m really interested but the US store seems to be sold out, and from EU it ends up $80+ :-[
Is it worth it?
Help me decide if I should get the earbook. I’m really interested but the US store seems to be sold out, and from EU it ends up $80+ :-[
Is it worth it?
Help me decide if I should get the earbook. I’m really interested but the US store seems to be sold out, and from EU it ends up $80+ :-[I enjoy collecting them and have several Ayreon earbooks. It's very nice with lots of pictures and nuggets. You get audio, DVD and Blu-ray of all the content which is very nice.
Is it worth it?
Don't understand why there is a dvd and a blue-ray in the package. When I don't have a br player I don't need the blue-ray, when I have one, the dvd is obsolete.
But anyway, forgot this is released now, will have to decide which format I need.
Thank you good sir! Any idea if their stock is signed as well? Or was that only offered through MascotHelp me decide if I should get the earbook. I’m really interested but the US store seems to be sold out, and from EU it ends up $80+ :-[
Is it worth it?
https://www.lasercd.com/cd/ayreon-universe-2cd2dvdblu-ray-deluxe-edition
Here you go.
Thank you good sir! Any idea if their stock is signed as well? Or was that only offered through MascotHelp me decide if I should get the earbook. I’m really interested but the US store seems to be sold out, and from EU it ends up $80+ :-[
Is it worth it?
https://www.lasercd.com/cd/ayreon-universe-2cd2dvdblu-ray-deluxe-edition
Here you go.
Thank you good sir! Any idea if their stock is signed as well? Or was that only offered through MascotHelp me decide if I should get the earbook. I’m really interested but the US store seems to be sold out, and from EU it ends up $80+ :-[
Is it worth it?
https://www.lasercd.com/cd/ayreon-universe-2cd2dvdblu-ray-deluxe-edition
Here you go.
No signed as goo-goo said, however I've placed a lot of rather large orders through LaserCD. They are a great retailer so if you decide to order from there be sure to at least check out any new releases and sales.
No signed as goo-goo said, however I've placed a lot of rather large orders through LaserCD. They are a great retailer so if you decide to order from there be sure to at least check out any new releases and sales.
Absolutely! Anytime I order from them I always look over the Sales and Bargain Bin. I have picked up a bunch of things for less than $5 that I never would've purchased otherwise.
Ken runs a great site and everything is always very well packaged for shipment.
Out for delivery... I AM READY.SAME!!! I've got my weekend ready to watch this!!!
The blu-ray is only $13 on Amazon. Ordered!
Out for delivery... I AM READY.SAME!!! I've got my weekend ready to watch this!!!
-Marc.
Turns out the US store did still have signed copies of the earbook in stock, so ordered! :metal
Not sure why it didn’t work the other day, but MLGs website isn’t exactly known to be functional I take it :lol
Question... why isn't Arjen playing on stage except for a song or two at the end?
I am loving this blu ray.
And whoever this guy who is singing Dawn of a Million Souls is seriously crushing it. Hard to replace Russell Allen but this guy is coming damn close.
Don't understand why there is a dvd and a blue-ray in the package. When I don't have a br player I don't need the blue-ray, when I have one, the dvd is obsolete.(https://s.thestreet.com/files/tsc/v2008/photos/contrib/uploads/80721bb7-cd48-11e6-b490-0f437cfe09ba.png)
But anyway, forgot this is released now, will have to decide which format I need.
Question... why isn't Arjen playing on stage except for a song or two at the end?And he hates playing live, and I think quite believes both guitarists and keyboard player are far better than he is in that setting. I'd say the only reason he played at all was because he was expected to, but I'm sure he would have been just as happy directing everything and staying off camera.
Question... why isn't Arjen playing on stage except for a song or two at the end?And he hates playing live, and I think quite believes both guitarists and keyboard player are far better than he is in that setting. I'd say the only reason he played at all was because he was expected to, but I'm sure he would have been just as happy directing everything and staying off camera.
Interesting, thanks Nick. Again, not a huge Ayreon fan here but I would have thought some of the appeal of the show would be to see him playing, even if there are other musicians who would be considered "better."
Question... why isn't Arjen playing on stage except for a song or two at the end?
Question... why isn't Arjen playing on stage except for a song or two at the end?
If you want to see some serious Arjen playing, I'd suggest you check out the live dvd of Star One 'Live on Earth' from 2003. (if you can get it) The image quality is a lot less then this new one is, though. Also, Russel Allen is on that one as well.
https://www.bol.com/nl/p/star-one-on-earth/1000004011659414/?promo=creator-carousel_12095423_bestsold_1000004011659414_pos2 (https://www.bol.com/nl/p/star-one-on-earth/1000004011659414/?promo=creator-carousel_12095423_bestsold_1000004011659414_pos2)
This dvd is amazing. I really love it.
My only real complaint is that they did a very edited version of Eye of Ra which seemed sad, but with the gigantic setlist, I understand. Though I wouldn't mind having a song like Merlin's Will cut to allow for the full version. Ah well.
Also I thought it was so cool that Irene Jansen got to take the stage and introduce everyone during The Two Gates. She was insanely charming.
Was that Nick on the behind the scenes?
From what I understood, there's no beef between him and Arjen. Allen had already commited to touring with another band and then there was this terrible road accident where the bassplayer was killed.
Speaking of Dawn of A Million Souls... despite how goo Cuijpers was, I just can't help but constantly wish Allen hadn't cancelled. DoAMS was the first Ayreon song I ever heard (so it holds a special place for me), and Allen is one of my favorite - and one of the best - frontmen in the genre. The Live On Earth version is pure gold, and I would've creamed my jeans for a BluRay version of him performing it.
Arjen did say on FB he'll never work with him again after this.Source?
Arjen did say on FB he'll never work with him again after this.Source?
just look at the commentsection on the post where he announced the cancellation of Russel Allen
Yea, as much as I love and will continue to love Allen, Arjen has such an insane group of reliable singers, that I don't see the need for him on any future Ayreon releases.
My only concern is Star One. I'd still love more from them, and it's hard to picture them without Allen.
I wonder though, even if he didn't cancel because the A Mob tour the accident might have prevented him either way. Then again, in that scenario the accident might not have happened so who knows.
I wonder though, even if he didn't cancel because the A Mob tour the accident might have prevented him either way. Then again, in that scenario the accident might not have happened so who knows.
I feel like cancelling due to making other plans and cancelling due to a deadly tour bus accident would have very different results as far as working with Arjen again goes.
Jay Van Feggelen wanted to quit as well. Arjen convinced him to stay on board though.
The Source .. ftfyArjen did say on FB he'll never work with him again after this.Source?
He wants a break from the Ayreon world? call Anneke Van Giersbergen, do another Gentle Storm album (an acoustic and folk-ish record and a second heavier version) and make everybody happy. He gets to do something different from Ayreon and she gets to slown down a bit from Vuur before eventually doing the second album.
He wants a break from the Ayreon world? call Anneke Van Giersbergen, do another Gentle Storm album (an acoustic and folk-ish record and a second heavier version) and make everybody happy. He gets to do something different from Ayreon and she gets to slown down a bit from Vuur before eventually doing the second album.
Is it me or does Anneke voice just doesn't sound good when she sings outside Devin Townsend material?
When she sings with Devin, her voice sounds amazing and I massively enjoy it. But when she sings with Ayreon or Gentle Storm or even Vuur, I just can't stand her voice. It sounds very "shrieky" and a bit unpleasant to my ears. Maybe it's the way she is being put in the mix or how is she recorded but it's very frustrating. The Devin Townsend stuff with her sounds angelic to my ears.
Is it me or does Anneke voice just doesn't sound good when she sings outside Devin Townsend material?
When she sings with Devin, her voice sounds amazing and I massively enjoy it. But when she sings with Ayreon or Gentle Storm or even Vuur, I just can't stand her voice. It sounds very "shrieky" and a bit unpleasant to my ears. Maybe it's the way she is being put in the mix or how is she recorded but it's very frustrating. The Devin Townsend stuff with her sounds angelic to my ears.
It's you.
Follow the link to hear an amazing vocal performance by Anneke....
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10156377404449216&id=17778084215
Follow the link to hear an amazing vocal performance by Anneke....
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10156377404449216&id=17778084215
I saw that a while back and liked the video. I also like the stuff she has done with Danny Cavanaugh from Anathema. Very solid stuff.
I've been on a huge Ayreon kick lately. Does anyone have The Theater Equation? Is it worth the purchase.
I've been on a huge Ayreon kick lately. Does anyone have The Theater Equation? Is it worth the purchase.
I've been on a huge Ayreon kick lately. Does anyone have The Theater Equation? Is it worth the purchase.
Damn, I feel like an idiot. I have both concerts on blu-ray and have hardly watched either yet. I keep telling myself to get into Ayreon and fail constantly because some other band I am going to see soon takes priority. I will get to this.... one day.
I keep telling myself to get into Ayreon and fail constantly...
Damn, I feel like an idiot. I have both concerts on blu-ray and have hardly watched either yet. I keep telling myself to get into Ayreon and fail constantly because some other band I am going to see soon takes priority. I will get to this.... one day.
Why not today...
I keep telling myself to get into Ayreon and fail constantly...
When most of the material are double albums with complex concepts and various musicians and vocalists, I've found it takes much more time and investment. It's not like with a band like ACDC, where you can take an album, play a couple tracks, and can get a good sense of the band and its style and if they are up your alley and worth listening to more.
On the one hand, I see your point, but on the other hand, the history of rock has many examples of large groups of musicians coming together for a show/festival/etc. for the greater good. Ultimately, if you are a musician, you like playing and/or singing music, and a show like this lets you do that without having to worry about doing all of the grunt work; that is all on Arjen. You just have to show up and play and/or sing.
Got a Kamelot/Delain/Battle Beast concert friday...
Got a Kamelot/Delain/Battle Beast concert friday...
Never heard of Battle Beast, but have seen both Delain and Kamelot in concert recently and thoroughly enjoyed both performances. They are at the top of my "Why don't I listen to these bands more" list, along with Ayreon.
As someone who attended both Theater Equation and Ayreon Universe shows, I must say I preferred Theater Equation. Not by far, but given the choice which of the two I would like to see again, I would pick Theater Equation. The vibe they managed to strike during TTE was fantastic (and, well, The Human Equation is one of my favourite albums). The DVD doesn't quite live up to the actual quality of the show, though, but still a good one to have.
Alright, I'll go first. Although only 3 is very difficult to do.
1. The Human Equation. Overall the album that hits me the most on an emotional level.
2. Into the Electric Castle. It all started there for me.
3. Dream Sequencer: Flight of the Migrator. Top notch Sci-Fi metal.
Alright, I'll go first. Although only 3 is very difficult to do.
1. The Human Equation. Overall the album that hits me the most on an emotional level.
2. Into the Electric Castle. It all started there for me.
3. Dream Sequencer: Flight of the Migrator. Top notch Sci-Fi metal.
Just be aware that Flight of the Migrator is very atmospheric and softer than anything else in Ayreon's catalog. THE and ITEC are my #1 and #2 choices for Ayreon. The Source is a nice flavour of everything Ayreon has to offer as well.
If you want Arjen's real prog-metal stuff, go with the two Star One albums. :2metal:
Right you are. I saw "Dream Sequencer" and my brain instantly went to that disc.
The source is actually the prequel to 01011001. I was really happy when i heard "The Age of Shadows will begin." Before Age of Shadows on Ayreon Universe, that made it have a nice impact.
1. The Human Equation
2. Into the Electric Castle
Not even going to both explaining those as plenty of others have/will.
3. The Final Experiment
Along with When Dream and Day Unite one of the absolutely most undervalued debuts in all of prog. All the greatness of Ayreon is right there on the very first album, and even though the names aren't as big, all the vocal talent is there and amazing. It's easy to follow and has a good amount of killer tracks.
The source is actually the prequel to 01011001. I was really happy when i heard "The Age of Shadows will begin." Before Age of Shadows on Ayreon Universe, that made it have a nice impact.
Yeah, it makes you feel like wanting to go to listen to it right after.
It would even work as a concert encore experience. You end the show with Journey to Forever, the band leaves the stage while the last track plays over the PA, and then the encore begins with Age of Shadows.
1. The Human Equation
2. Into the Electric Castle
Not even going to both explaining those as plenty of others have/will.
3. The Final Experiment
Along with When Dream and Day Unite one of the absolutely most undervalued debuts in all of prog. All the greatness of Ayreon is right there on the very first album, and even though the names aren't as big, all the vocal talent is there and amazing. It's easy to follow and has a good amount of killer tracks.
Anyway, I'm loving the Ayreon Universe release. It has made me want to check out some of Damian Wilson's work. What would you fine folk recommend as a good starting place?
I'd go with:
1. Into the Electric Castle
2. Universal Migrator 1 & 2
3. The Human Equation
Anyway, I'm loving the Ayreon Universe release. It has made me want to check out some of Damian Wilson's work. What would you fine folk recommend as a good starting place?
Wait, the new Wilson/Wakeman album is out already? (Runs to Amazon...)
3. 01010101111 or whatever
3. 01010101111 or whatever
Tip to remember: they're four pairs of 01, but the second to last is inverted.
01, 01, 10 (invert this one), 01.
01011001.
3. 01010101111 or whatever
Tip to remember: they're four pairs of 01, but the second to last is inverted.
01, 01, 10 (invert this one), 01.
01011001.
Would it be appropriate to refer to it as "Y"?
3. 01010101111 or whatever
Tip to remember: they're four pairs of 01, but the second to last is inverted.
01, 01, 10 (invert this one), 01.
01011001.
Would it be appropriate to refer to it as "Y"?
Into the Electric Castle was insane! After the first listen I didn't have a much of a clue of what actually happened in the story, so I had to read up on it. Could have used a bit more metal, but the music was very good, and I didn't find the spoken parts to be unbearably cheesy. Will spin this one a few more times before moving on.
Into the Electric Castle was insane! After the first listen I didn't have a much of a clue of what actually happened in the story, so I had to read up on it. Could have used a bit more metal, but the music was very good, and I didn't find the spoken parts to be unbearably cheesy. Will spin this one a few more times before moving on.
So after listening to Into the Electric Castle more times than I can remember, I was ready to move on to something else. So I listened to The Final Experiment. And while there were some good parts, and it was cool learning what "Ayreon" means, or rather, who it was, I just wanted to listen to Into the Electric Castle again. So after finishing the debut album, I went right back to Castle.
Now I am giving my first listen to The Human Equation. I'm currently on day 14...and I am totally underwhelmed. Of all the praise that this album gets, I'm just not hearing it. I'll push through and give it a few more spins to see if it grows on me.
DoC, I seem to remember you're more into "heavy" approach in music, so my guess is that you'll dig 01011001 a lot.
I, for one, absolutely adore The Human Equation, which I probably said in this thread like twenty times already. :biggrin:
Into the Electric Castle was insane! After the first listen I didn't have a much of a clue of what actually happened in the story, so I had to read up on it. Could have used a bit more metal, but the music was very good, and I didn't find the spoken parts to be unbearably cheesy. Will spin this one a few more times before moving on.
So after listening to Into the Electric Castle more times than I can remember, I was ready to move on to something else. So I listened to The Final Experiment. And while there were some good parts, and it was cool learning what "Ayreon" means, or rather, who it was, I just wanted to listen to Into the Electric Castle again. So after finishing the debut album, I went right back to Castle.
Now I am giving my first listen to The Human Equation. I'm currently on day 14...and I am totally underwhelmed. Of all the praise that this album gets, I'm just not hearing it. I'll push through and give it a few more spins to see if it grows on me.
Did you also check out the semi-acoustic second disc of The Final Experiment? I personally love that disc, and it was included with later rereleases (so not originally).
I'm a firm believer in not wasting time with music that doesn't click. There's lots out there to enjoy, no need to force anything that isn't working.
... but if it doesn't click, no need to keep trying. I'm a firm believer in not wasting time with music that doesn't click. There's lots out there to enjoy, no need to force anything that isn't working.
I'm a concept album junkie, and the story behind THE was unique enough for me (and my first Ayreon experience), so that's why it's #2 Album of All-Time for me. So many nuances to it, it's a lot to digest. I'd recommend giving it a couple more chances, but if it doesn't click, no need to keep trying. I'm a firm believer in not wasting time with music that doesn't click. There's lots out there to enjoy, no need to force anything that isn't working.
The line-up for the Ayreon headline show on the Graspop festival is finally confirmed! I am happy to have the same instrumentalists as the Ayreon Universe shows. ‘Newcomers’ on vocals are Simone Simons and Mark Jansen of Epica, and Tom Englund of Evergrey. 'Returning' singers are Damian Wilson, Tommy Karevik, Mike Mills, Anneke van Giersbergen, Marcela Bovio, Irene Jansen, Robert Soeterboek, John Jaycee Cuijpers, Maggy Luyten and Lisette van den Berg. And... I am proud to announce a very special guest on vocals... Barry Hay of Golden Earring! And oh yeah, I heard that the tall hippie dude will play a few songs as well :-) Hope to see you there!
(https://scontent.fyyz1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32116219_10155153952861152_4244675256188403712_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=v1%3AAeEZ5UFxMEOJ0GF-50s0o3Kj9hlgSsuYXXfQsTak1g6XSZcXRIPhkq50XBBxDgFdQ39xolqQaSi6Ei9roUOnTD32aO_b38cZnU8gh_NvHDeM8A&oh=206d63487ba8511ab4c4885f51e18086&oe=5B99D033)
Yeah man... considering Grasspop now.....
Listening to how "The Indian" dies in ItEC is one of the most gutting things I've ever heard in music.....and then the song goes into a rather cheerful instrumental.
Arjen, why do you do this to me ????
Wow, I wonder if Graspop will show a live stream of Ayreon's set? They should get a fair amount of stage time with all of these great singers involved in this set. I wonder how the festival crowd will react to it?
Alright..... The Human Equation clicked for me. F'n love it now!
Think I was still on an Electric Castle high and gave THE its first listen and I missed out on a lot. Once I learned the story, I loved everything that much more... and as a big fan of Shadow Gallery, it was surreal hearing new (new to me) Mike Baker vocals.... he killed it! Love this album and am currently listening to it daily.
Yeah, I noticed that already in The Theater Equation, when Floor towered over JLB, who I always thought isn't that small either.
Yeah, I noticed that already in The Theater Equation, when Floor towered over JLB, who I always thought isn't that small either.
Oh shit, you're right :facepalm:
So obviously both Jansen sisters are very tall, so is Arjen himself, must the the climate in the Netherlands or something.
Yeah, I noticed that already in The Theater Equation, when Floor towered over JLB, who I always thought isn't that small either.
I always thought JLB is a pretty tall guy! But when I met him two years ago, he was actually shorter than me! I'm 180 cm, which I guess would be like 5"11.
I am the dude on the left:
(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/5987_10205917460912714_2948121625090346262_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=5e1c902b4d77268fff852417633d1d2e&oe=5B85429D)
Oh shit, you're right :facepalm:
So obviously both Jansen sisters are very tall, so is Arjen himself, must the the climate in the Netherlands or something.
You may be on to something, because people in the Netherlands are some of the tallest on average (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_average_human_height_worldwide). I've heard that what/how you eat is one of the big parts of determining your height (plus your genes obviously), so maybe that's it? ???
Jonas Renkse seems like a nice guy, his voice fits the songs he sang but he has a terrible stage presence.
Jonas Renkse seems like a nice guy, his voice fits the songs he sang but he has a terrible stage presence.
He is usually like that. On the Katatonia shows, most of the times he is under low lights and some random headbanging here and there but no stage presence.
Jonas Renkse seems like a nice guy, his voice fits the songs he sang but he has a terrible stage presence.
He is usually like that. On the Katatonia shows, most of the times he is under low lights and some random headbanging here and there but no stage presence.
He's practically... comatose.
Jonas Renkse seems like a nice guy, his voice fits the songs he sang but he has a terrible stage presence.
He is usually like that. On the Katatonia shows, most of the times he is under low lights and some random headbanging here and there but no stage presence.
He's practically... comatose.
I think his stage presence is perfect for a Katatonia show. Maybe not Ayreon so much, but seeing that, I know it's the real him, so to speak, so I like it. At a Katatonia show, their whole stage presence including his is just right, and the lighting is perfect as well.
Jonas Renkse seems like a nice guy, his voice fits the songs he sang but he has a terrible stage presence.
He is usually like that. On the Katatonia shows, most of the times he is under low lights and some random headbanging here and there but no stage presence.
He's practically... comatose.
I think his stage presence is perfect for a Katatonia show. Maybe not Ayreon so much, but seeing that, I know it's the real him, so to speak, so I like it. At a Katatonia show, their whole stage presence including his is just right, and the lighting is perfect as well.
Jonas Renkse seems like a nice guy, his voice fits the songs he sang but he has a terrible stage presence.
He is usually like that. On the Katatonia shows, most of the times he is under low lights and some random headbanging here and there but no stage presence.
He's practically... comatose.
I think his stage presence is perfect for a Katatonia show. Maybe not Ayreon so much, but seeing that, I know it's the real him, so to speak, so I like it. At a Katatonia show, their whole stage presence including his is just right, and the lighting is perfect as well.
(https://m.popkey.co/39bc6b/b0A63_s-200x150.gif)
I can be familiar with the reference and still choose to comment on the general conversation. :P
Okay, apparently JLB isn't that tall, I'm 185 cm and I'm far from being the tallest guy around.
@ Fritzinger: cool pic, are you twins or just look alike?
Bonus points for the amazing shirts! :lol
That's a nice find! Some great versions on there. I especially liked the version of Temple of the cat.
I guess I'm the only person alive who thinks 01011001 ist the best Ayreon album.
What jingle said. "Worst" somehow gives the impression that it's bad, but it isn't. Some great tunes on there, but on the whole just not as good as other records by Ayreon.
Arjen said in an interview at Graspop that they're thinking of doing a once a year show kind of thing. So maybe we'll get lucky in 2019 again!
Into The Electric Castle – 20th anniversary re-issue pre-order is live now! https://bit.ly/2LmZMmb
Arjen spent two months re-mixing the album and also did a 5.1 version.
It's available as a 5 disc Earbook (Inc. 5.1 Remix) and a one-time pressing Ltd Edition Box Set. Of course there is also vinyl: a 3-LP version with the Original 1998 mix and downloads.
The 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Box Set is available to pre-order for only 19 days and contains:
- 3D-sculpted and framed Electric Castle
- 4 CDs: 20th Anniversary Remix + 20th Anniversary Remix Instrumentals
- 1 DVD: 20th Anniversary 5.1 Remix + Documentaries
- 3 LPs: Gold marbled vinyl (original 1998 mix) + Download card for the 20th Anniversary Remix
- Certificate of authenticity, signed by Arjen
We know this is a lot of information...but it is all clearly explained in the webshop!
(https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37363775_10155298465986152_2499176078665318400_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=86e041f69527ce37b0696a26d867dd27&oe=5BD9C054)
After many years, I finally got round to buying an Ayreon album today: The Human Equation. I was already familiar with the first and last tracks, and Loser. I'm really enjoying going through the album.
Questions about the opening track of 01011001: who is the dude singing when the acoustic section starts and why do the singer(s?) sing 011010000?
Questions about the opening track of 01011001: who is the dude singing when the acoustic section starts and why do the singer(s?) sing 011010000?
1) From what I can tell, the 011101000 thing is binary code for "help" and the morse code and other code are for similar things.
2) I think it's Jonas Renkse
Questions about the opening track of 01011001: who is the dude singing when the acoustic section starts and why do the singer(s?) sing 011010000?
Last month when I bought all the Ayreon albums, I considered waiting for the updated version of Into The Electric Castle but I just bought the one that was available on Amazon. Maybe I'll buy the newer version one day. I'm not familiar enough with the album to notice the added stuff.
Last month when I bought all the Ayreon albums, I considered waiting for the updated version of Into The Electric Castle but I just bought the one that was available on Amazon. Maybe I'll buy the newer version one day. I'm not familiar enough with the album to notice the added stuff.
Unfortunately, the new remix version will not be available via standalone cd. You would need to buy the artbook or the vinyl. Kind of disappointed by the lack of a CD only release.
Last month when I bought all the Ayreon albums, I considered waiting for the updated version of Into The Electric Castle but I just bought the one that was available on Amazon. Maybe I'll buy the newer version one day. I'm not familiar enough with the album to notice the added stuff.
Unfortunately, the new remix version will not be available via standalone cd. You would need to buy the artbook or the vinyl. Kind of disappointed by the lack of a CD only release.
Hmm...that settles that.
Last month when I bought all the Ayreon albums, I considered waiting for the updated version of Into The Electric Castle but I just bought the one that was available on Amazon. Maybe I'll buy the newer version one day. I'm not familiar enough with the album to notice the added stuff.
Unfortunately, the new remix version will not be available via standalone cd. You would need to buy the artbook or the vinyl. Kind of disappointed by the lack of a CD only release.
Hmm...that settles that.
Maybe if the label gets enough requests, they can decide to press it on CDs.
I imagine they'll be missing out on quite a few sales from people who want just the CD - it must be a gamble they're hoping will make more money in the end from the diehards, since Ayreon fans tend to be, well, diehard. "It's a 20th anniversary, they want something special!"
Not knocking the bonus versions whatsoever, just saying.
Greetings, Ayreonauts!
It's time to mark your calendars again!
To continue celebrating the 20th anniversary of the classic Ayreon album Into the Electric Castle, it will be performed live, in its entirety, for 4 exclusive shows in September 2019.
Arjen and his trusty sidekick, Joost van den Broek (who co-produced the Ayreon Universe shows in 2017), have already spent the past year working on bringing Into the Electric Castle to the stage for you to enjoy. In fact, not even 30 minutes into the backstage party after the final Ayreon Universe encore last September, they were already scheming about what to do next!
Electric Castle Live will feature nearly the entire cast of the original album, plus some very special guests.
Original cast:
Fish (ex-Marillion), Anneke van Giersbergen (VUUR), Damian Wilson, Thijs van Leer (Focus), Ed Warby (Ayreon), Edward Reekers (Kayak), Edwin Balogh, George Oosthoek (ex-Orphanage).
Special guests:
Simone Simons (Epica), Mark Jansen (Mayan), John Jaycee Cuijpers (Praying Mantis), Marcela Bovio (Mayan), Dianne van Giersbergen (Ex Libris), Jan Willem Ketelaars, plus a super-secret extra special guest who we'll be announcing later.
Instrumentalists:
Johan van Stratum (VUUR) - bass, Joost van den Broek - keys, Marcel Singor (Kayak) - lead guitar, Ferry Duijsens (VUUR) - guitar, Bob Wijtsma (Ex Libris) - guitar, Ben Mathot - violin.
To top it all off, Arjen himself will be singing his original role as "The Hippie."
(We tried to talk him out of it, but he is pretty determined... ;-) )
The basic info is below, but be sure to visit Ayreon.com/live for the most current, up-to-date info all in one place.
Electric Castle Live - 4 shows total
Dates: Friday 13 September, Saturday 14 September, and Sunday, 15 September (two shows!)
Location: Poppodium 013 – Tilburg, The Netherlands
Doors: TBA
Start show: TBA
Tickets go on sale to the general public on 26 October. Ayreon Universe sold out unbelievably fast, so we've created two opportunities for advance purchase for dedicated Ayreon fans:
People who've preordered the ITEC reissue through the Ayreon store (via Mascot) will receive an email with a special link and code to buy tickets as early as 24 October (that's 48 hours before the general public) CLICK TO PREORDER.
Subscribers to the Ayreon Newsletter (that's you, if you got this email!) will receive an email with a special link and code to buy tickets as early as 25 October (24 hours before the general public).
Looking forward to seeing you all at the show for what is sure to be one heck of an AMAZING FLIGHT!
Stay tuned for more news and surprises in the coming weeks.
Cheers from all of us here at the Electric Castle!
I have to figure out if I could actually make a trip like this happen now. Hmmm.
Godammit, I cannot miss this. I'll have to somehow take my lazy ass on a flight to Tilburg in sept next year.
I have to figure out if I could actually make a trip like this happen now. Hmmm.
You and me both brother. Now that the jingle.kids are in post-secondary, I just might see about trying to book a european vacation for mrs.jingle and I.
4 013 shows, so 12000 capacity in total. Definitely gonna try to get tickets! Hopefully I will succeed. Garuanteed to be an awesome show. And again in probably my favourite concert venue.
I have to figure out if I could actually make a trip like this happen now. Hmmm.
You and me both brother. Now that the jingle.kids are in post-secondary, I just might see about trying to book a european vacation for mrs.jingle and I.
CALL ME EXCITED :metal :metal :metal
Great cast, cool that Fish is there and even cooler that Arjen himself will play the Hippie, finally he's on stage for his own songs (and not just the encore).
CALL ME EXCITED :metal :metal :metal
Great cast, cool that Fish is there and even cooler that Arjen himself will play the Hippie, finally he's on stage for his own songs (and not just the encore).
He's never played any of his stuff live except for encores?
Me :facepalm:Godammit, I cannot miss this. I'll have to somehow take my lazy ass on a flight to Tilburg in sept next year.
I'd start by petitioning Tilburg to build an airport. :D :P
NL isn't that big. If you fly to amsterdam or eindhoven (even better) you're about 1.5hrs away from the venue by train.:tup
NL isn't that big. If you fly to amsterdam or eindhoven (even better) you're about 1.5hrs away from the venue by train.:tup
QuoteGreetings, Ayreonauts!
It's time to mark your calendars again!
People who've preordered the ITEC reissue through the Ayreon store (via Mascot) will receive an email with a special link and code to buy tickets as early as 24 October (that's 48 hours before the general public) CLICK TO PREORDER (https://usa.mascotlabelgroup.com/ayreon/?utm_term=0_1e39596a28-23e8454f2a-297221769&utm_campaign=23e8454f2a-20180719+Ayreon+Newsletter+%23135_COPY_01&mc_cid=23e8454f2a&utm_medium=email&mc_eid=4ca2d03230&utm_source=Ayreon)
Cheers from all of us here at the Electric Castle!
Ordered! Hope it works.
I figure I'll buy a ticket to the concert no matter what and then try to figure the rest out later. Trying to get Jackie to go too, but I'm not hopeful.
Also, for the people who went to either Theater Equation or Ayreon Universe, about how much were tickets? Were they seated or GA?
They had a video on their FB page today confirming that John De Lancie is playing a character/doing narration. Really cool!
Had to think there for a moment because I was in the wrong universe :lolThey had a video on their FB page today confirming that John De Lancie is playing a character/doing narration. Really cool!
WHAT?!?! THEY GOT FREAKIN Q?!?!
They had a video on their FB page today confirming that John De Lancie is playing a character/doing narration. Really cool!
WHAT?!?! THEY GOT FREAKIN Q?!?!
edit: do you guys think there's a real possibility of the shows selling out on the 24th? Because the more I think about it, the more I don't want to miss it, so I might have to actually pre-order the re-released earbook.
edit: do you guys think there's a real possibility of the shows selling out on the 24th? Because the more I think about it, the more I don't want to miss it, so I might have to actually pre-order the re-released earbook.
The Ayreon Universe was a success beyond all expectations. I think it will eventually sell out. If you wanna go, book tickets now I'd say.
Edit: sorry, my post was incorrect.
There are 3000 more tickets than Ayreon Universe, but there is the chance it will sell out I am afraid.
I do think there were more "bigger" names last time. I know some Nightwish fans that went because of Floor and Marco, for example. Furthermore, the sunday show took about a day to sell out after friday/saturday immediately sold out. But I don't want to be the guy that tells people tickets will be available while they are not.
That is great news! I am hoping for:
Gentle Storm: Shores of India, the Gentle version (would be a great moment with Anneke and beautiful vocal harmonies with other female singers at the end)
Solo: Pink Beatles (just a super catchy song)
Guilt Machine: Perfection? (my favorite track of Guilt Machine)
Star One: Song of the Ocean (there are much better Star One songs, but this one is a fun singalong in a live setting)
Stream of Passion: Out in the Real World (I think this one works really well live)
Ambeon: High (my favourite Ambeon song, and distinct from many of his other songs)
But I think it will probably other songs.
I really hope he does Lift Off/Set Your Controls this time, as cool as Intergalactic Space Crusaders was live, i hope he offers something new this time around, and that one is brilliant to open the 2nd set with.
Star One... just please PLEASE something from the 2nd album. One of my only gripes about the first Ayreon show was that Star One already did a tour for the first album, give something from the 2nd album a live debut.
Wait, Iove that song. The section from 6:32 is one of Russells greatest, ending with that scream sooo epic.Star One... just please PLEASE something from the 2nd album. One of my only gripes about the first Ayreon show was that Star One already did a tour for the first album, give something from the 2nd album a live debut.
So long as it isn't It All Ends Here. Anything but that please.
I really hope he does Lift Off/Set Your Controls this time, as cool as Intergalactic Space Crusaders was live, i hope he offers something new this time around, and that one is brilliant to open the 2nd set with.I would say, since they did that on the star one shows I much rather hear Down the Rabbit Hole/Digital Rain. The song ain't that interesting but that synth intro leading to the drumfill into the song. :metal
Many thanks to Nick for getting mine as well. I’ll be there on the Saturday :)
Guess I'll be watching it from the back - assuming I go at all. Got two tickets just on the off chance I can convince mrs.jingle to join me at the show.
If I end up making it there (really trying) I should point out that the Saturday show is my birthday.
So.....get me lots of stuff.
If I end up making it there (really trying) I should point out that the Saturday show is my birthday.
So.....get me lots of stuff.
We'll each bring you one DTF'r. So... you'll get lots of stuff.
If I end up making it there (really trying) I should point out that the Saturday show is my birthday.
So.....get me lots of stuff.
Booked a Hotel for the 15th.... the rooms in Tillburg are selling out so anyone who needs one get booking
Booked a Hotel for the 15th.... the rooms in Tillburg are selling out so anyone who needs one get booking
They’re selling out a year in advance?
cities nearby like Breda/eindhoven/den bosch are also good options for hotels. NL isn't big, and public transportation is excellent. Besides that, Tilburg is a horrible city XD
Absolutely no surprise at hotels and Airbnbs selling out in Tilburg. If you intend to go to the show and want to stay in Tilburg so you don't have to catch a train after the show, book something now. I started searching for a flat in June last time and had to stay in Breda. Everything in Tilburg was already booked.
Breda is a nice little town, I enjoyed it a lot. I'm staying in Tilburg this time to explore it. Apparently my Airbnb includes a free bike that I can use, so I'm going to maybe bike down to La Trappe abbey, and overall just bike the hell out of the town and the countryside, as I'll be arriving on Tuesday.
Also, apparently all the shows are sold out now.
Absolutely no surprise at hotels and Airbnbs selling out in Tilburg. If you intend to go to the show and want to stay in Tilburg so you don't have to catch a train after the show, book something now. I started searching for a flat in June last time and had to stay in Breda. Everything in Tilburg was already booked.
Breda is a nice little town, I enjoyed it a lot. I'm staying in Tilburg this time to explore it. Apparently my Airbnb includes a free bike that I can use, so I'm going to maybe bike down to La Trappe abbey, and overall just bike the hell out of the town and the countryside, as I'll be arriving on Tuesday.
Also, apparently all the shows are sold out now.
La Trappe brewery/abbey is a very nice place, you should definitely check it out if you have the time.
So, it's time for me to finally come to grips with reality, and accept there is zero chance I can make it to the NL for this show :sadpanda:. Anyone know of anyone who wants a pair of tix... ideally at face value? I have them on my ticketmaster profile, and / or pdf copy. 7pm show on the 14th.
So, it's time for me to finally come to grips with reality, and accept there is zero chance I can make it to the NL for this show :sadpanda:. Anyone know of anyone who wants a pair of tix... ideally at face value? I have them on my ticketmaster profile, and / or pdf copy. 7pm show on the 14th.
So, it's time for me to finally come to grips with reality, and accept there is zero chance I can make it to the NL for this show :sadpanda:. Anyone know of anyone who wants a pair of tix... ideally at face value? I have them on my ticketmaster profile, and / or pdf copy. 7pm show on the 14th.
DAMN YOU! That's the show I'm going to!
So, it's time for me to finally come to grips with reality, and accept there is zero chance I can make it to the NL for this show :sadpanda:. Anyone know of anyone who wants a pair of tix... ideally at face value? I have them on my ticketmaster profile, and / or pdf copy. 7pm show on the 14th.I wish I lived relatively close to that area, cause I'd take you up on that in a heartbeat. Unfortunately that's too soon for me to get a couple of plane tickets and take time off work :sadpanda:
I think you may have missed my joke. ;)
I think you may have missed my joke. ;)
I did! I was so distraught at Jingle cancelling.
Which date are you going to? 14th? You strike me as someone going to all of them.
I picked up the Universal Migrator albums today. I have a question about it: Is it the same Colonist inside the Dream Sequencer on both albums? In Part 1, they introduce themselves as "the last of the Mars Colonists", but in Part 2 as "the last human being alive".
That was neat to see. If only He could do like a paid live stream of one of the shows.
I read in this thread that another album is in the works but I couldn't find anything about it online.
and it's pretty corny to hear them sing about that imo. Just my two cents. I hope we get another Ayreon album.
and it's pretty corny to hear them sing about that imo. Just my two cents. I hope we get another Ayreon album.
I think the corniness in The Source comes through loud and clear in Everybody Dies, not in specifically referencing the name of the planet and ship - which is exponentially LESS corny than finger licking good, downloading all the latest torrents, or everything about Web of Lies.
and it's pretty corny to hear them sing about that imo. Just my two cents. I hope we get another Ayreon album.
I think the corniness in The Source comes through loud and clear in Everybody Dies, not in specifically referencing the name of the planet and ship - which is exponentially LESS corny than finger licking good, downloading all the latest torrents, or everything about Web of Lies.
Didn't those lyrics, at least, have an in-album explanation? they're supposed to be that bad, because they portray the mediocrity of the everyday, boring man that "sings" them. Same for Web of Lies, they're meant to convey how naive is Simone for believing in love at first click. This doesn't save them of course, but at least there's a reason for that, it's not that Arjen was in a hurry to finish the album and just winged the lyrics on those two 'cause he couldn't come up with anything better.
At ticketswap.com I see that there are plenty of people interested.
The Ayreon facebook reccomended that site in the past (see this post on the Ayreon facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArjenLucassenOfficial/posts/10154575143356152?comment_id=10154578273386152&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%2311%22%7D (https://www.facebook.com/ArjenLucassenOfficial/posts/10154575143356152?comment_id=10154578273386152&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%2311%22%7D))
There are tons of songs out there with cringe-worthy bad or silly or stupid or nonsens lyrics, so I don't mind them with Ayreon. And Arjen has the excuse of not being a native speaker.
"generic variation".
Well the whole album is literally about genes and evolution and things like that, so that's why I assume the line is supposed to be literal as well. But I suppose anything is possible."generic variation".
Not familiar in any way with the song, but this could be an oxymoron, no?
Well the whole album is literally about genes and evolution"generic variation".
Not familiar in any way with the song, but this could be an oxymoron, no?
At ticketswap.com I see that there are plenty of people interested.
The Ayreon facebook reccomended that site in the past (see this post on the Ayreon facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArjenLucassenOfficial/posts/10154575143356152?comment_id=10154578273386152&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%2311%22%7D (https://www.facebook.com/ArjenLucassenOfficial/posts/10154575143356152?comment_id=10154578273386152&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%2311%22%7D))
Thanks for the tip my man!
I just listened to The Source for the first time (I am TERRIBLE at keeping up with new releases, and absolutely will just neglect something for two years).
I just listened to The Source for the first time (I am TERRIBLE at keeping up with new releases, and absolutely will just neglect something for two years).
Never feel bad about that. I still have albums from 2015 that I'm considering "new albums I still need to get around to listening to". :lol
Last week I finally found a copy of Actual Fantasy Revisited, so now I'm happy to say I have every studio album!
Anyone interrested in a single ticket for the show on saturday?
Anyone interrested in a single ticket for the show on saturday?
I was able to unload both of mine on Ticketswap if you want to try that route. Ended up making some money in the process.
So.... we are closing in on the Electric Castle and Other Stories, any guesses for the other stories?
Here are mine:
The Gentle Storm - Shores of India
Lost in the New Real - Pink Beatles in a Purple Zeppelin
Stream of Passion - Passion
Guilt Machine - Twisted Coil
Ambeon - Cold Metal
Star One - Songs of the Ocean
So.... we are closing in on the Electric Castle and Other Stories, any guesses for the other stories?
Here are mine:
The Gentle Storm - Shores of India
Lost in the New Real - Pink Beatles in a Purple Zeppelin
Stream of Passion - Passion
Guilt Machine - Twisted Coil
Ambeon - Cold Metal
Star One - Songs of the Ocean
If he'd only get Astrid van der Veen out of retirement to sing Cold Metal. That would be a huge pleaser for me. They'll probably go with Bovio again, though.
I’m there Saturday. Did not hear of a meetup but am down with one.
Got my pair of beers:
(https://i.ibb.co/t33mvWy/DSC-0192.jpg)
I am there for the Saturday show but will be going with my dad. During the day I am shopping in Tilburg but if you guys are meeting during the day/before the show I can always swing by for a bit.Got my pair of beers:
(https://i.ibb.co/t33mvWy/DSC-0192.jpg)
That is super cool! Did you order them or something?
^ I'll be there on Saturday as well. Probably going by car. I have the whole day off, so definitely up (or down) for stuff.
Also, for any Dutch folk, how does parking work? I’ll have a rental car but don’t read or speak Dutch. How impossible will parking be for me?
I am there for the Saturday show but will be going with my dad. During the day I am shopping in Tilburg but if you guys are meeting during the day/before the show I can always swing by for a bit.Got my pair of beers:
(https://i.ibb.co/t33mvWy/DSC-0192.jpg)
That is super cool! Did you order them or something?
Nope, they're selling them in T-drinks (craft beer and other drinks shop in Tilburg). You have to buy Ayreon tourist booklet first though. The booklets are also supposed to be sold in the store but there was a delay in production and as of today's afternoon they were only sold in 013's box office. The lady at the box office told me I was the first to buy them.
It's important to know that one booklet allows you to buy only one can of beer (that's what they said on the site and the lady confirmed it) so I bought two booklets. However the guy in the store either didn't know that or was thrilled that I was the first buyer (I also bought six different little craft beers so there's that), so while stamping my booklets he said "you can buy however much you want". I've bought two of each (a pair for me and a pair for my best friend in Moscow) and I feel a bit guilty about that.
I honestly don't expect the stock to last until Saturday, but apparently they'll also be at some beer festival come Friday. You'll still need a booklet though.^ I'll be there on Saturday as well. Probably going by car. I have the whole day off, so definitely up (or down) for stuff.
My AirBNB is 10 minutes from the venue and I have the whole Saturday free, too, so let me know.
Adami, is there a good way to stay in contact for Saturday? My fb is Nick Andreas and email is Rush3737 at yahoo. Heading to Tilbirg shortly for the dress rehearsal.
No spoilers from me, but: the show is awesome, the narration is an acquired taste (I liked it) and I'm pretty satisfied with the selection of "other tales" songs.
So.... we are closing in on the Electric Castle and Other Stories, any guesses for the other stories?
Here are mine:
The Gentle Storm - Shores of India
Lost in the New Real - Pink Beatles in a Purple Zeppelin
Stream of Passion - Passion
Guilt Machine - Twisted Coil
Ambeon - Cold Metal
Star One - Songs of the Ocean
Can't wait!
I don't really use fb anymore btw, so in regards to a possible meetup a pm or post here works for me, if there is a meetup.
Can't wait!
I don't really use fb anymore btw, so in regards to a possible meetup a pm or post here works for me, if there is a meetup.
I'll keep you informed.
Can't wait!
I don't really use fb anymore btw, so in regards to a possible meetup a pm or post here works for me, if there is a meetup.
I'll keep you informed.
Ok, thanks!
I'm just dipping my toe in the Ayreon waters, but that looks and sounds just plain AWESOME. I'm kind of jealous.
I'm assuming that's Fish on "The Decision Tree"; who is he singing with?
(https://wpapu.com/images/DTFAyreonMU.jpg)
No, I'm not jealous, No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous.
FUCK IT: I'M SO JEALOUS
Seems like a really cool show and I hope you had a lot of fun.
When is the blue-ray coming out?
What are they doing next year?
No, I'm not jealous, No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous,No, I'm not jealous.
FUCK IT: I'M SO JEALOUS
Seems like a really cool show and I hope you had a lot of fun.
When is the blue-ray coming out?
What are they doing next year?
It was soo awesome.... one of the best shows I have ever seen
The BluRay will probably take about a year to release I guess.
Next show (if there will be one and if the same schedule as previously is still valid) will be in September of 2021..... what it will be.... who knows?
Perhaps a new album?
Perhaps The Theory of Everything?
Ayreon - Into The Electric Castle Live And Other Tales - Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5f5oTpZe2M)
*Throwing money at my screen*
I'm guessing the wooden box is a lot more expensive than 150 bucks :/ If anything, I'm going to go with the golden vinyl.
Ayreon - Into The Electric Castle Live And Other Tales - Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5f5oTpZe2M)
*Throwing money at my screen*
I traveled several thousand miles for the shows, doubt I'll stop at anything short of the wooden box.
Nice to see Marcela up there too as I know she is dealing with cervical cancer right now. Wasn't sure the timing of all of that.
Nice to see Marcela up there too as I know she is dealing with cervical cancer right now. Wasn't sure the timing of all of that.
This was in September and she wasn't diagnosed until later. I do think she started to feel the symptoms in September though (I support her on Patreon). Poor Marcela..... she is too young to have to go through this, hope the treatment is successful.
One highlight of the show was seeing her sing Out In The Real World (Stream of Passion).... soo good
Where are you all seeing a link for this regarding prices? All I saw in the link Marc posted was a trailer.
Where are you all seeing a link for this regarding prices? All I saw in the link Marc posted was a trailer.
Where are you all seeing a link for this regarding prices? All I saw in the link Marc posted was a trailer.
Oof. Only ships from Europe. So after conversion and shipping I might actually settle for ear book.
Twisted Coil (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcHn0kCgmAs) form the ITEC show.
Hi there,
Thank you for pre-ordering the new Ayreon album on the Mascot Label Group US store which is due for release this Friday (March 27).
Unfortunately, due to the current global situation, the shipment of music being imported into the US was held up so there will be a slight delay in the dispatch of your order. The good news is that we are expecting the music to be with us tomorrow and we promise to get your order out to you as soon as possible.
Apologies again for any disappointment caused.
Best regards,
Mascot Label Group Customer Service Team
It'd be neat if they could do a digital for the time being.
It'd be neat if they could do a digital for the time being.
You got your wish - they put out the concert on Vimeo to either rent for $7.50 or own digitally for $15
I always loved Amazing Flight, but still have to check out the whole Electric Castle album. I have heard it a few times (some years ago), but never listened to it so actively. Will revisit the whole thing this weekend probably :)
But I just listened to the mentioned Amazing Flight again... WHAT an instrumental section!!! :metal
Watched the Blu Ray yesterday finally.
Oh man. I loved it so much. I just had such a huge smile on my face for almost all of it. I would still make the kick drum more powerful but I think that is my only bit of criticism. It is just SUCH a good performance by everyone. Completely blown away. It's also such a joy to see everyone up there so happy and having a good time. It gets a bit boring seeing bands trying to look cool but clearly just doing their job. It seemed really obvious that almost everyone on stage was just having such a good and fun time.
Watched the Blu Ray yesterday finally.
Oh man. I loved it so much. I just had such a huge smile on my face for almost all of it. I would still make the kick drum more powerful but I think that is my only bit of criticism. It is just SUCH a good performance by everyone. Completely blown away. It's also such a joy to see everyone up there so happy and having a good time. It gets a bit boring seeing bands trying to look cool but clearly just doing their job. It seemed really obvious that almost everyone on stage was just having such a good and fun time.
I'm still confused if the Futurman died or not.
Watched the Blu Ray yesterday finally.
Oh man. I loved it so much. I just had such a huge smile on my face for almost all of it. I would still make the kick drum more powerful but I think that is my only bit of criticism. It is just SUCH a good performance by everyone. Completely blown away. It's also such a joy to see everyone up there so happy and having a good time. It gets a bit boring seeing bands trying to look cool but clearly just doing their job. It seemed really obvious that almost everyone on stage was just having such a good and fun time.
I'm still confused if the Futurman died or not.
As far as I know he was accepted to join the Forever people.
I received the bluray a week or two ago. Shipping address was from Austin, TX if that helps any of you. I live in the Austin area so that might be a reason I got it a bit sooner than others. I only got the ready for shipment from DHL. I believe the whole shipment of blurays came from Europe, and then the US (didn't get any info on the US shipping side). My copy was signed by Arjen.
Arjen announced on Facebook several hours ago that he has been working on his next "top secret new project" over the last three years and promises it'll be released sometime later this year, if all goes according to plan. He says it'll be "quite different" from anything he's done before, and that we're in for "some surprises". Once again, he'll be teasing us with snippets and his usual guessing games. Then he plays a little melody on a small toy upright piano!
Welp, throw another AOTY contender on the pile for 2020!
-Marc.
I somewhere between like and love Arjen's music, I somewhere between like and love Anneke's vocals... why can't I somewhere between like and love The Gentle Storm?
I just want my ITEC BluRay. DHL has sat on it for 3 weeks now. Shipping information hasn't changed since April 10th, and it's sitting somewhere in Illinois.
Mascot hasn't been responsive yet either. >:(
I stand corrected, it just arrived in Canada late last night. Hopefully it gets here by next week.
I’m happy to announce that my new album will be... an Ayreon! The title is: TRANSITUS.
Many more teasers and guessing games coming soon, let the speculating begin :-)
Stay healthy,
Arjen.
I'm gonna guess September or October for a release date.
I'm gonna guess September or October for a release date.
Arjen said on FB it's gonna be around September.
it's set in 1884...
Maybe about how The Migrator Soul became The Final Experiment.
Maybe it's related in the way The Human Equation was. As in, not really.
And if it doesn't connect, fine by me. Just hope he doesn't do the 1-2 minute tracks like on TTOE.
Also, was that Floor in the last video sample? Kind of generic, but it sounds a bit like Floor's timbre.
And if it doesn't connect, fine by me. Just hope he doesn't do the 1-2 minute tracks like on TTOE.
Also, was that Floor in the last video sample? Kind of generic, but it sounds a bit like Floor's timbre.
Read in a FB reply this morning that apparently Arjen said Floor wasn't on this album, so maybe someone who sounds like her?
-Marc.
And if it doesn't connect, fine by me. Just hope he doesn't do the 1-2 minute tracks like on TTOE.
Maybe Dianne Van Giersbergen? I think her operatic vocals could sound like that. Also, she was on the lastest live album.
Random recent song with her that has her doing some operatic vocals:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhkY7FYJK3c (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhkY7FYJK3c)
I think she is a great singer.
And do we think the comic book characters will look somewhat similar to the singers?
Maybe Dianne Van Giersbergen? I think her operatic vocals could sound like that. Also, she was on the lastest live album.
Random recent song with her that has her doing some operatic vocals:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhkY7FYJK3c (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhkY7FYJK3c)
I think she is a great singer.
And do we think the comic book characters will look somewhat similar to the singers?
I think so......
Macela Bovio shared the video on her FB and wondered how many singers we recognised
Doctor Who actor Tom Baker to narrate Transitus!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Td_G0a1Qa_U
-Marc.
I can get why his (or any) voice isn't someones taste, but bland is a term I would not associate with him, he has a pretty unique tone and is super recognisable, even compared to pop/rock singers with a similar approach to singing.Signed.
I can get why his (or any) voice isn't someones taste, but bland is a term I would not associate with him, he has a pretty unique tone and is super recognisable, even compared to pop/rock singers with a similar approach to singing.Signed.
Is this the album where we finally get a JP guest solo? JR was on, JLB was on... it's time. They even met in person very recently on that guitar award ceremony thing.
Honestly, Arjen really knew how to utilize the best out of James vocally. So I wouldn't mind JLB agian. Would be cool hearing JP do a solo.I can get why his (or any) voice isn't someones taste, but bland is a term I would not associate with him, he has a pretty unique tone and is super recognisable, even compared to pop/rock singers with a similar approach to singing.Signed.
Is this the album where we finally get a JP guest solo? JR was on, JLB was on... it's time. They even met in person very recently on that guitar award ceremony thing.
Derek Sherinian also had a keyboard solo on 01011001, and Jordan Rudess on The Theory Of Everything.
I've always wanted to hear JP do a solo in an Ayreon album. James has been on TWO Ayreon albums so far, beating his fellow DT band mates for appearances. If no JP, I'd be happy to hear another Rudess keyboard solo on the new album!
-Marc.
I don't know why, I just find his voice incredibly bland and no matter what he does, he just loses me. He's technically amazing but somehow I can't connect with him at all.
Proud to tell you that the amazing Cammie Gilbert of Oceans of Slumber sings a lead role on the new Ayreon album Transitus! Here’s Cammie with a sweet message :-)
The next mystery singer seems to be Mike Mills!
-Marc.
The next mystery singer seems to be Mike Mills!
-Marc.
Dude's super talented. Hopefully he gets used a bit more moderately this time. I get that he has a god like range, but we don't need it every song.
I love Mike so no complaints from me :hefdaddy
"extremely proud of the 5.1 mix!"
I think 10 and 6 are new? someone correct me?
I think 10 and 6 are new? someone correct me?
If so, Tommy and Mike Mills are two great singers to have return.
Latest revealed vocalist is Amanda Somerville, and she'll be the album's villain!
-Marc.
Latest revealed vocalist is Amanda Somerville, and she'll be the album's villain!
-Marc.
:heart :heart :heart
I've never taken the time to get into Ayreon. Where's a good place to start?
Thank you!I've never taken the time to get into Ayreon. Where's a good place to start?
I'd suggest either Into The Electric Castle, which was their breakout album, or The Human Equation, which I always see as one of their more popular albums (and features James LaBrie).
-Marc.
The mighty Paul Manzi sings on my new Ayreon album, damn what a vocalist! Check out Arena’s The Demon Strikes, excellent stuff. Here’s a nice message from Paul himself.
Guitar guest sounds a bit SFAM-era Petrucci-ish to my ears, at least the initial part of the teaser, but I am bad at recognising guitar players.
The beginning reminded me of Sfogli, the middle-end of Vai.The beginning reminded me of JP, Sfogli's guitar twin :D Would love to hear Sfogli on more stuff.
Haha, yeah. But somehow, I don't think JP would do it. Does he ever do guest spots? At least I don't remember any, which is why I assumed Sfogli.The beginning reminded me of Sfogli, the middle-end of Vai.The beginning reminded me of JP, Sfogli's guitar twin :D Would love to hear Sfogli on more stuff.
Haha, yeah. But somehow, I don't think JP would do it. Does he ever do guest spots? At least I don't remember any, which is why I assumed Sfogli.The beginning reminded me of Sfogli, the middle-end of Vai.The beginning reminded me of JP, Sfogli's guitar twin :D Would love to hear Sfogli on more stuff.
Haha, yeah. But somehow, I don't think JP would do it. Does he ever do guest spots? At least I don't remember any, which is why I assumed Sfogli.The beginning reminded me of Sfogli, the middle-end of Vai.The beginning reminded me of JP, Sfogli's guitar twin :D Would love to hear Sfogli on more stuff.
Dianne does great operatic vocals, but I do hope she will be utilized for more. And
Johannes from Threshold was very unexpected, but the samples sound really nice! I'll be honest, I think I prefer his voice to their actual current singer based on that. Is there more material of his singing out there? (Not saying he is a better singer than Glenn btw, sometimes someones tone just resonates with you and other times not).
Oh yes, the lovely and talented Simone Simons is back, singing on the new Ayreon album! And this time... she’s the Angel of Death :-)
From Arjen...QuoteOh yes, the lovely and talented Simone Simons is back, singing on the new Ayreon album! And this time... she’s the Angel of Death :-)
-Marc.
I just bought "010101001" (from a friend here) and man, I'm just.... I already had and liked The Source and The Human Equation, but this really resonated. I really dig the way Arjen weaves the voices in and out. It seemed so much like a gimmick when I first got introduced to Ayreon, but it's not. Maybe it has soemthing to do with the initial listen had James LaBrie on there (who I obviously love from Dream Theater) but while I know most of the singers, I'm not invested in their main work as much so it's not jarring. But on this it sounds so good.
By the way, I seem to remember some talk about Jorn Lande, and I don't remember it being all favorable, but man, his voice is golden and smooth; I thought it was David Coverdale when I first heard it here. And with Anneke, one of my favorites, on "Comatose", it's perfect.
My only beef with 0101 is that he has too many singers, and only a couple of them really get the chance to shine. Most of them are horribly under-utilized, simply because he used so many. The highs of that album are very high, but the lows are also very low.
Stads... hit up Into the Electric Castle next.
Thank me later.
By the way, I seem to remember some talk about Jorn Lande, and I don't remember it being all favorable, but man, his voice is golden and smooth; I thought it was David Coverdale when I first heard it here. And with Anneke, one of my favorites, on "Comatose", it's perfect.
My only beef with 0101 is that he has too many singers, and only a couple of them really get the chance to shine. Most of them are horribly under-utilized, simply because he used so many. The highs of that album are very high, but the lows are also very low.
See, I'm not invested in the singers as much, because with a few exceptions, I don't know them (Floor was the only singer I could identify by sound right out the gate and that was only because her style is so... over the top). I mean, I wish Anneke sang more, but it's all flavor and seasoning. I just love the melodies on that record. "We are dying for tomorrow, we are living for today" gives me chills, both when Ty and Arjen sing it, and later when Merjam and Arjen sing it. I don't know her, but I love that balance and contrast of the female singer (that applies to the entire record).
See, I'm not invested in the singers as much, because with a few exceptions, I don't know them (Floor was the only singer I could identify by sound right out the gate and that was only because her style is so... over the top). I mean, I wish Anneke sang more, but it's all flavor and seasoning. I just love the melodies on that record. "We are dying for tomorrow, we are living for today" gives me chills, both when Ty and Arjen sing it, and later when Merjam and Arjen sing it. I don't know her, but I love that balance and contrast of the female singer (that applies to the entire record).
That's interesting - I think that's my least or second least favorite track on the album. I don't dislike the lyrics, but the vocals have always kind of turned me off. But in general I really like this album. The Human Equation is still my favorite but this one is next. What are some of your other stand out tracks?
I just bought "010101001" (from a friend here) and man, I'm just.... I already had and liked The Source and The Human Equation, but this really resonated. I really dig the way Arjen weaves the voices in and out. It seemed so much like a gimmick when I first got introduced to Ayreon, but it's not. Maybe it has soemthing to do with the initial listen had James LaBrie on there (who I obviously love from Dream Theater) but while I know most of the singers, I'm not invested in their main work as much so it's not jarring. But on this it sounds so good.
By the way, I seem to remember some talk about Jorn Lande, and I don't remember it being all favorable, but man, his voice is golden and smooth; I thought it was David Coverdale when I first heard it here. And with Anneke, one of my favorites, on "Comatose", it's perfect.
See, I'm not invested in the singers as much, because with a few exceptions, I don't know them (Floor was the only singer I could identify by sound right out the gate and that was only because her style is so... over the top). I mean, I wish Anneke sang more, but it's all flavor and seasoning. I just love the melodies on that record. "We are dying for tomorrow, we are living for today" gives me chills, both when Ty and Arjen sing it, and later when Merjam and Arjen sing it. I don't know her, but I love that balance and contrast of the female singer (that applies to the entire record).
That's interesting - I think that's my least or second least favorite track on the album. I don't dislike the lyrics, but the vocals have always kind of turned me off. But in general I really like this album. The Human Equation is still my favorite but this one is next. What are some of your other stand out tracks?
Comatose is one, certainly; Ride The Comet is another. I have to go back and see what the titles are. I'm not 100% sure what the parts I like are called.
Waking Dreams is another one.
See, I'm not invested in the singers as much, because with a few exceptions, I don't know them (Floor was the only singer I could identify by sound right out the gate and that was only because her style is so... over the top). I mean, I wish Anneke sang more, but it's all flavor and seasoning. I just love the melodies on that record. "We are dying for tomorrow, we are living for today" gives me chills, both when Ty and Arjen sing it, and later when Merjam and Arjen sing it. I don't know her, but I love that balance and contrast of the female singer (that applies to the entire record).
That's interesting - I think that's my least or second least favorite track on the album. I don't dislike the lyrics, but the vocals have always kind of turned me off. But in general I really like this album. The Human Equation is still my favorite but this one is next. What are some of your other stand out tracks?
Comatose is one, certainly; Ride The Comet is another. I have to go back and see what the titles are. I'm not 100% sure what the parts I like are called.
Waking Dreams is another one.
Waking Dreams is my favorite.
And finally... the Transitus album front cover! Designed and animated by the mighty David Letelier, logo by Thomas Ewerhard. The dramatic music you are hearing is part of the track ‘Fatum’ and features the majestic Hellscore Choir conducted by Noa Gruman.
Tomorrow the pre-sales start!
My only beef with 0101 is that he has too many singers, and only a couple of them really get the chance to shine. Most of them are horribly under-utilized, simply because he used so many. The highs of that album are very high, but the lows are also very low.
Stads... hit up Into the Electric Castle next.
Thank me later.
Arjen revealed the cover on Facebook today. I think it's one of the worst Ayreon album covers :lol
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2684065668540091
I loved those paintings like on 01011001.
‘Transitus’ is built around an entirely new story, not connected to the Ayreon universe although as always it does have some subtle links.
CD 2:
04. This Human Equation
And I'm guessing the Dee Snider track is Get Out! Now!
And I'm guessing the Dee Snider track is Get Out! Now!
It is.
Check the Bandcamp page I linked earlier & you can hear the full song now.
Edit: Oh nevermind. The new songs got taken off the page. That's weird. :|
And I'm guessing the Dee Snider track is Get Out! Now!
It is.
Check the Bandcamp page I linked earlier & you can hear the full song now.
Edit: Oh nevermind. The new songs got taken off the page. That's weird. :|
I did check out the bandcamp page when I saw your post, and was sad when I saw nothing on it.
Hopelessly Slipping Away reminds me of a Dream Theater song lyric. I don't think it is one, but it's almost close.
Do you'll think that Arjen is writing Transitus to suite a possible stageproduction?
Watched the Electric Castle live Blue-ray in surround sound last night...holy smokes. Pretty awesome. His stuff always sounds great on record, but I couldn't get over how great the live mix sounded. You could hear every instrument clearly pretty much at all times, which is impressive considering how many are going at any given time on many occasions.Yea enough cannot be said about the audiomix, it's so crisp! It would've been interesting hearing the pre-mix for comparison. I guess the livemix is on a pretty high standard which makes the mixing and mastering afterward much easier.
It's always heartening to to see modern artists who still care about making their albums sounds really good.
I also thought it was a great decision at the end of the EC performance to have all of the singers, even the ones playing the characters who didn't survive the story, sing the Another Time, Another Space. I can't remember if they all sang it like that on the original album or if it was just the surviving characters.
I believe it was just The Hippie and The Futureman signing the chorus after their 2 verse, and possibly just them after The Roman and The Knight sing their verses.
What's even more special than getting everyone back on stage for the final double chorus was getting Fish back out for his own double verse, which wasn't on the original album! So cool that Arjen let him come back out for one more spot, and another reason why the live version feels so special and definitive!
Ayreon - Get Out! Now! (feat. Dee Snider, Tommy Karevik & Joe Satriani) (Official Lyric Video) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29tpbjYAzd0)
Ayreon - Hopelessly Slipping Away (feat. Tom Baker, Cammie Gilbert & Tommy Karevik) (Transitus) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeeVX6rbVMc)
Yea I wasn't blown away either, I think I enjoyed the latter more.Ayreon - Get Out! Now! (feat. Dee Snider, Tommy Karevik & Joe Satriani) (Official Lyric Video) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29tpbjYAzd0)
Ayreon - Hopelessly Slipping Away (feat. Tom Baker, Cammie Gilbert & Tommy Karevik) (Transitus) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeeVX6rbVMc)
Don't love either of these songs (don't hate em either) but damn Tommy (my favorite vocalist) sounds so good on these.
Musically, it's alright. Nothing that I haven't heard a lot out of Ayreon - though the drumming has a more unique sound from the past few Ayreon albums. Slipping Away seems like a seque song to take a breather. Cammie sounds ok, but she's no Floor/AVG/Marcelo/Heather Findlay.
I hope that this isn't one of those albums where there's going to be narration in every track to propel the story forward. TTOE did a good job of putting the story in the liner notes. I don't really need to have Dr. Who telling me what's happening at the outset of every song.
I have a truck load of kids
I could be wrong, but it looks like there's some Dr. Sues inspiration in there. Very cool painting. (I have a truck load of kids, that's why I noticed :) )
Sorry everyone, I forgot not everyone is from America. Yes the phrase "truck load" is American and is an overly dramatic form of the phrase "a lot".
So I was looking for finally buying 01 and Theory on vinyl to complete my collection. What the hell are these prices :omg: God, wish I had bought these years back when Ayreon vinyls were like 20-25 euros (that is what I payed for most of the others).
Kind of hope they will do some rereleases in the future.Sorry everyone, I forgot not everyone is from America. Yes the phrase "truck load" is American and is an overly dramatic form of the phrase "a lot".
Heh, well I understood that part (I know the saying of "a boatload of...), I was referring to Dr Seuss. Never heard of any of his work, that was not part of growing up for me at least.
Was anyone else a little disappointed by the artwork? Ayreon used to have awesome, nerdy album covers always according to the respective concept of the album... when I saw the Transitus cover, I wondered why you would work so long and hard on something and then just give it such a meaningless and low-budget-like artwork. Might be an unpopular opinion but that‘s how I feel...
I really liked both songs. I'm getting a strong TTOE vibe with the storytelling, which is a good thing for me. All three singers sounded very good. My hopes are high for this album.
:lol Everyone who isn't familiar with that is just picturing NL driving a truck literally filled with children
I had seen Ayreon mentioned many times throughout the years here at DTF but never gave them a listen. Then, in a text conversation one day with DTF's own KevShmev.....he sold me on giving them a whirl.
I started with The Human Equation and Into the Electric Castle and spun those two for a couple weeks. Really liked them.....then a couple days ago added 01011001. I have been listening to that one non stop the past four or five days....just REALLY like that one. I liked the other two also a lot but out of the three I've heard so far 01011001 is in the lead.
Probably add another one of theirs this week....it's been a fun 'discovery'
I had seen Ayreon mentioned many times throughout the years here at DTF but never gave them a listen. Then, in a text conversation one day with DTF's own KevShmev.....he sold me on giving them a whirl.
I started with The Human Equation and Into the Electric Castle and spun those two for a couple weeks. Really liked them.....then a couple days ago added 01011001. I have been listening to that one non stop the past four or five days....just REALLY like that one. I liked the other two also a lot but out of the three I've heard so far 01011001 is in the lead.
Probably add another one of theirs this week....it's been a fun 'discovery'
Welcome to the club. :tup If you like the metal side of the music, I'd go with The Universal Migrator. Or if you want to go even a bit heavier, check out the two Star One albums - one of Arjen's other b(r)ands.
If you like more of the prog, The Dream Sequencer and The Theory of Everything should be next on your list.
I had seen Ayreon mentioned many times throughout the years here at DTF but never gave them a listen. Then, in a text conversation one day with DTF's own KevShmev.....he sold me on giving them a whirl.
Probably add another one of theirs this week....it's been a fun 'discovery'
I don't even think about whether or not I'm going to buy an Ayreon album. It's automatic for me, no question. Another thing I've stopped doing, pretty much across the board, I don't listen to previews or singles ahead of the album release. The first time I hear an album is when I have access to the entire album. I misjudged some albums a few years ago based on the weakness of the singles that were released and I regretted it because the singles seem to be the least interesting songs on most of these albums. So nowadays I just wait for the entire thing to be available.
Chad, Electric Castle is on it's way to the Stadler house.
Out of his entire discography, the amount of songs on which someone growls or screams can be counted on one (? - okay, maybe two - someone please verify!) hand(s).
I don't recall any growling/screaming on 01011001.
The Sixth Extinction has growling.
The Sixth Extinction has growling.
HAH!
Suck it Tusk!
The Sixth Extinction has growling. But those are minimal in parts where the song constantly changes singers.
Yeah, there are maybe.... three songs in Ayreon's discography that have growls? The one on Electric Castle, Renske on Sixth Extinction, and Tommy growls on at least one on The Source (Tommy Rogers, not the other Tommy).
Oh shit you're right, I forgot all about THE.
Out of his entire discography, the amount of songs on which someone growls or screams can be counted on one (? - okay, maybe two - someone please verify!) hand(s).
There's the screams on ITEC, but I think that's one song. There's quite a number of them on THE too between Devin and Mikael.
I think maybe a few on 110101011010010101? Maybe.
Not listening to Ayreon for the growls is like listening to Metallica for the tight drum parts. There are some but they are few and far between. :D
Not listening to Ayreon for the growls is like listening to Metallica for the tight drum parts. There are some but they are few and far between. :D
:rollin
Spot on!!!
The Human Equation behind the scenes video is awesome. Such a fantastic bonus material.
That's pretty f'n cool - both the answer itself, and the fact he so graciously did respond. Now I really want to listen to The Source and 01011001 back-to-back - which I've done a few times.
I ended up asking Arjen, "I have a question I wanted to ask about the connection between The Source and 01. Are the forevers played by Floor and Hansi still the same characters played in 01, and If the other guests are playing those same characters in 01?"
He responded:
"Yes indeed they are, Benjamin, good question! And basically the forever have become a 'collective' through the centuries, just like the Borg in Star Trek
Stay healthy,
Arjen"
It's so great and humble of Arjen to answer fan questions. Now I understand the story way more better.
The Theory of Everything should be next on your list.
That is a good way to assess Ayreon. The music is complex, diverse; the albums are long and tell complicated stories... but in the end it is just fun to listen to.
That is a good way to assess Ayreon. The music is complex, diverse; the albums are long and tell complicated stories... but in the end it is just fun to listen to.
I’m so late to this band there is just SO much music. But it’s a blast to listen to because of the story being told lyrically and the music is really awesome to absorb.
That is a good way to assess Ayreon. The music is complex, diverse; the albums are long and tell complicated stories... but in the end it is just fun to listen to.
I’m so late to this band there is just SO much music. But it’s a blast to listen to because of the story being told lyrically and the music is really awesome to absorb.
I think you need to see The Theater Equation. The Live production of The Human Equation.
For fans here who enjoy 01011001, did you come into the band around the time of that album's release? For me, I found them around the time The Human Equation came out, and then worked my way back through the previous albums and loved them ALL (yes, even Actual Fantasy).
For fans here who enjoy 01011001, did you come into the band around the time of that album's release? For me, I found them around the time The Human Equation came out, and then worked my way back through the previous albums and loved them ALL (yes, even Actual Fantasy).
When 01 came out, though, it didn't click with me, and for a very long time, it was far below the others for me. Then The Theory Of Everything came out and I loved that one - maybe it was the proggier nature of the album, with some fantastic guest soloists and a great cast, but it felt like a return to form to me after the middling 01.
Since then, after The Source and the several live albums, I've revisited 01 (especially listening to it after The Source), and I've grown to like it a bit more, but I'd say it's still kind of low of my list compared to the likes of THE, ITEC, the UM duology, and even TFE.
With all that in mind, I've gone out of my way to avoid listening to the singles for Transitus, so I can remain as fresh on the material as possible. I've also tried hard not to burn myself out on re-listens of the material before the lead-up to the new album. Typically, before a new album comes out, I'll wait til a week or two before its release date to "gear up" for it by listening to the previous albums, but if I start too early, I risk burning myself out on the artist. Thankfully, there's a LOT of Ayreon/Arjen-related music out there that I can take my time and revisit the discography in the coming weeks and feel OK listening to them.
-Marc.
Wasn't that however made on purpouse? I mean, it's not like Arjen was bored or had a creative brain fart and churned out those lyrics last minute was sitting on the toilet, the cringey lyrics higlighting the naivetè of Simone's character and the utter mediocrity of the avearage boring guy were exactly what was wanted for those songs.
Not that this makes those lyrics suddenly beautiful, but as I said, I understood that it was precisely the point the lyrics needed to make.
Look, Arjen isn't an amazing wordsmith by any means, but the straight forward lyrics do often clearly evoke what he intends, and that never bothered me.
For fans here who enjoy 01011001, did you come into the band around the time of that album's release? For me, I found them around the time The Human Equation came out, and then worked my way back through the previous albums and loved them ALL (yes, even Actual Fantasy).
For fans here who enjoy 01011001, did you come into the band around the time of that album's release? For me, I found them around the time The Human Equation came out, and then worked my way back through the previous albums and loved them ALL (yes, even Actual Fantasy).
For fans here who enjoy 01011001, did you come into the band around the time of that album's release? For me, I found them around the time The Human Equation came out, and then worked my way back through the previous albums and loved them ALL (yes, even Actual Fantasy).
I got into them between The Theory of Everything and The Source. 01011001 is in my top 3 with THE and The Source. Those three albums just seem to me to be much more consistent than the others. Yes, Connect the Dots and Web of Lies aren't great, but they're a pretty small part of the album.
On the issue of lyrics, I have to say, I think relatively little of Arjen's skill as a lyricist. It may be a little weird when speaking about an artist who almost exclusively writes very rock-opera-esque concept albums, but I'm here almost entirely for the music alone. I think his dialogue is often awkward, and, in particular, inappropriately slangy ("Do it right, do it right, we ain't got all night," "Oh no, I thought you knew that I am so much cooler"). His stories range from clichéd but decent (THE, TTOE) to fairly aimless (UM, 01) to ridiculous (ITEC). The thing that sticks out to me from what he's said about his background as a writer is that he says he has never read a book. And honestly, I think that really shows in his writing.
I don't mean to totally trash the guy. I like a whole lot of his music. He's working in a second language. And he has his strong lyrical moments, usually when he's writing more abstract topics (Beneath the Waves, And the Druids Turn to Stone). But overall I just do not think that lyrics are his strong suit.
For fans here who enjoy 01011001, did you come into the band around the time of that album's release? For me, I found them around the time The Human Equation came out, and then worked my way back through the previous albums and loved them ALL (yes, even Actual Fantasy).
On the issue of lyrics, I have to say, I think relatively little of Arjen's skill as a lyricist. It may be a little weird when speaking about an artist who almost exclusively writes very rock-opera-esque concept albums, but I'm here almost entirely for the music alone. I think his dialogue is often awkward, and, in particular, inappropriately slangy ("Do it right, do it right, we ain't got all night," "Oh no, I thought you knew that I am so much cooler"). His stories range from clichéd but decent (THE, TTOE) to fairly aimless (UM, 01) to ridiculous (ITEC). The thing that sticks out to me from what he's said about his background as a writer is that he says he has never read a book. And honestly, I think that really shows in his writing.
I don't mean to totally trash the guy. I like a whole lot of his music. He's working in a second language. And he has his strong lyrical moments, usually when he's writing more abstract topics (Beneath the Waves, And the Druids Turn to Stone). But overall I just do not think that lyrics are his strong suit.
For fans here who enjoy 01011001, did you come into the band around the time of that album's release? For me, I found them around the time The Human Equation came out, and then worked my way back through the previous albums and loved them ALL (yes, even Actual Fantasy).
On the issue of lyrics, I have to say, I think relatively little of Arjen's skill as a lyricist. It may be a little weird when speaking about an artist who almost exclusively writes very rock-opera-esque concept albums, but I'm here almost entirely for the music alone. I think his dialogue is often awkward, and, in particular, inappropriately slangy ("Do it right, do it right, we ain't got all night," "Oh no, I thought you knew that I am so much cooler"). His stories range from clichéd but decent (THE, TTOE) to fairly aimless (UM, 01) to ridiculous (ITEC). The thing that sticks out to me from what he's said about his background as a writer is that he says he has never read a book. And honestly, I think that really shows in his writing.
I don't mean to totally trash the guy. I like a whole lot of his music. He's working in a second language. And he has his strong lyrical moments, usually when he's writing more abstract topics (Beneath the Waves, And the Druids Turn to Stone). But overall I just do not think that lyrics are his strong suit.
Agreed for the most part. I've heard some silly lyrics here and there but like you, I'm there for the music. Good lyrics is a bonus.
Agreed for the most part. I've heard some silly lyrics here and there but like you, I'm there for the music. Good lyrics is a bonus.
I think for me, I am also here for the music, but also for the vocal casts. Every new Ayreon album is a chance to hear vocalists that I am both familiar with and have never heard of. Granted, I've never gone out of my way too far to listen to those unknown-to-me vocalists' other works/bands, but hearing them as part of an Ayreon album probably helps other discover new bands! I also really love hearing the new instrumental guests he gets on every album.
Of course, I became a fan when The Human Equation was new, and that album really ticked every box for me in terms of what I look for in a concept album, and even 15 years later, I still occasionally find myself going to THE if I want to listen to any Ayreon. The music is so good, and so varied throughout, which is what I really love about Arjen and Ayreon. It's progressive rock and metal, but he's not afraid to throw in a lot of different instruments and other musical styles and genres and shape it in a prog rock mold.
-Marc.
Alright, here's a fun little game for everyone.
We know that the new album contains a song, "This Human Equation".
I will let you know those lyrics are used in the song, and they are rhymed with another slightly altered wordplay that's a bit of Ayreon history. Can you guess what it is?
:lol Loving the guesses, but no one is correct just yet!
Universal vacation.
Universal vacation.
Closest one yet!
Universal migration
I'm not even an Ayreon fan
yeet
Universal migration
I'm not even an Ayreon fan
yeet
Ding ding ding!
That's a great music video, loving how The Earth and The entire space looks. Fits the song very well.
The cheesy lyrics, I'll take it as Arjen being cheeky and humorous. It's not Sci-Fi if it doesn't have cheese. He is a big Star Trek Fan... :biggrin:
This album is seeming to me to be a musical comic book. Can't wait till its released now...
Universal migration
I'm not even an Ayreon fan
yeet
Ding ding ding!
I HEARD IT!!!!
https://youtu.be/lKwaBJmSUps
That's a great music video, loving how The Earth and The entire space looks. Fits the song very well.
The cheesy lyrics, I'll take it as Arjen being cheeky and humorous. It's not Sci-Fi if it doesn't have cheese. He is a big Star Trek Fan... :biggrin:
This album is seeming to me to be a musical comic book. Can't wait till its released now...
48 Page Earbook including the comic
Based on the singles, I have zero excitement for this. Feels too much like the vibe from TTOE, which is one of the (if not THE) least fave Ayreon albums. To me, it's starting to sound like he's out of ideas.
Based on the singles, I have zero excitement for this. Feels too much like the vibe from TTOE, which is one of the (if not THE) least fave Ayreon albums. To me, it's starting to sound like he's out of ideas.
I find Ayreon in a similar creative situation as Coheed and Cambria has in their concepts.
Both are finding ways to intertwine new stories into their world.
I only heard the new song.
It's......fine. It's pleasant, but it sounds like Ayreon by numbers, which I didn't even know was a thing until I heard this. If you asked me a week ago what Ayreon by numbers sounds like, I'd have no idea how to answer, but after this song....this is what it sounds like. Nothing stood out but none of it was bad. It was just kind of there.
I only heard the new song.
It's......fine. It's pleasant, but it sounds like Ayreon by numbers, which I didn't even know was a thing until I heard this. If you asked me a week ago what Ayreon by numbers sounds like, I'd have no idea how to answer, but after this song....this is what it sounds like. Nothing stood out but none of it was bad. It was just kind of there.
Arjen, on his Facebook, did say this song is the most Ayreon out of them all.
I only heard the new song.
It's......fine. It's pleasant, but it sounds like Ayreon by numbers, which I didn't even know was a thing until I heard this. If you asked me a week ago what Ayreon by numbers sounds like, I'd have no idea how to answer, but after this song....this is what it sounds like. Nothing stood out but none of it was bad. It was just kind of there.
Arjen, on his Facebook, did say this song is the most Ayreon out of them all.
I hope so. I'm buying the album anyway, but I hope it's not like TTOE where I never listen to it anymore.
I listened to the new song & I thought it was good. Nothing breathtaking, but I enjoyed it a lot more than This Human Equation.
I will say that the narration feels a bit unnecessary though.
Based on the singles, I have zero excitement for this. Feels too much like the vibe from TTOE, which is one of the (if not THE) least fave Ayreon albums. To me, it's starting to sound like he's out of ideas.
Hrmmmmm the new songs really don't do much for me. I like that he found a way to be creative with Ayreon outside of the sci-fi space opera however but the songs are not very special?
Also, I am all for high notes but when every sentence has to end with "TOOOOOOOWWWWWWWN" high pitch vocals it gets a bit less spectacular. It's like Ayreon has always been borderline too cheesy but the quality music makes it end up on the right side but here I think it's too much for me.
Let's hope they all end up better when put in context. POS Panther is incredible but before released I thought the singles were good but not that good. When put into context and given the flow of the album they became favorites.Based on the singles, I have zero excitement for this. Feels too much like the vibe from TTOE, which is one of the (if not THE) least fave Ayreon albums. To me, it's starting to sound like he's out of ideas.
Well TTOE is my favorite Ayreon album and I can say so far these singles does nothing for me so something is off there as well.
I completely forgot that I pre-ordered this album (signed + comic, apparently). I must have done that months ago... well, I just got an email that it's been delivered already. I didn't even realize it came out this week. So that's a really cool surprise.
I'll be honest, I haven't really enjoyed the last two albums much. The choice of singers has not been to my liking compared to my favorite Ayreon record (01011001, and none of the other records are anywhere close to that one imo). But, I'm always here for some Ayreon, so I can't wait to dive into this. I haven't paid attention to the singles at all.
The Narration makes it feel like I am listening to a horror story on old time radio...
(https://i.ibb.co/Yc5MtKs/Old-Time-Radio.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
-opening epic is very scattershot
-opening epic is very scattershot
After a couple of listens, I've got to admit that I've been enjoying it a lot. The plot and concept is easy to follow, especially with the comic to follow along with. This is definitely an easier story to get into than albums like 01 and The Source, especially with fewer characters (at least it seems like it).
Musically speaking, its typical Arjen, and I don't mind the narration, perhaps because I also like Arjen's Lost In The New Real, which featured a fair amount of narration as well. I admit to missing Ed Warby on this one, but the new drummer has some good chops and works well for the sound of the album.
Without going back and checking, is this album the one with the most different female vocalists, five total? Maybe 01 had as many given how many characters are in it. The female vocalists in Transitus are easily a highlight for me!
-Marc.
The album consists of different pieces each representing a new scene(aka a page/panel in the comic). This also applies to the first couple of tracks listed as part of the opening track.
in general it (so far) feels pretty weak when it comes to vocal melodies which is normally one of Arjen's biggest strengths.
I was planning on listening to this all morning but the new Skeletoon sidetracked me. Cammie and Tommy as the stars really doesn't get my hopes up for this. We'll see this afternoon, I guess.
how can you be so twisted?
Oh, and in the lyrics, when Daniel (Tommy Karevik) confronts his father played by Dee Snider:Quotehow can you be so twisted?
I see what you did there Arjen ;D
I've been trying to decide whether to buy this album, based on the more lukewarm reviews, and I'm now realizing that the regular 2CD version seems to be sold out everywhere I look! I guess I have no choice but to wait and see if it comes back in stock somewhere, since I'm not inclined to shell out for any of the fancy packages.
So yeah I've listened some more and I still feel the same way, that while there are aspects of the album I like a lot, melodically I just find it quite weak. It's still a good album, just not a very exciting one and at the lower end for me.in general it (so far) feels pretty weak when it comes to vocal melodies which is normally one of Arjen's biggest strengths.
Now that you said it, that's probably my biggest beef with the album. The vocal melodies seem very uninspired on this one for me.
Agree narrator couldn't have been better :metal
Agree narrator couldn't have been better :metal
I personally could have lived without the narrator :lol
I must say I like the length of this album. It doesn't drag like many other large rock operas. CD1 is def a lot more interesting than CD2. The songs that I will actually listen to without the context of the full album is on CD1 and I can't right now think about any from CD2.
Also feeling a bit fatigued over Tommy as the main character. It's quite similar to previous albums and would maybe describe it as overly passionate all the time. His character reminds me of Gabriel from TA where the character development is basically "oh whyyy", "oohhh noooooo", "pleeeeease give meee aaa chaaaaaaance". On TTOE I really like it but here I don't think Tommy came to the perfect use like before. I mean obviously his voice is fantastic just that the character is quite boring and maybe Tommy wasn't the perfect voice for it. Or maybe it was just how the character was written :justjen Anyway somehow the evil or sassy characters are interesting here like most rock operas. Why do rock operas always write the main dude as the purity of moral and goodness and complete lack of personality. Give me a main character with some god damn flaws and balls (you know what, give me a female main character for once as well) already!
Haha the dumb piece of rock is so obviously there just to get Michael Mills in the production. Not that I will complain about forcing him into any story :hefdaddy
Talk of the Town, Dumb Piece of Rock and Get Out Now are my three favorites right now
I've been trying to decide whether to buy this album, based on the more lukewarm reviews, and I'm now realizing that the regular 2CD version seems to be sold out everywhere I look! I guess I have no choice but to wait and see if it comes back in stock somewhere, since I'm not inclined to shell out for any of the fancy packages.
The 2CD set is up for $17.97 on Amazon. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BR4XFL6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_IGqCFbBFTSXZF)
-Marc
Talk of the Town, Dumb Piece of Rock and Get Out Now are my three favorites right now
Yep, unfortunately those are really the only good track.
Talk of the Town, Dumb Piece of Rock and Get Out Now are my three favorites right now
Yep, unfortunately those are really the only good track.
I think this is the mistake a lot of people are making with this album, though. I don't go into this - or any of the recent Ayreon albums - looking for standout 'tracks.' Since these albums are clips of many tracks together to tell one long cohesive story, I think it's a flaw of the design that there aren't inherently strong tracks like most typical albums, but it serves the flow of the record and the story well and with enough listens you'll find lots of moments to savor. I admit it's a little annoying to trudge through 20-something 1-3 minute tracks to find the gold, but such is the nature of the beast.
IT'S HERE!! I was only expecting a regular jewel case + the comic book because my pre-order total was like $26 and some change, but I forgot exactly which edition I ordered. Lo and behold I pulled up and saw a rather large package sitting in the mailbox... The hardbook is huge, loaded with color pages, and it has 2 CDs behind the front cover, and 2 CDs + DVD behind the back cover. This is awesome!! I have a special box edition of The Human Equation I got in a trade on MP.com, and a really nice digibook special edition of The Source, and now this - Ayreon packaging rules!
IT'S HERE!! I was only expecting a regular jewel case + the comic book because my pre-order total was like $26 and some change, but I forgot exactly which edition I ordered. Lo and behold I pulled up and saw a rather large package sitting in the mailbox... The hardbook is huge, loaded with color pages, and it has 2 CDs behind the front cover, and 2 CDs + DVD behind the back cover. This is awesome!! I have a special box edition of The Human Equation I got in a trade on MP.com, and a really nice digibook special edition of The Source, and now this - Ayreon packaging rules!
The same thing happened to me, ordered the 2cd set and they sent me the 5 disc thing. Got an email last night (this is a couple weeks later) from Mascot "asking me to return" my Ayreon stuff because they screwed up. So they want me to go to the store and buy some packaging stuff and then go to the post office and waste all this time mailing my Transitus back so they can give a used copy a month late to someone who ordered it? Uh... ok...
Dear Marc,
Thank you for ordering the new Ayreon ‘Transitus 4CD + DVD Earbook’ from the Mascot US store.
We are incredibly sorry but due to a logistical issue we do not currently have enough stock to fulfil your order. We are doing all we can to find a solution so we can fulfil your order and will be in touch again as soon as we have more information. As an apology we will shortly be sending you a free exclusive Ayreon item of merchandise.
We thank you for your patience and apologies again for any disappointment caused by this delay.
Should you have any questions, please reply to this email or contact us at support+mlg@onelive.com
Best regards.
Mascot US store customer service team
IT'S HERE!! I was only expecting a regular jewel case + the comic book because my pre-order total was like $26 and some change, but I forgot exactly which edition I ordered. Lo and behold I pulled up and saw a rather large package sitting in the mailbox... The hardbook is huge, loaded with color pages, and it has 2 CDs behind the front cover, and 2 CDs + DVD behind the back cover. This is awesome!! I have a special box edition of The Human Equation I got in a trade on MP.com, and a really nice digibook special edition of The Source, and now this - Ayreon packaging rules!
The same thing happened to me, ordered the 2cd set and they sent me the 5 disc thing. Got an email last night (this is a couple weeks later) from Mascot "asking me to return" my Ayreon stuff because they screwed up. So they want me to go to the store and buy some packaging stuff and then go to the post office and waste all this time mailing my Transitus back so they can give a used copy a month late to someone who ordered it? Uh... ok...
Well, that explains what happened to my Earbook.
I emailed them yesterday because I got a shipping notification on Sept 22nd, but as of the 28th, it had no changes in shipping. So I got this email this morning:Quote
Dear Marc,
Thank you for ordering the new Ayreon ‘Transitus 4CD + DVD Earbook’ from the Mascot US store.
We are incredibly sorry but due to a logistical issue we do not currently have enough stock to fulfil your order. We are doing all we can to find a solution so we can fulfil your order and will be in touch again as soon as we have more information. As an apology we will shortly be sending you a free exclusive Ayreon item of merchandise.
We thank you for your patience and apologies again for any disappointment caused by this delay.
Should you have any questions, please reply to this email or contact us at support+mlg@onelive.com
Best regards.
Mascot US store customer service team
Needless to say, I was fairly livid about it, and even more so now knowing what happened to them.
My only consolation is some random Ayreon merch which I may or may not already own, since I got t-shirts and clothes bags with previous Ayreon orders.
>:( :censored
-Marc.
IT'S HERE!! I was only expecting a regular jewel case + the comic book because my pre-order total was like $26 and some change, but I forgot exactly which edition I ordered. Lo and behold I pulled up and saw a rather large package sitting in the mailbox... The hardbook is huge, loaded with color pages, and it has 2 CDs behind the front cover, and 2 CDs + DVD behind the back cover. This is awesome!! I have a special box edition of The Human Equation I got in a trade on MP.com, and a really nice digibook special edition of The Source, and now this - Ayreon packaging rules!
The same thing happened to me, ordered the 2cd set and they sent me the 5 disc thing. Got an email last night (this is a couple weeks later) from Mascot "asking me to return" my Ayreon stuff because they screwed up. So they want me to go to the store and buy some packaging stuff and then go to the post office and waste all this time mailing my Transitus back so they can give a used copy a month late to someone who ordered it? Uh... ok...
Well, that explains what happened to my Earbook.
I emailed them yesterday because I got a shipping notification on Sept 22nd, but as of the 28th, it had no changes in shipping. So I got this email this morning:Quote
Dear Marc,
Thank you for ordering the new Ayreon ‘Transitus 4CD + DVD Earbook’ from the Mascot US store.
We are incredibly sorry but due to a logistical issue we do not currently have enough stock to fulfil your order. We are doing all we can to find a solution so we can fulfil your order and will be in touch again as soon as we have more information. As an apology we will shortly be sending you a free exclusive Ayreon item of merchandise.
We thank you for your patience and apologies again for any disappointment caused by this delay.
Should you have any questions, please reply to this email or contact us at support+mlg@onelive.com
Best regards.
Mascot US store customer service team
Needless to say, I was fairly livid about it, and even more so now knowing what happened to them.
My only consolation is some random Ayreon merch which I may or may not already own, since I got t-shirts and clothes bags with previous Ayreon orders.
>:( :censored
-Marc.
Hey Ayreonauts,
Due to a mistake made by Mascot Label Group's fulfilment partner in the US, some of the Earbooks were sent to the wrong people and we’ve had to ask them to send them back.
Our deepest apologies for the mixup.
We’re currently doing everything we can to make sure everyone who ordered an Earbook will receive one. As a token of good will we’re sending everyone involved a tote bag with Ayreon goodies.
We’re sorry for testing your patience, we’re doing our very best to get your correct order shipped asap.
- Team Ayreon -
I am pretty flabbergasted they forgot to include the lyrics.
I know humans make mistakes but how in the hell could this happen? First, the normal CD and vinyl releases didn't include the lyrics. And Transitus IS A ROCK OPERA! Then this... This is an album of such big proportions and so much effort was put into it... and then the distribution and release are just screwed up like this.
Hi all, a serious note from me for a change... I want to sincerely apologize for not including the song lyrics in the CD and vinyl versions of Transitus. The lyrics are important, and not including them definitely wasn’t intentional. I admit it was a pretty spectacular screw up :-(
I know it’s always easy to blame Corona, but the pandemic was really kicking off right when we were working on the artwork and everything got pretty chaotic. And yes, extremely rushed.
Nevertheless I take the final responsibility for letting this happen. Anyway... hope you’ll forgive me. And I swear... it won’t happen again! For those who missed it, you can download the lyrics here: https://we.tl/t-UiDOMy6uzJ
I know how this is going to be judged by some but it's no skin off my nose: I'm not sending mine back. I know there's an ethical argument to do so, as technically it's a version of the product I did not order, but legally I'm pretty sure I can keep it, and unfortunately it became damaged a little bit earlier this week when the cardboard packaging slipped from a table and the earbook and comic slipped out, slightly creasing/damaging the corners on one side of each. I smoothed them back out but it's still there if you look.
And, of course, I'll own up to being selfish and just wanting to keep it, but combined with how they magically forgot to include lyrics, I think this fiasco is entirely on them.
The Ayreon FB page just posted this 15 minutes ago:QuoteHey Ayreonauts,
Due to a mistake made by Mascot Label Group's fulfilment partner in the US, some of the Earbooks were sent to the wrong people and we’ve had to ask them to send them back.
Our deepest apologies for the mixup.
We’re currently doing everything we can to make sure everyone who ordered an Earbook will receive one. As a token of good will we’re sending everyone involved a tote bag with Ayreon goodies.
We’re sorry for testing your patience, we’re doing our very best to get your correct order shipped asap.
- Team Ayreon -
I did contact Arjen yesterday and he seemed to have already known about the issue, and didn't seem pleased about it either.
-Marc.
I know how this is going to be judged by some but it's no skin off my nose: I'm not sending mine back. I know there's an ethical argument to do so, as technically it's a version of the product I did not order, but legally I'm pretty sure I can keep it, and unfortunately it became damaged a little bit earlier this week when the cardboard packaging slipped from a table and the earbook and comic slipped out, slightly creasing/damaging the corners on one side of each. I smoothed them back out but it's still there if you look.
And, of course, I'll own up to being selfish and just wanting to keep it, but combined with how they magically forgot to include lyrics, I think this fiasco is entirely on them.
According to the FTC, it's perfectly legal to keep something that was mistakenly sent, and you aren't required to send it back or pay if they come asking, so I feel okay about it.
But I think the virus as an explanation for lyrics missing from the product is a bit of a cop-out. I've ordered plenty of albums this year with no quality issues. That's just a big ol' classic fudge-up.
Until now I didn't know that the lyrics were forgotten. I thought they were left of intentionally for those who didn't order the comic book version. My package has all the singers and instrumentalists with photos and an inlay/poster with the credits on one side and the transitus logo on the other side. Should there have been another booklet with the lyrics?
Until now I didn't know that the lyrics were forgotten. I thought they were left of intentionally for those who didn't order the comic book version. My package has all the singers and instrumentalists with photos and an inlay/poster with the credits on one side and the transitus logo on the other side. Should there have been another booklet with the lyrics?
Like how is it laid out? Are there comic book sections? or is it just the singers and instrumentalists, that are in the linear notes?
The Deluxe Linear notes have the comic book sections and on the side of those, quote bubbles with who is speaking and lyrics.
Honestly, even if fans decided to send the earbooks back, then other customers would be receiving basically used items with a broken seal? Not to mention how much it sucks for many people to properly send it back across the globe properly. And the waste of resources that would be.
I just started messing with my simple 2 CD set this weekend and was flabbergasted that there were no lyrics. Thanks to Ben for posting that link from Arjen with the whole giant pdf file. That is very helpful.
The thing that kinda got me a little hot was when I realized this double CD release was a whopping 81 minutes. >:(
I mean, c'mon, I had to shell out the money for a double disc set for an extra minute of music/talking? Just trim something somewhere. Oh well, I haven't even listened yet but I was also stunned when I saw the track setup. Seems more like little mini-scenes rather than actual full songs.
The thing that kinda got me a little hot was when I realized this double CD release was a whopping 81 minutes. >:(
I mean, c'mon, I had to shell out the money for a double disc set for an extra minute of music/talking? Just trim something somewhere.
The thing that kinda got me a little hot was when I realized this double CD release was a whopping 81 minutes. >:(
I mean, c'mon, I had to shell out the money for a double disc set for an extra minute of music/talking? Just trim something somewhere.
I'm quite pedantic when it comes to album length, so that bothered me a bit as well. I could really live without some of the mini-songs, & you'd only need to cut one of them to make it a single CD. I would nominate Daniel's Vision &/or Lavinia's Confession, personally.
The thing that kinda got me a little hot was when I realized this double CD release was a whopping 81 minutes. >:(
I mean, c'mon, I had to shell out the money for a double disc set for an extra minute of music/talking? Just trim something somewhere.
I'm quite pedantic when it comes to album length, so that bothered me a bit as well. I could really live without some of the mini-songs, & you'd only need to cut one of them to make it a single CD. I would nominate Daniel's Vision &/or Lavinia's Confession, personally.
Don't get me wrong, I love Ayreon, but they are one of the biggest culprits of this. To me if you're going to do a double disc it should be at least 90 minutes long. Aside from the annoyance of having to go between discs there is also all those extra discs pressed that were completely unnecessary, it's just a bit wasteful.
With regards to "short" double albums, I think people only complain because of the format/medium. If CDs didn't exist, this Transitus would be a normal length double album on vinyl (think Pink Floyd's The Wall, which is just under 81 minutes anyway). Filling a double vinyl with about 20-ish minutes on each side is a pretty full double album, IMO, and anything between 80-95 minutes would be typical to me.
With regards to "short" double albums, I think people only complain because of the format/medium. If CDs didn't exist, this Transitus would be a normal length double album on vinyl (think Pink Floyd's The Wall, which is just under 81 minutes anyway). Filling a double vinyl with about 20-ish minutes on each side is a pretty full double album, IMO, and anything between 80-95 minutes would be typical to me.
I think this is a good point, and to go further: I think if he had released the vinyl and digital versions as-is, and then cut 2 minutes of music for the CD version to fit a single disc, a lot of people would be frustrated that some of the music was missing from that version.
On the up side, at least the album is longer than 80 minutes, and warrants two CDs, unlike some recent double albums that have been UNDER 80 minutes. Now *that* grinds my gears.
-Marc.
With all the hub-bub about the Earbooks, I wonder what's going to happen with the version I ordered off of Amazon. I'm mildly concerned the description is not actually a "Deluxe 5-Disc Photobook"
Who here likes the connection to The Human Equation and how Me and His Wife are the Reincarnated souls of Daniel and Abby.
Who here likes the connection to The Human Equation and how Me and His Wife are the Reincarnated souls of Daniel and Abby.
WHAAAAT? :omg: where does this come from?
I saw the booklet, read the lyrics and yet I missed it (apart from the obvious and impossible to miss mention of "the human equation" in the song). Nice nugget :tup
Who here likes the connection to The Human Equation and how Me and His Wife are the Reincarnated souls of Daniel and Abby.
With all the hub-bub about the Earbooks, I wonder what's going to happen with the version I ordered off of Amazon. I'm mildly concerned the description is not actually a "Deluxe 5-Disc Photobook"
I'm sure they'll be fine. This is specifically a Mascot Label issue. They're shipping person, shipped the wrong ones out from their stock.
Amazon has its own stock. And I would hope a company like Amazon will ship the right item.
Who here likes the connection to The Human Equation and how Me and His Wife are the Reincarnated souls of Daniel and Abby.
Who here likes the connection to The Human Equation and how Me and His Wife are the Reincarnated souls of Daniel and Abby.
So Transitus is the afterlife of a computer simulation? I'm starting to get an inception vibe.
Transitus is definitively made and written for a live, theatrical presentation.
And about what Arjen will do next.... I know chances are fairly small but who else would scream in excitement at another The Gentle Storm album? I know that it's hard to replicate that approach and that Anneke is busy anyway (off topic: I also want a second Vuur album) but I'd love another album in two style, the heavy one and the acoustic one. Also, those two together only seem to do great things.
With all the hub-bub about the Earbooks, I wonder what's going to happen with the version I ordered off of Amazon. I'm mildly concerned the description is not actually a "Deluxe 5-Disc Photobook"
I'm sure they'll be fine. This is specifically a Mascot Label issue. They're shipping person, shipped the wrong ones out from their stock.
Amazon has its own stock. And I would hope a company like Amazon will ship the right item.
Who here likes the connection to The Human Equation and how Me and His Wife are the Reincarnated souls of Daniel and Abby.
Has anyone brought this up to Arjen to see if he likes the idea/theory?
If Me is a reincarnation of Daniel, then he's got pretty bad luck with fathers, then. Of course, it seems like there are no good fathers in the Ayreon Universe... :lol
But are we even sure that the characters in The Human Equation were real people, or were they fabricated for the Dream Sequencer program used by the Forever?
At any rate, I think Arjen said that the story of Transitus isn't directly tied to the normal Ayreon Universe, and those visual nuggets in the comic were just fun easter eggs. I think if he brings back the Angel and her Furies, or the concept of Transitus, in a future album, then yeah, he'll definitely consider the album as part of the larger Ayreon Universe, but aside from those easter eggs, it's a pretty stand-alone story, like The Theory Of Everything.
I wonder if Arjen will return to the Ayreon Universe on the next one, which at the rate he typically releases albums under the Ayreon banner, will probably be around 2024 or 2025. Before then, though, he's currently thinking of doing another Star One album, since it's been 10 years since the last one, so he'll probably plan for that in the next year or two.
He's also thought about doing another live concert, and I would love to see him do The Theory Of Everything live. I think the simple story and smaller cast could make for a great live show. I highly doubt he'd do 01011001, considering how LARGE that album is in terms of scope and cast. He could throw us all for a loop and do The Final Experiment Live, which could make for some fun sets on the stage. I think we could rule out Actual Fantasy and the Universal Migrator Albums for complete live shows. I'd say the best bets would be TTOE and Transitus, and maybe the latter is more likely since the vocalists already have costumes designed for them that could work well for a stage production. The set could be divided into 2 areas with Transitus being the bottom/front end of the stage, and the estate in the 2nd level/back half of the stage. But given the state of live music this year and possibly through next year, another live Ayreon production is probably at least year or two away at this rate.
-Marc
I put this album in the same category as the albums that came before The Dream Sequencer. Decent, but not essential Ayreon.
Electric Castle is great, I guess I forgot that came before The Dream Sequencer
Yeah, I love all the albums except those first two, "Lost In The New Real" (which isn't really an Ayreon album but for me it was kind of a turd) and now "Transitus" all will occupy the bottom of my list of Ayreon albums.
No artist can please every fan with every album. Even my favorite band has dropped a few turds in their day, especially in the last decade or so
Transitus is definitively made and written for a live, theatrical presentation.
And about what Arjen will do next.... I know chances are fairly small but who else would scream in excitement at another The Gentle Storm album? I know that it's hard to replicate that approach and that Anneke is busy anyway (off topic: I also want a second Vuur album) but I'd love another album in two style, the heavy one and the acoustic one. Also, those two together only seem to do great things.
I wonder if Arjen will return to the Ayreon Universe on the next one, which at the rate he typically releases albums under the Ayreon banner, will probably be around 2024 or 2025. Before then, though, he's currently thinking of doing another Star One album, since it's been 10 years since the last one, so he'll probably plan for that in the next year or two.
I also hope we get another VUUR album soon
I wonder if Arjen will return to the Ayreon Universe on the next one, which at the rate he typically releases albums under the Ayreon banner, will probably be around 2024 or 2025. Before then, though, he's currently thinking of doing another Star One album, since it's been 10 years since the last one, so he'll probably plan for that in the next year or two.
I'll be interested to see where Arjen goes with Star One. Through two live Ayreon adventures now the only person to completely shaft Arjen after being announced was Russell Allen. I'm relatively sure Arjen won't be working with him in the future, and while I'm sure Arjen could do a Star One without him, I don't know if he'd want to.
Star One would be really great imo, but didn't Arjen say that Star One has to have the same cast of singers and didn't he also say that he never wants to work with Russell Allen again?
But wait... Russell Allen was on The Source. So he at least came back to do that.
But wait... Russell Allen was on The Source. So he at least came back to do that.
But wait... Russell Allen was on The Source. So he at least came back to do that.
Their fallout was after that was recorded.
But wait... Russell Allen was on The Source. So he at least came back to do that.
That's right. Did something happen between Russell and Arjen since 2017?
-Marc.
But wait... Russell Allen was on The Source. So he at least came back to do that.
That's right. Did something happen between Russell and Arjen since 2017?
-Marc.
Russell apparently had committed for the Ayreon live shows and then he walked out last minute so he could tour with Adrenaline Mob.
Re: Human Equation theory
So in the Ayreon universe, there's both an afterlife and reincarnation? & these people went through both after they died? That's some complex shit. :lol
Ah, then it seems I'm still the only Ayreon fan who only finds Electric Castle decent. :lolElectric Castle is great, I guess I forgot that came before The Dream Sequencer
Whew, I was worried you disliked Ayreon's breakthrough album for some reason or another! :lol
So really, it's just the first two albums you simply find "decent"? If that's the case, then the run of Electric Castle-The Source must be pretty good for you then?
-Marc.
Ah, then it seems I'm still the only Ayreon fan who only finds Electric Castle decent. :lolElectric Castle is great, I guess I forgot that came before The Dream Sequencer
Whew, I was worried you disliked Ayreon's breakthrough album for some reason or another! :lol
So really, it's just the first two albums you simply find "decent"? If that's the case, then the run of Electric Castle-The Source must be pretty good for you then?
-Marc.
Ah, then it seems I'm still the only Ayreon fan who only finds Electric Castle decent. :lolElectric Castle is great, I guess I forgot that came before The Dream Sequencer
Whew, I was worried you disliked Ayreon's breakthrough album for some reason or another! :lol
So really, it's just the first two albums you simply find "decent"? If that's the case, then the run of Electric Castle-The Source must be pretty good for you then?
-Marc.
Ah, then it seems I'm still the only Ayreon fan who only finds Electric Castle decent. :lolElectric Castle is great, I guess I forgot that came before The Dream Sequencer
Whew, I was worried you disliked Ayreon's breakthrough album for some reason or another! :lol
So really, it's just the first two albums you simply find "decent"? If that's the case, then the run of Electric Castle-The Source must be pretty good for you then?
-Marc.
I only really find it decent. Maybe I need to give it more chances, but to me it drags a lot on the second disc.
I may be remembering incorrectly, but I don't think Evermind is a particularly huge fan of the album, either.
Interesting that I seem to be the only one who places The Source this high. My feeling is that it's quite consistently good, with a number of really memorable songs, and that it's mostly free from the worst aspects of the other Ayreon albums—particularly rough lyrical sections.
I got in to Ayreon via Timeline, the 3 disc set released after 01, so was exposed to various songs from all albums up through 01. So without the benefit of listening to each full album, or having any understanding of the overall story, while I essentially liked everything, the songs from 01 were among my favorites.
I got in to Ayreon via Timeline, the 3 disc set released after 01, so was exposed to various songs from all albums up through 01. So without the benefit of listening to each full album, or having any understanding of the overall story, while I essentially liked everything, the songs from 01 were among my favorites.
I can totally see that. The highs of 01 are very high, while the lows are pretty low. It’s a very inconsistent album afaic.
Spending the afternoon watching The Theater Equation and MAN, what a show this is. Before starting the concert proper, I watched the behind-the-scenes feature and you can definitely feel the excitement and energy from the cast and band on this one.
My question for folks who have seen (or even been to) both The Theater Equation and Electric Castle Live - which do you prefer more? Which live performance best brought its studio counterpart to life?
-Marc.
Spending the afternoon watching The Theater Equation and MAN, what a show this is. Before starting the concert proper, I watched the behind-the-scenes feature and you can definitely feel the excitement and energy from the cast and band on this one.
My question for folks who have seen (or even been to) both The Theater Equation and Electric Castle Live - which do you prefer more? Which live performance best brought its studio counterpart to life?
-Marc.
I was at both concerts and I think The Theater Equation did a better job bringing the album to life. Stuff Iike the stage full of people at the party during Day 11: Love which then do the last chorus together with Pride and Passion was incredible. But I may be biased because 1) I think The Human Equation is a much better album overall and 2) it was my first concert abroad. But I walked out of the theater and was absolutely blown away.
Spending the afternoon watching The Theater Equation and MAN, what a show this is. Before starting the concert proper, I watched the behind-the-scenes feature and you can definitely feel the excitement and energy from the cast and band on this one.
My question for folks who have seen (or even been to) both The Theater Equation and Electric Castle Live - which do you prefer more? Which live performance best brought its studio counterpart to life?
-Marc.
I was at both concerts and I think The Theater Equation did a better job bringing the album to life. Stuff Iike the stage full of people at the party during Day 11: Love which then do the last chorus together with Pride and Passion was incredible. But I may be biased because 1) I think The Human Equation is a much better album overall and 2) it was my first concert abroad. But I walked out of the theater and was absolutely blown away.
Spending the afternoon watching The Theater Equation and MAN, what a show this is. Before starting the concert proper, I watched the behind-the-scenes feature and you can definitely feel the excitement and energy from the cast and band on this one.
My question for folks who have seen (or even been to) both The Theater Equation and Electric Castle Live - which do you prefer more? Which live performance best brought its studio counterpart to life?
-Marc.
I was at both concerts and I think The Theater Equation did a better job bringing the album to life. Stuff Iike the stage full of people at the party during Day 11: Love which then do the last chorus together with Pride and Passion was incredible. But I may be biased because 1) I think The Human Equation is a much better album overall and 2) it was my first concert abroad. But I walked out of the theater and was absolutely blown away.
Wow, you went to both?! Lucky you, but they were experiences of a lifetime.
I think both Web of Lies and Connect the Dots are lovely songs. I get the lyrics/subject matters are cringy/mundane to people, but the music is good in my opinion and the lyrics kind of fit and most certainly represent a side of human nature.
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I want to do a colder album now (laughs). I think the last Star One album was 10 years ago, so I think it's time for a new one.
I think this showed up in my FB feed, and don't think it's been posted here yet.
http://bravewords.com/features/ayreon-human-equations-and-horror-storiesQuoteI want to do a colder album now (laughs). I think the last Star One album was 10 years ago, so I think it's time for a new one.
:panicattack:
Let's hope he/Russell do reconcile.
I'm all in for some new Star One but I'd be shocked if Arjen ever works with Russell Allen again after the dick move he pulled.
I'm all in for some new Star One but I'd be shocked if Arjen ever works with Russell Allen again after the dick move he pulled.
Sadly, I think you're right.
I think Arjen had always said that the four singers of Star One were a package deal, and it wasn't "Star One" without them. Maybe he just blows up all four of 'em, and get a new quartet?
I'm all in for some new Star One but I'd be shocked if Arjen ever works with Russell Allen again after the dick move he pulled.
Sadly, I think you're right.
I think Arjen had always said that the four singers of Star One were a package deal, and it wasn't "Star One" without them. Maybe he just blows up all four of 'em, and get a new quartet?
"Hi Damien, remember how Russell was a dick to me and pulled out of those shows? well, you're fired"
;D
What happened between Russ and Arjen?
Russel was scheduled to play at one of Ayreon's shows, having commited to it.
He bailed out to go on tour with Adrenaline Mob.
Arjen was obviously pissed off about it and stated that he will work with other singers in the future so don't expect Russel on any Ayreon album anytime soon.
from the Symphony X thread (because I was sure there was one in this thread too but I can't find it :|):What happened between Russ and Arjen?
Russel was scheduled to play at one of Ayreon's shows, having commited to it.
He bailed out to go on tour with Adrenaline Mob.
Arjen was obviously pissed off about it and stated that he will work with other singers in the future so don't expect Russel on any Ayreon album anytime soon.
from the Symphony X thread (because I was sure there was one in this thread too but I can't find it :|):What happened between Russ and Arjen?
Russel was scheduled to play at one of Ayreon's shows, having commited to it.
He bailed out to go on tour with Adrenaline Mob.
Arjen was obviously pissed off about it and stated that he will work with other singers in the future so don't expect Russel on any Ayreon album anytime soon.
I thought it was because he wasn't ready to tour after the accident with Amob.
IIRC, it wasn't like he (Russell) agreed, and then a week later realized he double booked himself. I seem to recall it was months in between the time the vocalists were announced, and Russell bailed.
My take on the whole thing was the AMob tour was scheduled AFTER he'd already agreed to do Ayreon Live, and THAT is what pissed Arjen off as to the reason of his cancellation.
^even if that is true, Allen should have known about the obligation and told Arjen about it and all of this drama could have been avoided. So Allen is either an incredibly shitty businessman or he's a dickhead. Or both, because I can't see how this helps his career in any way.
Well given how Arjen has openly admitted to planning a new Star One album across several interviews over the last couple of months, I can see one of three things happening:
1 - Arjen and Russell have already made up and that's why Arjen is so gung-ho about making another Star One album
2 - Arjen and Russell haven't made up yet, but maybe Arjen has gotten over it and still plans to invite Russell back for the next Star One, and maybe Russell will do it if he feels bad about ditching the Universe shows
3 - Arjen has not forgiven Russell, and probably never plans to work with him ever again, and so the new Star One may feature a new vocalist to replace Russell.
Either way, it seems like Arjen is ready for some non-Ayreon stuff given how much he's released since 2016 - five releases in the last four-five years! I'm sure Arjen will want to take a break from Ayreon stuff for a little bit, especially during the pandemic while shows aren't an option for awhile.
-Marc.
my comprehensive review:
"it's fine"
I atleast would be really bummed hearing a new Star One without Russell. Arjen and Russel have always been a great combo.
My son emailed Arjen to ask if he had ever considered covering Babylon 5 in a Star One song. The response was that he is working on a new S1 album, and that he has considered B5 as subject matter, as well.
My son emailed Arjen to ask if he had ever considered covering Babylon 5 in a Star One song. The response was that he is working on a new S1 album, and that he has considered B5 as subject matter, as well.
No posts about it in almost a month, when the album is only a few months old, is probably not a good sign, but how good is Transitus? I kind of forgot it was coming out and was trying to decide if I want to buy it or not. Ayreon isn't really an auto-buy for me anymore.
I realise it's not a way to judge the album at all, but I just looked at the tracklist and it looks like it suffers from the usual problem double concept albums have where a whole load of short tracks are thrown it at the end. See also Snow.
I atleast would be really bummed hearing a new Star One without Russell. Arjen and Russel have always been a great combo.
Me too... but I'll take a Russell-less Star One release over no release at all.
More prog than metal sounds encouraging, but I am seeing not great reviews and lack of buzz elsewhere on the 'net for it, so it feels like the fanbase as a whole wasn't too excited by this one.
More prog than metal sounds encouraging, but I am seeing not great reviews and lack of buzz elsewhere on the 'net for it, so it feels like the fanbase as a whole wasn't too excited by this one.
It was fine. Nothing terrible or even bad. But nothing great. Just kind of middle of the road.
More prog than metal sounds encouraging, but I am seeing not great reviews and lack of buzz elsewhere on the 'net for it, so it feels like the fanbase as a whole wasn't too excited by this one.
It was fine. Nothing terrible or even bad. But nothing great. Just kind of middle of the road.
It's the Irony of the album. It got hit hard by the covid-19, and Arjen had trouble with the Shipping, and other Package Art things.
More prog than metal sounds encouraging, but I am seeing not great reviews and lack of buzz elsewhere on the 'net for it, so it feels like the fanbase as a whole wasn't too excited by this one.
It was fine. Nothing terrible or even bad. But nothing great. Just kind of middle of the road.
It's the Irony of the album. It got hit hard by the covid-19, and Arjen had trouble with the Shipping, and other Package Art things.
None of that has any impact on what I’m saying. I’m strictly talking the album itself.
More prog than metal sounds encouraging, but I am seeing not great reviews and lack of buzz elsewhere on the 'net for it, so it feels like the fanbase as a whole wasn't too excited by this one.
It was fine. Nothing terrible or even bad. But nothing great. Just kind of middle of the road.
These types of albums are problematic for me. It really needs to be listened from start to finish since everything is so tightly connected. However the album is only middle-tier as someone said so I don't find myself longing to spend that time listening to it. There's really only 3 songs or so that I can listen to as standalone and they are fun when they randomly appear in Spotify for me but I don't have any urge to listen to them other than that. So it was an album I liked a couple of spins but don't see myself coming back to very often or at all 🤷♂️
I was asked to record a Christmas song, and my first thought was that it’s not really my thing. But as I thought about it, I suddenly remembered that 27 years ago in 1993 I already recorded a sort of Christmas track, but it was never used. I re-recorded the track, Lori adapted the lyrics, I made it a bit more ‘Christmassy’ and of course added the obligatory sleighbells. The coolest thing about this track are the party sounds you hear in the background. That was actually recorded in the meeting room of the record label by the whole Mascot staff!
Hope you like it, ho ho ho!
https://smarturl.it/Ayreon-Xmas
Arjen has released an Ayreon Christmas song! Really!!
https://youtu.be/ps_Ne2_pWUM
QuoteI was asked to record a Christmas song, and my first thought was that it’s not really my thing. But as I thought about it, I suddenly remembered that 27 years ago in 1993 I already recorded a sort of Christmas track, but it was never used. I re-recorded the track, Lori adapted the lyrics, I made it a bit more ‘Christmassy’ and of course added the obligatory sleighbells. The coolest thing about this track are the party sounds you hear in the background. That was actually recorded in the meeting room of the record label by the whole Mascot staff!
Hope you like it, ho ho ho!
https://smarturl.it/Ayreon-Xmas
-Marc.
Sidenote: My favourite sidetrack from Arjen is definitely El Paso (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7nS3IzBD10&ab_channel=ArjenAnthonyLucassen)
I'm pretty sure he just "butchered" Ed's drumtake from Chaos to fit the song. :lol
Arjen has released an Ayreon Christmas song! Really!!
https://youtu.be/ps_Ne2_pWUM
QuoteI was asked to record a Christmas song, and my first thought was that it’s not really my thing. But as I thought about it, I suddenly remembered that 27 years ago in 1993 I already recorded a sort of Christmas track, but it was never used. I re-recorded the track, Lori adapted the lyrics, I made it a bit more ‘Christmassy’ and of course added the obligatory sleighbells. The coolest thing about this track are the party sounds you hear in the background. That was actually recorded in the meeting room of the record label by the whole Mascot staff!
Hope you like it, ho ho ho!
https://smarturl.it/Ayreon-Xmas
-Marc.
I wanted to get the Ayreon Universe concert on DVD or Blu-ray a while back, but it was unavailable everywhere. I just happened to look at amazon earlier this week and they had 7 DVD's available! I couldn't hit the buy button any faster! :lol
I guess I looked at the right time, as I see no copies are available again.
Watched it last night and it is pretty great. Amazing how he was able to get all of those singers together for one little tour like that.
I wanted to get the Ayreon Universe concert on DVD or Blu-ray a while back, but it was unavailable everywhere. I just happened to look at amazon earlier this week and they had 7 DVD's available! I couldn't hit the buy button any faster! :lol
I guess I looked at the right time, as I see no copies are available again.
Watched it last night and it is pretty great. Amazing how he was able to get all of those singers together for one little tour like that.
Yup. It's why a show this extravagant must be planned at least 2 years ahead of time. Because those singers, are in active and touring bands, and need to know ahead as bands have their schedules set, also about 2 years ahead.
I wanted to get the Ayreon Universe concert on DVD or Blu-ray a while back, but it was unavailable everywhere. I just happened to look at amazon earlier this week and they had 7 DVD's available! I couldn't hit the buy button any faster! :lol
I guess I looked at the right time, as I see no copies are available again.
Watched it last night and it is pretty great. Amazing how he was able to get all of those singers together for one little tour like that.
Yup. It's why a show this extravagant must be planned at least 2 years ahead of time. Because those singers, are in active and touring bands, and need to know ahead as bands have their schedules set, also about 2 years ahead.
Oh, for sure. I can't imagine how much of an undertaking that was to plan. And I didn't mind getting slightly abridged versions of a lot of the songs. Considering how rare it is to get an Ayreon concert, doing a lot of slightly abridged versions meant more songs could be played. Would have been nice to get more songs from The Dream Sequencer (Floor Jansen could have slayed 2084 and Dragon of the Sea), but I am not complaining. It was a great mix of songs.
Floor doing 2084 would've been awesome. I didn't mind the abridged versions either, although Waking Dreams could've been the full version. I understand Age of Shadows, as We Are Forever would've been quite the task to pull off. I wonder if they did rehearse that part, but found they would have needed more time to get the timing right in the harmonies for Anneke.
https://www.facebook.com/109887886151/posts/10157430899691152/
"New Star One album in the making!"
:metal :metal :metal
-Marc.
I love that guy. His enthusiasm is contagious.
(I also like the art on the walls: there was a Beatles poster, and Zeppelin IV and Hemispheres album covers. I didn't get the other two, though the one between Zep and Rush seems familiar.)
Anyone have the Downloaded PDF of Transitus lyrics?
I have the Earbook myself but a friend just bought the CD version and Arjens link is not valid znymore.
Anyone have the Downloaded PDF of Transitus lyrics?
I have the Earbook myself but a friend just bought the CD version and Arjens link is not valid znymore.
Interesting approach to the new Star One, not saying I'm opposed, but I agree with Chad that the multi singer approach was pretty critical to those first two albums and it'll be a big change. That said I think this is the only way he could do it without the obvious FU to Russell Allen when the entire rest of the cast returns and he's replaced with someone.
Interesting approach to the new Star One, not saying I'm opposed, but I agree with Chad that the multi singer approach was pretty critical to those first two albums and it'll be a big change. That said I think this is the only way he could do it without the obvious FU to Russell Allen when the entire rest of the cast returns and he's replaced with someone.
I'm sorry if it's already been posted but who did Arjen say was doing vocals for the new Star One?
I'm sorry if it's already been posted but who did Arjen say was doing vocals for the new Star One?
AFAIK, nothing has been revealed yet, as he will dole out information about personnel in his usual guessing-game format.
-Marc.
So right now it's all speculation that he's only going to have one vocalist?
Well, knowing Arjen's reputation as a "nice guy" and given that time healsallmostsome wounds, maybe he'll invite Russell to be on this new Star One album after all? You know, sort of taking the high road for the sake of the project, but if you ask me that dude he brought in to replace Russell Allen in those live shows John Jaycee something...is a very solid vocalist in the same vein as Allen. He even sounds a little like Allen. I'd be fine with him instead of Allen.
Well, knowing Arjen's reputation as a "nice guy" and given that time healsallmostsome wounds, maybe he'll invite Russell to be on this new Star One album after all? You know, sort of taking the high road for the sake of the project, but if you ask me that dude he brought in to replace Russell Allen in those live shows John Jaycee something...is a very solid vocalist in the same vein as Allen. He even sounds a little like Allen. I'd be fine with him instead of Allen.
I was about to post the same thing. :lol
John Jaycee Culpiers did a fantastic job on Ayreon Universe and as the Barbarian on The Electric Castle live. I wouldn't mind him at all.
Well, knowing Arjen's reputation as a "nice guy" and given that time healsallmostsome wounds, maybe he'll invite Russell to be on this new Star One album after all? You know, sort of taking the high road for the sake of the project, but if you ask me that dude he brought in to replace Russell Allen in those live shows John Jaycee something...is a very solid vocalist in the same vein as Allen. He even sounds a little like Allen. I'd be fine with him instead of Allen.
I was about to post the same thing. :lol
John Jaycee Culpiers did a fantastic job on Ayreon Universe and as the Barbarian on The Electric Castle live. I wouldn't mind him at all.
Yeah, actually, even though I forgot his last name I've been chatting with him on Facebook about potentially doing some vocals on our album. He said he's interested, I just don't know if I'm going to need him yet, but I definitely want to work with him at some point. If the guy I'm trying to get for the role of "Drug Dealer" on our album falls through there's a pretty good chance I'm going to end up hiring John. I'll know for sure in about a month.
Interesting approach to the new Star One, not saying I'm opposed, but I agree with Chad that the multi singer approach was pretty critical to those first two albums and it'll be a big change. That said I think this is the only way he could do it without the obvious FU to Russell Allen when the entire rest of the cast returns and he's replaced with someone.
Why would it be an FU to Allen if Allen was invited to be on Arjens project? Was Allen told that he would forever be a part of the cast of singers on all Star One releases? Or are all the singers on an at-will basis, where they can be replaced if for any reason, including if the creator(Arjen) decides to change it up?
https://www.facebook.com/109887886151/posts/10157430899691152/
"New Star One album in the making!"
:metal :metal :metal
-Marc.
Interesting approach to the new Star One, not saying I'm opposed, but I agree with Chad that the multi singer approach was pretty critical to those first two albums and it'll be a big change. That said I think this is the only way he could do it without the obvious FU to Russell Allen when the entire rest of the cast returns and he's replaced with someone.
Why would it be an FU to Allen if Allen was invited to be on Arjens project? Was Allen told that he would forever be a part of the cast of singers on all Star One releases? Or are all the singers on an at-will basis, where they can be replaced if for any reason, including if the creator(Arjen) decides to change it up?
You're missing the point. It would be an FU to Allen if Star Three was Floor, Damian, Dan, and <insert someone else here>.
I thought it would be one different singer for each track, but then again, I only watched the video once and that was a month ago. :lol
To me, Star One is Russ, Damian, Floor and Dan. Anything else is Ayreon or a different project altogether, at least in Arjen's world.
To me, Star One is Russ, Damian, Floor and Dan. Anything else is Ayreon or a different project altogether, at least in Arjen's world.
I'm with you on this. If it's going to be (lyrically) out of the Ayreon world, but otherwise some kind of consistent theme like the first two, but with a whole different cast of vocalists, then maybe he should just call it Staryeone (pronounced Star E on) :lol
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=187615689870582
Looks like Ed Warby is recording drums for the new Star One!
-Marc.
https://www.facebook.com/100001414727158/posts/4165601633496953/
A new video update from Arjen on the next Star One album. He says there will be 15 vocalists and 10 instrumental solo guests as well. The album’s concept will deal with films relating to Time, and he mentions time travel and time loops. I hope there are some Christopher Nolan films in there!
-Marc.
https://www.facebook.com/100001414727158/posts/4165601633496953/
A new video update from Arjen on the next Star One album. He says there will be 15 vocalists and 10 instrumental solo guests as well. The album’s concept will deal with films relating to Time, and he mentions time travel and time loops. I hope there are some Christopher Nolan films in there!
-Marc.
I hope his Tenet song is just Devin Townsend screaming “I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS HAPPENING” over and over.
possibly Memento? Definitely not time travel, but the way the storytelling plays with the timeline is cool.
Looper
Interstellar
12 Monkeys
And yeah, Time Bandits would be cool.
What is the consensus on the first two Ayreon albums? I had not listened to either from start to finish in probably 15 years until recently.
The Final Experiment is pretty damn good. Heckuva debut, and songs like Eyes of Time, The Awareness, The Banishment and Sail Away to Avalon are pretty great. Killer stuff.
Actual Fantasy isn't as good. It's not bad at all, but feels like a let down considering how good the debut it and how great its follow-up was. Abbey of Synn and Computer Eyes are standouts, but everything else just feels kind of there. A nice listen, but not much there is what I would consider essential.
That seems like a fair assessment. :tup :tup
My friend Matt and I like doing runs through discographies of different bands, which gives us an album to text about daily when running through each one, and provides a nice break in the day during the work week, and we just started Ayreon, so it's gonna be a lot of Ayreon for me the next two weeks. :coolio :coolio
I put Transitus in the same category as the first two albums. It's OK, but nothing special. The spoken dialog ruins it for me. I hope he keeps that shit to a minimum on the next album.
I don't blame you, sometimes Arjen lays on the cheese very thick, but that's just the nature of his sci-fi influences. For me, the lyrics and vocalists are just as much of an important part of the Ayreon sound as the music is, especially since he gets such a wide range of amazing vocalists on all of his albums, and for the most part, they all play their parts extremely well. I honestly think Arjen directs James LaBrie's voice much better than most of Dream Theater vocal tracks as JLB's two appearances on Ayreon studio albums have been some of my favorite vocal performances of his (especially The Human Equation).
But I do agree, the music is pretty spectacular, especially when he gets some great guest soloists. It still blows my mind that Steve Hackett, Jordan Rudess, Rick Wakeman, and Keith Emerson all feature on The Theory Of Everything, which still stands as one of my favorite Ayreon albums.
-Marc.
Yea I agree about JLB 100%, Arjen has a gift of pushing every artist and their voice and range in the right direction. The same can be said about Bruce Dickinson.I don't blame you, sometimes Arjen lays on the cheese very thick, but that's just the nature of his sci-fi influences. For me, the lyrics and vocalists are just as much of an important part of the Ayreon sound as the music is, especially since he gets such a wide range of amazing vocalists on all of his albums, and for the most part, they all play their parts extremely well. I honestly think Arjen directs James LaBrie's voice much better than most of Dream Theater vocal tracks as JLB's two appearances on Ayreon studio albums have been some of my favorite vocal performances of his (especially The Human Equation).
But I do agree, the music is pretty spectacular, especially when he gets some great guest soloists. It still blows my mind that Steve Hackett, Jordan Rudess, Rick Wakeman, and Keith Emerson all feature on The Theory Of Everything, which still stands as one of my favorite Ayreon albums.
-Marc.
The Theory of Everything has always been nothing but a blur to me, so maybe a fresh listen will reveal more. Time will tell...
Agreed about JLB. It feels like DT sometimes just writes melodies with no regard as to if they fit JLB's voice or not, while it seems like all of his Ayreon parts were perfectly suited for him. Of course, that is easier to do when he is playing just one character and is just one of a dozen singers on the album.
I don't blame you, sometimes Arjen lays on the cheese very thick, but that's just the nature of his sci-fi influences. For me, the lyrics and vocalists are just as much of an important part of the Ayreon sound as the music is, especially since he gets such a wide range of amazing vocalists on all of his albums, and for the most part, they all play their parts extremely well. I honestly think Arjen directs James LaBrie's voice much better than most of Dream Theater vocal tracks as JLB's two appearances on Ayreon studio albums have been some of my favorite vocal performances of his (especially The Human Equation).
But I do agree, the music is pretty spectacular, especially when he gets some great guest soloists. It still blows my mind that Steve Hackett, Jordan Rudess, Rick Wakeman, and Keith Emerson all feature on The Theory Of Everything, which still stands as one of my favorite Ayreon albums.
-Marc.
The Theory of Everything has always been nothing but a blur to me, so maybe a fresh listen will reveal more. Time will tell...
Agreed about JLB. It feels like DT sometimes just writes melodies with no regard as to if they fit JLB's voice or not, while it seems like all of his Ayreon parts were perfectly suited for him. Of course, that is easier to do when he is playing just one character and is just one of a dozen singers on the album.
In fact, I think the bulk of Arjen's lyrics come across to me like they were written by a 15-year-old kid during study hall.
I wouldn't suggest to anyone they start their Ayreon journey with The Human Equation or Into the Electric Castle, but that might be based on my personal feelings about those albums. 01 is my favorite, but that might be too much Ayreon for someone to make as their first experience, despite it being fairly representative of what Ayreon is all about.
I'll reach for a wild card and suggest The Universal Migrator.
I know TAC likes his metal and that's an album of Arjen going whole-hog into spacey prog metal territory. Some killer songs and guest performances from musicians I bet he's already a fan of.
It was my introduction to Ayreon and it did the trick for me. I think it's also more immediate and engaging than those sprawling double albums.
I am stunned at all of these recs of The Source, which I thought was considered a letdown at the time, and for me is one of those albums with a handful of really good songs and then a bunch of meh songs otherwise. Meanwhile, single albums like The Dream Sequencer and The Final Experiment are not only much more consistent, but have arguably higher highs. *shrugs*
I'm going to listen to one Arjen/Ayreon album later this week. You guys have until Tuesday afternoon to decide which one it'll be.
EDIT: Forgot to mention I have never heard a single song by him/them..
I'm going to listen to one Arjen/Ayreon album later this week. You guys have until Tuesday afternoon to decide which one it'll be.
EDIT: Forgot to mention I have never heard a single song by him/them..
Honestly, I think I MIGHT start with 10010101. That first sequence - Age Of Shadows/We Are Forever/Comatose/Liquid Eternity - is solid as a rock for me.
Then again, given that I like it so much, maybe he should stay far away from it! :) :) :) :)
I'm going to listen to one Arjen/Ayreon album later this week. You guys have until Tuesday afternoon to decide which one it'll be.
EDIT: Forgot to mention I have never heard a single song by him/them..
Honestly, I think I MIGHT start with 10010101. That first sequence - Age Of Shadows/We Are Forever/Comatose/Liquid Eternity - is solid as a rock for me.
Then again, given that I like it so much, maybe he should stay far away from it! :) :) :) :)
Self Awareness: You get it. :tup
I could have sworn someone sent some Ayreon in the TAC roulette that I participated in, wasn't me though.
Jingle.Boy-Star One-Human See Human Do
Like Ruslan’s submission, this is exactly the type of song I was envisioning for this first round. Fast upbeat and to the point. Excellent vocals on this especially Damien Wilson. Tried sneaking those Swano vocals by me, and on first listen, I hated it, but on subsequent listens, I thought they worked perfectly with those eerie keyboards. Would definitely be interested in hearing more from this album.
8.5
When you're all referring to Universal Migrator, you just mean Flight Of The Migrator, right? Universal Migrator is the name for the two albums, being Part 1: The Dream Sequencer and Part 2: Flight Of The Migrator.
Unless you're suggesting both parts to start with, though the softer, Floydian sounds of TDS might turn someone away if they're just looking for the heavier metal elements of FOTM.
-Marc.
When you're all referring to Universal Migrator, you just mean Flight Of The Migrator, right? Universal Migrator is the name for the two albums, being Part 1: The Dream Sequencer and Part 2: Flight Of The Migrator.
Unless you're suggesting both parts to start with, though the softer, Floydian sounds of TDS might turn someone away if they're just looking for the heavier metal elements of FOTM.
-Marc.
You're right, I, and probably the others too, mean Flight Of The Migrator, the heavy one.
I'll reach for a wild card and suggest The Universal Migrator.
I know TAC likes his metal and that's an album of Arjen going whole-hog into spacey prog metal territory. Some killer songs and guest performances from musicians I bet he's already a fan of.
It was my introduction to Ayreon and it did the trick for me. I think it's also more immediate and engaging than those sprawling double albums.
I'll reach for a wild card and suggest The Universal Migrator.
I know TAC likes his metal and that's an album of Arjen going whole-hog into spacey prog metal territory. Some killer songs and guest performances from musicians I bet he's already a fan of.
It was my introduction to Ayreon and it did the trick for me. I think it's also more immediate and engaging than those sprawling double albums.
Seconded The Universal Migrator Part 2 - it's the heaviest Ayreon album and features a lot of power metal singers, and one very well known, massive singer. It's really the only Ayeron album that I enjoy.
Star One is very much in the same vein - heavier, with songs about science fiction films.
I'm going to listen to one Arjen/Ayreon album later this week. You guys have until Tuesday afternoon to decide which one it'll be.
EDIT: Forgot to mention I have never heard a single song by him/them..
Honestly, I think I MIGHT start with 10010101. That first sequence - Age Of Shadows/We Are Forever/Comatose/Liquid Eternity - is solid as a rock for me.
Then again, given that I like it so much, maybe he should stay far away from it! :) :) :) :)
Self Awareness: You get it. :tup
Yup. I now know what NOT to start with. :lol
I'm going to listen to one Arjen/Ayreon album later this week. You guys have until Tuesday afternoon to decide which one it'll be.
EDIT: Forgot to mention I have never heard a single song by him/them..
Honestly, I think I MIGHT start with 10010101. That first sequence - Age Of Shadows/We Are Forever/Comatose/Liquid Eternity - is solid as a rock for me.
Then again, given that I like it so much, maybe he should stay far away from it! :) :) :) :)
Self Awareness: You get it. :tup
Yup. I now know what NOT to start with. :lol
Outside of a song or two, I can’t see you taking a shine to Ayreon. Especially since I know you’re not crazy about the whole rotating vocalists concept.
Flight of the Migrator - The most consistently heavy Ayreon album, this one comes close at times to just being straight-up power metal. A different lead vocalist for each song, but each song has only one lead singer (plus a background singer in one case). This one has an A+ Bruce Dickinson performance on Into the Black Hole, which, for a Maiden fan, is worth listening to for Bruce even if you pick a different album. Also the only one of these that is not a double album.
The Source - Probably the second-heaviest Ayreon album after FotM. Like 01, has a lot of different vocalists with a lot of switching. IMO this is a slightly stronger cast of singers, but there's some overlap and opinions may vary. This album had a bit more of a mixed reception, but it's personally my favorite Ayreon album.
Are those the only 5 Ayreon albums?
Are those the only 5 Ayreon albums?
Marc's post was helpful, but I would disregard any ratings from ProgArchives, \
OK, thank you everyone.
I think I'm going to hit Flight Of The Migrator. But I also want to hear the one Labrie is on..The Human Equation, I think.
Marc's post was helpful, but I would disregard any ratings from ProgArchives, as they are often based on how proggy an album is rather than the quality, which is why The Theory of Everything, which is 4 long songs, is 3rd there, while it is near the bottom of rankings almost everywhere else (as is should be as that and Transitus are definitely the two least best).
OK, thank you everyone.
I think I'm going to hit Flight Of The Migrator. But I also want to hear the one Labrie is on..The Human Equation, I think.
Good picks, given your tastes...or lack thereof. :P :biggrin:
:lol You're killing me Kev. I really love TTOE, but perhaps my enjoyment stems from really loving the inherent progginess of the album, plus stellar performances by Mike Mills and Tommy Karevik, not to mention John Wetton. I'd probably put TTOE 3rd or 4th for me, at least ahead of the first two albums, 01011001, Transitus, and Universal Migrator (both parts). ITEC and THE are easily my top two, and The Source has really grown on me over the years, but TTOE might stay at third. Yeah, it's four long songs (totalling 42 movements across both discs), but I really like the flow of the album, which sets it apart from the other Ayreon albums.
OK, thank you everyone.
I think I'm going to hit Flight Of The Migrator. But I also want to hear the one Labrie is on..The Human Equation, I think.
No Kiske on any of these albums??
I'll give my updated thoughts when I get to it again what looks to be later this week. Hoping it is better this time around, but we'll see.
I'll give my updated thoughts when I get to it again what looks to be later this week. Hoping it is better this time around, but we'll see.
I hope you like it better this time around as well! Definitely try to follow along where the soloists come in as well, though if you're at all familiar with the sounds and styles of Emerson, Wakeman, Rudess and Hackett, it won't be hard to spot their solos.
-Marc.
I'll give my updated thoughts when I get to it again what looks to be later this week. Hoping it is better this time around, but we'll see.
I hope you like it better this time around as well! Definitely try to follow along where the soloists come in as well, though if you're at all familiar with the sounds and styles of Emerson, Wakeman, Rudess and Hackett, it won't be hard to spot their solos.
-Marc.
I spotted Emerson's part the first time through, as there was no mistaking his tone and style, but I cannot remember where the others are.
If you want to check any of these out on YouTube, there's a great account named Taycott who has uploaded lyric videos for whole albums (some of which do not have the audio due to copyright claims by the label), which feature pictures for each character and on-screen lyrics by each of them as they sing, so if you want to keep track of who is singing when, it's definitely worth checking out.
The Theory Of Everything is absolutely amazing, regardless of what KevShmev thinks.
Meanwhile, an updated listen of Flight of the Migrator resulted in the same reaction I've always had to it: pretty good album, but not a whole lot on there is special. He definitely used all of his best stuff for the Universal Migrator series on The Dream Sequencer. The first half of To the Quasar is still totally bad ass (with the second half good), for sure though.
The Theory Of Everything is absolutely amazing, regardless of what KevShmev thinks.
Let's hope my listen later this week demonstrates that you are correct and I was wrong all along. :tup :tup
I guess I need to give TToE another shot. I don't usually listen to whole albums in a sitting, so this album was always hard for me since I never want to hear 1-2 minutes of a 24 minute song on shuffle, which is how I mostly listen to music. I don't remember loving many of the melodies or lyrics either, but I'll give it a full spin sometime soon to re-examine that.
I guess I need to give TToE another shot. I don't usually listen to whole albums in a sitting, so this album was always hard for me since I never want to hear 1-2 minutes of a 24 minute song on shuffle, which is how I mostly listen to music. I don't remember loving many of the melodies or lyrics either, but I'll give it a full spin sometime soon to re-examine that.
I guess I need to give TToE another shot. I don't usually listen to whole albums in a sitting, so this album was always hard for me since I never want to hear 1-2 minutes of a 24 minute song on shuffle, which is how I mostly listen to music. I don't remember loving many of the melodies or lyrics either, but I'll give it a full spin sometime soon to re-examine that.
My challenge with Ayreon in generally is that I do not think Arjen is a particularly good lyricist. I think he does best when he's dealing with abstract topics, and worst when he tries to write realistic dialogue. And TToE has so much dialogue that is sung in a way that makes very clear the fact that it's dialogue, and the tracks are structured around being short sections of dialogue in a musical rather than being complete, individual songs with lyrics. I can't really ignore it when, oh, here's Marco Hietala singing "Oh no, I can't believe you're falling for this loser / Oh no, I thought you knew that I am so much cooler."
Yeah, if you're listening to Ayreon and expecting poetry I think you're going to disappointed 11 times out of 10. To me the absolute worst offender here is "The Human Equation" because of the relative seriousness of the topic. I can put up with the dumb lyrics when the album is about an Electric Castle or some Science Experiment Gone Wrong or any of the other sort of fantasy/sci-fi oriented stuff, but juxtaposed with a serious topic like on THE, as I've written elsewhere most of the lyrics on that album come across to me like something written by a 15-year-old during study hall.
I guess I need to give TToE another shot. I don't usually listen to whole albums in a sitting, so this album was always hard for me since I never want to hear 1-2 minutes of a 24 minute song on shuffle, which is how I mostly listen to music. I don't remember loving many of the melodies or lyrics either, but I'll give it a full spin sometime soon to re-examine that.
My challenge with Ayreon in generally is that I do not think Arjen is a particularly good lyricist. I think he does best when he's dealing with abstract topics, and worst when he tries to write realistic dialogue. And TToE has so much dialogue that is sung in a way that makes very clear the fact that it's dialogue, and the tracks are structured around being short sections of dialogue in a musical rather than being complete, individual songs with lyrics. I can't really ignore it when, oh, here's Marco Hietala singing "Oh no, I can't believe you're falling for this loser / Oh no, I thought you knew that I am so much cooler."
Yeah, if you're listening to Ayreon and expecting poetry I think you're going to disappointed 11 times out of 10. To me the absolute worst offender here is "The Human Equation" because of the relative seriousness of the topic. I can put up with the dumb lyrics when the album is about an Electric Castle or some Science Experiment Gone Wrong or any of the other sort of fantasy/sci-fi oriented stuff, but juxtaposed with a serious topic like on THE, as I've written elsewhere most of the lyrics on that album come across to me like something written by a 15-year-old during study hall.
THE has some truly awful moments; I'd call it one of the weakest lyrically on the whole. And I absolutely see your point about the seriousness of the topic making it worse; I'd say that applies to TToE, too, which I agree with Adami is probably the most offputting, since a big part of the story is about multiple people manipulating a developmentally disabled person into serving their purposes, which ultimately results in his death. And out of that we get "No, you won't deceive me / You're nothing but a fake / A sad pretender / A total waste of space" and "Eureka! We solved it, we did it."
Incidentally, I've seen the lyrics to THE get a lot of praise, so I'm glad I'm not alone in thinking that they are often pretty bad! The one that kills me every time, for some reason, is "We were showing off our brand-new flashy bikes" / "You looked so fine / Until you both fell over and then started to cry."
I actually got into Ralf Scheepers because of Journey On The Waves of Time. And was quite disappointed when I never really heard that kind of performance on a Primal Fear song. :lol
Dickinson and Into the Black Hole is like seeing a great acting performance in a film that is merely pretty good: a great performance can only elevate it so much if the writing isn't great. That is not to say that Into the Black Hole is a poorly written song, but it's nothing special. And Dickinson's performance, while great, can only elevate it so much.
Dickinson and Into the Black Hole is like seeing a great acting performance in a film that is merely pretty good: a great performance can only elevate it so much if the writing isn't great. That is not to say that Into the Black Hole is a poorly written song, but it's nothing special. And Dickinson's performance, while great, can only elevate it so much.
Glad it clicked (for the most part) for you. Soeterbrock fronted a band called Wicked Sensation for a period, and a handful of other unknown acts. He’s also filled in a few times during Arjen’s live shows.
Glad it clicked (for the most part) for you. Soeterbrock fronted a band called Wicked Sensation for a period, and a handful of other unknown acts. He’s also filled in a few times during Arjen’s live shows.
Yeah I enjoyed it. I've already relistened to the first 5 tracks. It really does end with a whimper though.
Glad it clicked (for the most part) for you. Soeterbrock fronted a band called Wicked Sensation for a period, and a handful of other unknown acts. He’s also filled in a few times during Arjen’s live shows.
Yeah I enjoyed it. I've already relistened to the first 5 tracks. It really does end with a whimper though.
The worst Ayreon albums are still 10x better than The Astonishing, and stylistically they are not the same.
The worst Ayreon albums are still 10x better than The Astonishing, and stylistically they are not the same.
The worst Ayreon albums are still 10x better than The Astonishing, and stylistically they are not the same.
What did the five fingers say to the face?
I'm curious to check his music out. But since I have a problem with The Astonishing, will I struggle with his music? Sounds like they have the same kind of 'style' - from your descriptions anyway.
Well... TAC loves The Astonishing. :)
I'm curious to check his music out. But since I have a problem with The Astonishing, will I struggle with his music? Sounds like they have the same kind of 'style' - from your descriptions anyway.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/97/Ayreon_-_Flight_of_the_Migrator.jpg/220px-Ayreon_-_Flight_of_the_Migrator.jpg)
OK, just finished up..
Chaos- Reminds me a bit of Steve Vai era Alcatrazz. Kind of Blackmoreish in some bits and Malmsteenish in others.. I'm liking this. We are off to a good start!
Dawn Of A Million Souls- I am on record that I find Russell Allen a bit cold, and I'm not a huge fan. But here he sounds amazing. I love this style of his singing. I am not on board with his more gruff style. This was an unexpected surprise. Thankfully Damian Wilson isn't singing leads though. He blows! This song is excellent. Even the keyboardy thing four minutes in is nicely orchestrated. Such tasteful vocals by Allen and playing by Romeo. I'd like Symphony X a lot more if they did it like this.
I'm curious to check his music out. But since I have a problem with The Astonishing, will I struggle with his music? Sounds like they have the same kind of 'style' - from your descriptions anyway.
I think it depends on what you dislike about The Astonishing. Is it the cheesy lyrics and heavy emphasis on story? If so, you'll probably have trouble with a lot of Ayreon. Is it the heavy reliance on piano-driven pieces? Then no, Ayreon is a totally different sound. Is it just the fact that it's a long album that has a lot of short tracks? Then probably not, since most Ayreon albums have a variety of track lengths.
I will say his: I have a renewed love for The Human Equation after giving it two spins this week. Definitely pretty great, and I have perhaps underrated it a tad over the years.
I may do that one next. It has JLB right?
I may do that one next. It has JLB right?
Yes, he plays the main character. :tup
Also featured are Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth), Devin Townsend, & some others I don't recognise but enjoy their performances anyway. :justjen
I have never minder Arjen's lyrics at all. It ain't high end literature (as subjective as that may be), but his lyrics serve their purpose. They are often quite literal, the characters state how they feel or what they are doing. And the vocalists and music get to express that information further to give it feeling.
A lot of times the characters behave/sound like what the archetype of that character would be. Jealous kid at school? You get the "so much cooler" part. Though I get some lyrics sound awkward at times. But hey, so do many real people when talking, which is one of the reasons why I do not necessarily need beautiful lyrics/writing in conversations, people do not talk in poetry or beatifully crafted speeches.
Now let's take a look at Avantasia's lyrics, for example, those read like they come from an a.i. or online fantasy lyrics generator at times. I don't know what the fuck is going on in most of those songs (actually, I don't know what is going on in any of them). Which I honestly do not mind either, because the whole rock opera/concept thing is not something that attracts me to Avantasia. But from my perspective, Arjen's lyrics usually succeed at what they are intended for.
I have never minder Arjen's lyrics at all. It ain't high end literature (as subjective as that may be), but his lyrics serve their purpose. They are often quite literal, the characters state how they feel or what they are doing. And the vocalists and music get to express that information further to give it feeling.
A lot of times the characters behave/sound like what the archetype of that character would be. Jealous kid at school? You get the "so much cooler" part. Though I get some lyrics sound awkward at times. But hey, so do many real people when talking, which is one of the reasons why I do not necessarily need beautiful lyrics/writing in conversations, people do not talk in poetry or beatifully crafted speeches.
Now let's take a look at Avantasia's lyrics, for example, those read like they come from an a.i. or online fantasy lyrics generator at times. I don't know what the fuck is going on in most of those songs (actually, I don't know what is going on in any of them). Which I honestly do not mind either, because the whole rock opera/concept thing is not something that attracts me to Avantasia. But from my perspective, Arjen's lyrics usually succeed at what they are intended for.
Is this the long version of basically saying that Arjen's lyrics are finger licking good? ;)
I just gave TTOE a fresh spin last night and this morning, and it definitely holds up for me eight years later. I think even after the five-year wait after 01 and all the hype that came with it, it definitely lived up to my expectations. It's different enough from the other Ayreon albums but still carries that signature feel that Arjen is known for. Also, it features John Wetton, and although his part isn't incredibly big, he kills it on all of his vocal lines. I also just really like Tommy Karevik and Mike Mills here as well, and I'm glad Arjen has utilized them many times since then.
I just gave TTOE a fresh spin last night and this morning, and it definitely holds up for me eight years later. I think even after the five-year wait after 01 and all the hype that came with it, it definitely lived up to my expectations. It's different enough from the other Ayreon albums but still carries that signature feel that Arjen is known for. Also, it features John Wetton, and although his part isn't incredibly big, he kills it on all of his vocal lines. I also just really like Tommy Karevik and Mike Mills here as well, and I'm glad Arjen has utilized them many times since then.
Well, I tried...
The Theory of Everything is still just one big mess to me. Taking away the fact that there are too many herky-jerky transitions, making me think the whole thing sounds contrived, like, "Oh, I need to connect these all so I can say it is all long songs," the memorable vocal melodies, which are usually a strength with Ayreon, are lacking. Some good moments here and there, but I can't remember where most of them are, and far too often I was thinking that the music was the usual good Ayreon stuff, but it was all let down by both the lack of memorable melodies and the singers. Like I said, I tried. *shrugs*
I just gave TTOE a fresh spin last night and this morning, and it definitely holds up for me eight years later. I think even after the five-year wait after 01 and all the hype that came with it, it definitely lived up to my expectations. It's different enough from the other Ayreon albums but still carries that signature feel that Arjen is known for. Also, it features John Wetton, and although his part isn't incredibly big, he kills it on all of his vocal lines. I also just really like Tommy Karevik and Mike Mills here as well, and I'm glad Arjen has utilized them many times since then.
Well, I tried...
The Theory of Everything is still just one big mess to me. Taking away the fact that there are too many herky-jerky transitions, making me think the whole thing sounds contrived, like, "Oh, I need to connect these all so I can say it is all long songs," the memorable vocal melodies, which are usually a strength with Ayreon, are lacking. Some good moments here and there, but I can't remember where most of them are, and far too often I was thinking that the music was the usual good Ayreon stuff, but it was all let down by both the lack of memorable melodies and the singers. Like I said, I tried. *shrugs*
I tried it that way years ago as well, thinking it would help, and it didn't. I just have to accept that this album is mostly a huge miss for me and move on. The Source is next...
I'm Team Kev when it comes to TTOE. I also spun it recently, and it just does very little for me. The keyboard solos in-and-of-themselves on disc 1 are great, but in the context of the song, it's like Arjen simply wanted these three magnificent musicians contributing to the song, and sound shoe-horned into the composition. Doesn't help that Wetton and JB do nothing for me vocally, and Scabbia is a poor woman's version of AVG.
Where 01 had too many vocalists, TTOE doesn't have enough great vocalists.
I'm Team Kev when it comes to TTOE. I also spun it recently, and it just does very little for me. The keyboard solos in-and-of-themselves on disc 1 are great, but in the context of the song, it's like Arjen simply wanted these three magnificent musicians contributing to the song, and sound shoe-horned into the composition. Doesn't help that Wetton and JB do nothing for me vocally, and Scabbia is a poor woman's version of AVG.
Where 01 had too many vocalists, TTOE doesn't have enough great vocalists.
I think Wetton is great for the role he played and I'm really not a fan of AVG, so happy that she's not on that record.
TTOE is my second favorite after The Human Equation.
I'd probably go with this:
01 Into the Electric Castle
02 The Dream Sequencer
03 The Human Equation
04 01011001
05 The Final Experiment
06 Flight of the Migrator
07 The Source
08 Actual Fantasy
09 The Theory of Everything
10 Transitus
If I had to do an Ayreon top 20 songs list, my guess would be that 15 of them would be from my top two albums.
Finished up my Ayreon run-through.
Transitus is not good and pretty much totally forgettable. Yowza.
Dear Ayreonauts, important question! We will shoot a video clip for one of the new Star One tracks on August 24 in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. We need a few people who will be prominently featured in the video. No speaking parts but physical acting and facial expressions. Would you be interested or do you know someone? Please email staronemusicvideocasting@gmail.com and copy me: arjen@arjenlucassen.com. I really hope you can help us, thanks in advance!
Finished up my Ayreon run-through.
Transitus is not good and pretty much totally forgettable. Yowza.
100% agreed on Transitus. Biggest disappointment of the year for me.
The Ayreon Facebook page just posted this:QuoteDear Ayreonauts, important question! We will shoot a video clip for one of the new Star One tracks on August 24 in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania. We need a few people who will be prominently featured in the video. No speaking parts but physical acting and facial expressions. Would you be interested or do you know someone? Please email staronemusicvideocasting@gmail.com and copy me: arjen@arjenlucassen.com. I really hope you can help us, thanks in advance!
-Marc.
And the answer has been revealed!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6eW4Hl9nxqU&feature=youtu.be
-Marc.
Well, so there can't be too many more of the guess the movie games before he starts doing guess the singer games. What's everyone's wishlist for vocalists? For mine I'm focusing on people that could fit and who he hasn't worked with yet or only in a limited capacity.
Wishlist - Charlotte Wessels, Chelsea Wolfe, Christian Alvestam, Daniel Tompkins, Heike Langhans, Judith Rijnveld (particularly since he's already worked with her cellist), Klaus Meine, Lajon Witherspoon, Marjan Welman (her one track on 01011001 doesn't come close to doing her justice), Matt Barlow, Melissa Bonny, Nienke de Jong, Rob Halford, Speed Strid, Tinna Karlsdotter, Tomi Joutsen.
I believe he said there would be 11 "Guess The Movie" games, so it looks like we'll be getting at least 11 songs, and today's Guessing Game was number 8, so we should start seeing Guess The Vocalist games starting on October 7th.
As much as I'd like to see Arjen widen his vocal pool a bit, I have a feeling he will bring in a lot of tried-and-true voices from his albums past, in addition to the voices that have been on Star One before. If he goes the one-vocalist-per-song route, with 11 different vocalists total, I can only see maybe about 2 or 3 new-to-Arjen-projects vocalists, but the rest will likely have made at least one other appearance on another Arjen project/album before.
Well, I hope at least one or more of Floor/Damien/Dan make an appearance. Or maybe Soeterboek or Michael Anderson. I could probably rhyme off a wishlist of a couple dozen, but no sense in just listing off my fave vocalists that haven't been on an album of Arjen's.Dan said last year he fucked up his voice recording the last Witherscape, so unless he recovered in the meanwhile I would be mildly pessimistic about getting him.
Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon) is back with a new Star One album titled Revel In Time. The new album comes more than 10 years since the previous release and is due out on Feb 18th, 2022 on InsideOutMusic.
The album will be available for pre-order on Dec. 17th and it will come as Ltd. 2CD Digipak, Ltd. Deluxe 3CD+Blu-Ray Artbook (incl. a poster of the cover artwork), and as 180g Gatefold 2LP (incl. the album on CD & an LP-Booklet). CD 2 features alternate versions of the same songs as CD 1, but with different vocalists. Also available will be a 5.1 mix, a high-res audio version, and an exclusive, hour-long Behind the Scenes video, on the Blu-ray included in the Artbook.
For this Star One release, Arjen has decided to use a different singer for each song, and those singers as well as the instrumentalists are slowly being revealed on Arjen Lucassen’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ArjenLucassenOfficial
Arjen explains the decision to return with a new Star One album:
“Ayreon is like the mothership for all my music. It contains all the different musical styles that I like to listen to and that I love to create. But I’m always looking for challenges and trying to create something new and original as well. Working within a set of constraints forces you to do that, so sometimes I like to limit myself and focus on just one style. For example, with Star One I focus on the metal-side of Ayreon. That means you won’t hear the exuberantly liberal use of acoustic instruments that are so often featured on Ayreon albums, like violin, woodwinds, cello, horns, dulcimer, mandolin, etc.”
The artwork was designed by Ayreon artist Jef Bertels, Arjen explains:
“As always, Jef’s painting is wondrously labyrinthine; I can sit in front of it for hours and discover new details all the time. Now you might be thinking “Hey, isn’t Jef Bertels the designated artist for Ayreon, but not for Star One?” Of course I thought about that myself. But when I realized how much I liked this album I felt that it deserved a painting of its own and a special place alongside Jef’s other front-cover masterpieces. And anyway, I’ve been breaking rules ever since the very beginning of Ayreon. So… there you have it!”
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/244607157_10159859163465439_3938958359710387853_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_rgb565=1&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8024bb&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=kF3RlZd8r74AX9YrJb9&tn=NxOtTxdiZxPkzHAL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=bd42759e757048e8eb1924d8a68ff7bd&oe=6184BFB2)
Having the same songs on each disk but with different singers is a really cool idea!
Having the same songs on each disk but with different singers is a really cool idea!
Having the same songs on each disk but with different singers is a really cool idea!Hmm interesting idea. :tup
Having the same songs on each disk but with different singers is a really cool idea!
He explains it more here:
https://www.facebook.com/109887886151/posts/10157869816316152/
But yeah, he did the opposite (sort of) with The Gentle Storm, where the song arrangements changed but had the same vocalist between both. I wonder if seeing Transatlantic release two versions of an album also inspired him to do something similar a year after TA's The Absolute Universe? Or perhaps he just couldn't settle on one vocalist per song and decided to have his cake and eat it too? Either way, I can see fans mixing and matching different versions of the songs to make their own preferred album.
-Marc.
I do hope all og Star One singers have a song here. I would not be surprised if Russel is an option again after these years.
I dunno. This is just sounding....like Ayreon. Don't get me wrong, I'm always happy for a new Ayreon album. And even though this is about movies and not the Ayreon story, the music (and everything else) just seems...Ayreon and not very Star One ish at all.
I dunno. This is just sounding....like Ayreon. Don't get me wrong, I'm always happy for a new Ayreon album. And even though this is about movies and not the Ayreon story, the music (and everything else) just seems...Ayreon and not very Star One ish at all.
You know. I wonder how many albums Star One is contracted for?
It sounds more like Ayreon to me and the cover is totally Ayreon. Thus far everything sounds fantastic though and I love the cover. Though I will say I think Universal Migrator and Star One (the first record) seem stylistically close to me. I suppose the main distinction for Arjen is that it is not a rock opera and the lack of folk/classical instrumentation
Star One could very well be Arjens outlet for this more metal and heavier style without any folk flutes and all that stuff that is in Ayreon.
It sounds more like Ayreon to me and the cover is totally Ayreon. Thus far everything sounds fantastic though and I love the cover. Though I will say I think Universal Migrator and Star One (the first record) seem stylistically close to me. I suppose the main distinction for Arjen is that it is not a rock opera and the lack of folk/classical instrumentation
Star One could very well be Arjens outlet for this more metal and heavier style without any folk flutes and all that stuff that is in Ayreon.
You're just figuring this out now!?!? :lol
Finished up my Ayreon run-through.
Transitus is not good and pretty much totally forgettable. Yowza.
100% agreed on Transitus. Biggest disappointment of the year for me.
I think it had the potential to be a good album, but all that spoken stuff between the songs just totally ruined it for me. It's one thing when you have those spoken parts between 6, 7 and 8 and 10 minute tracks (ItEC), but when all the tracks are 2, 3 and 4 minutes long and you put as much as a minute of spoken stuff between EVERY track, I tried listening a few times I could never even make it through the first disc without moving on to something else. I hope he keeps that stuff to a minimum on the new Star One album
As I'm listening, I'm thinking "is that Floor in the background?" :lol
The snippets released so far (musically and vocally) don't really shout out Star One to me. Kinda sounds more like Transitus - the sequel.
Marcela sounded like she was doing a bit of a Floor impression in parts there, which threw me off. Glad to see her getting the spotlight again though. I wish Arjen would release an album with the guide vocals that she and Marjan Welman have done.
I thought the two discs with different vocals was a hypothetical DTF thing but apparently that is actually the case?
QuoteArjen Lucassen (Ayreon) is back with a new Star One album titled Revel In Time. The new album comes more than 10 years since the previous release and is due out on Feb 18th, 2022 on InsideOutMusic.
The album will be available for pre-order on Dec. 17th and it will come as Ltd. 2CD Digipak, Ltd. Deluxe 3CD+Blu-Ray Artbook (incl. a poster of the cover artwork), and as 180g Gatefold 2LP (incl. the album on CD & an LP-Booklet). CD 2 features alternate versions of the same songs as CD 1, but with different vocalists. Also available will be a 5.1 mix, a high-res audio version, and an exclusive, hour-long Behind the Scenes video, on the Blu-ray included in the Artbook.
For this Star One release, Arjen has decided to use a different singer for each song, and those singers as well as the instrumentalists are slowly being revealed on Arjen Lucassen’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ArjenLucassenOfficial
Arjen explains the decision to return with a new Star One album:
“Ayreon is like the mothership for all my music. It contains all the different musical styles that I like to listen to and that I love to create. But I’m always looking for challenges and trying to create something new and original as well. Working within a set of constraints forces you to do that, so sometimes I like to limit myself and focus on just one style. For example, with Star One I focus on the metal-side of Ayreon. That means you won’t hear the exuberantly liberal use of acoustic instruments that are so often featured on Ayreon albums, like violin, woodwinds, cello, horns, dulcimer, mandolin, etc.”
The artwork was designed by Ayreon artist Jef Bertels, Arjen explains:
“As always, Jef’s painting is wondrously labyrinthine; I can sit in front of it for hours and discover new details all the time. Now you might be thinking “Hey, isn’t Jef Bertels the designated artist for Ayreon, but not for Star One?” Of course I thought about that myself. But when I realized how much I liked this album I felt that it deserved a painting of its own and a special place alongside Jef’s other front-cover masterpieces. And anyway, I’ve been breaking rules ever since the very beginning of Ayreon. So… there you have it!”
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/244607157_10159859163465439_3938958359710387853_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_rgb565=1&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8024bb&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=kF3RlZd8r74AX9YrJb9&tn=NxOtTxdiZxPkzHAL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=bd42759e757048e8eb1924d8a68ff7bd&oe=6184BFB2)
Totally ordering the artbook!
-Marc.
I thought the two discs with different vocals was a hypothetical DTF thing but apparently that is actually the case?
Nope, it was in the initial press release from a few weeks ago.QuoteArjen Lucassen (Ayreon) is back with a new Star One album titled Revel In Time. The new album comes more than 10 years since the previous release and is due out on Feb 18th, 2022 on InsideOutMusic.
The album will be available for pre-order on Dec. 17th and it will come as Ltd. 2CD Digipak, Ltd. Deluxe 3CD+Blu-Ray Artbook (incl. a poster of the cover artwork), and as 180g Gatefold 2LP (incl. the album on CD & an LP-Booklet). CD 2 features alternate versions of the same songs as CD 1, but with different vocalists. Also available will be a 5.1 mix, a high-res audio version, and an exclusive, hour-long Behind the Scenes video, on the Blu-ray included in the Artbook.
For this Star One release, Arjen has decided to use a different singer for each song, and those singers as well as the instrumentalists are slowly being revealed on Arjen Lucassen’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ArjenLucassenOfficial
Arjen explains the decision to return with a new Star One album:
“Ayreon is like the mothership for all my music. It contains all the different musical styles that I like to listen to and that I love to create. But I’m always looking for challenges and trying to create something new and original as well. Working within a set of constraints forces you to do that, so sometimes I like to limit myself and focus on just one style. For example, with Star One I focus on the metal-side of Ayreon. That means you won’t hear the exuberantly liberal use of acoustic instruments that are so often featured on Ayreon albums, like violin, woodwinds, cello, horns, dulcimer, mandolin, etc.”
The artwork was designed by Ayreon artist Jef Bertels, Arjen explains:
“As always, Jef’s painting is wondrously labyrinthine; I can sit in front of it for hours and discover new details all the time. Now you might be thinking “Hey, isn’t Jef Bertels the designated artist for Ayreon, but not for Star One?” Of course I thought about that myself. But when I realized how much I liked this album I felt that it deserved a painting of its own and a special place alongside Jef’s other front-cover masterpieces. And anyway, I’ve been breaking rules ever since the very beginning of Ayreon. So… there you have it!”
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/244607157_10159859163465439_3938958359710387853_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_rgb565=1&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8024bb&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=kF3RlZd8r74AX9YrJb9&tn=NxOtTxdiZxPkzHAL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=bd42759e757048e8eb1924d8a68ff7bd&oe=6184BFB2)
Totally ordering the artbook!
-Marc.
As for the new song, I didn't dislike it, but it was very mellow compared to what I think of when I think of Star One, especially as the album closer. I wonder who sings on the alternate version!
-Marc.
As for the new song, I didn't dislike it, but it was very mellow compared to what I think of when I think of Star One, especially as the album closer.
Decent Ayreon song. Really dug parts of it.
Let me know when he releases a Star One song.
Decent Ayreon song. Really dug parts of it.
Let me know when he releases a Star One song.
VT: And as hard as it is to believe, it’s already the 10th anniversary of the second Star One album Victims Of The Modern Age.
AL: I know! Funny you should mention it. As you know, every album I do is a reaction to the previous one, so since Transitus is not a metal album, I’d love to do a metal album now. So I’m thinking of doing a ‘Star Three’. But I don’t want to repeat myself, so last week I took a really long walk and with headphones I listened to both Star One albums. And again, it’s weird for me because the first album sold like crazy, it’s way more popular than Victims Of The Modern Age, which is one of my lesser sellers. But when I heard it, I thought ‘Oh my god, it sounds so good, and so huge!’ And it sounds stupid to say about myself, but the songs are kind of intelligent, you know? And then you listen to the first Star One album and it’s basically simple songs (laughs and sings ‘Intergalactic space crusaders…’) But it’s way more catchy, the first album. It has standout tracks like Set Your Controls and Songs Of The Ocean and The Eye Of Ra. The second album for some reason doesn’t have that. It’s kind of all on the same level for me. That’s probably why I didn’t play one of them on Ayreon Universe, but I think that album is so incredibly strong. The riffs, the sound, and of course the singers sound so good.
I agree with Arjen in saying that the second Star One album wasn't nearly appreciated enough, but I wish he would have helped correct that by giving it some love at one of the Ayreon shows. And while those two albums are different to a degree, they do have a common thread for sure, and I agree with those here who say this is a nice Ayreon song to release. Will be interesting to see if this ends up veering more strongly back to the Star One direction.
Marcela sounded like she was doing a bit of a Floor impression in parts there, which threw me off. Glad to see her getting the spotlight again though. I wish Arjen would release an album with the guide vocals that she and Marjan Welman have done.
Transitus had the guide vocals as a bonus disc in the earbook. Hopefully future (re)releases will do the same, I think it is a nice bonus feature.
Decent Ayreon song. Really dug parts of it.
Let me know when he releases a Star One song.
I agree with Arjen in saying that the second Star One album wasn't nearly appreciated enough, but I wish he would have helped correct that by giving it some love at one of the Ayreon shows. And while those two albums are different to a degree, they do have a common thread for sure, and I agree with those here who say this is a nice Ayreon song to release. Will be interesting to see if this ends up veering more strongly back to the Star One direction.
I enjoyed Victims of a Modern Age, but not as much as the first one. Human See, Human Do, Earth that Was, Digital Rain and Cassandra Complex are the standouts i think, but i haven't listened to that album in years. It was strange he didn't play anything from that at the Universe show, i think a couple of those songs would have fit right in.
I'm relatively new to the Ayreon/Star One universe (thanks Chad!), so for the longer fans on the block, is there really a distinction? Do you say "Wow, I love the Ayreon, but not loving the Star One" or vice versa? I kind of dig both, though I view the Star One as a little more niche because of the very specific movie connections, but still. It's like Neal Morse for me. It's his solo stuff versus, say, Transatlantic, but I'd be hard pressed to understand why someone would love one and not the other, given the similarities (though I suppose it's possible).
I'm relatively new to the Ayreon/Star One universe (thanks Chad!), so for the longer fans on the block, is there really a distinction? Do you say "Wow, I love the Ayreon, but not loving the Star One" or vice versa? I kind of dig both, though I view the Star One as a little more niche because of the very specific movie connections, but still. It's like Neal Morse for me. It's his solo stuff versus, say, Transatlantic, but I'd be hard pressed to understand why someone would love one and not the other, given the similarities (though I suppose it's possible).
I prefer Star One to Ayreon. It's heavier and I like that the first two albums had the same lineup and were all songs about science fiction movies. The live album and DVD from the Star One tour is awesome.
Ayreon really doesn't do it for me, except for the one heavy Migrator album and a song or two from some albums. I'm not much for the folky, spacey, less-heavy music from Arjen.
I'm relatively new to the Ayreon/Star One universe (thanks Chad!), so for the longer fans on the block, is there really a distinction? Do you say "Wow, I love the Ayreon, but not loving the Star One" or vice versa? I kind of dig both, though I view the Star One as a little more niche because of the very specific movie connections, but still. It's like Neal Morse for me. It's his solo stuff versus, say, Transatlantic, but I'd be hard pressed to understand why someone would love one and not the other, given the similarities (though I suppose it's possible).
It's like Neal Morse for me. It's his solo stuff versus, say, Transatlantic, but I'd be hard pressed to understand why someone would love one and not the other, given the similarities (though I suppose it's possible).
I think the additional distinction is that Star One is all metal, with no (little?) musical or instrument (the physical devices and sounds) experimentation. With Ayreon, he'll lots of different kinds of synth patches, use orchestral instruments, and then kick it up a notch with the use of pipes and didgeridoo.
It's like Neal Morse for me. It's his solo stuff versus, say, Transatlantic, but I'd be hard pressed to understand why someone would love one and not the other, given the similarities (though I suppose it's possible).
Well I'm one of those, imo NM is great most of the time while Transatlantic is just solid most of the time.
And what Adami said. All of Lucassens projects sound similar, because he's the main writer and instrumentalist, but all sound also a little different. And if the new one sounds more like Ayreon, that's not necessarily bad, but then don't go and call it Star One.
I think the distinction lies with the lyrical content rather than the musical content.
I think the distinction lies with the lyrical content rather than the musical content.
Nah, he's said in interviews when Space Metal came out that Star One was his vehicle for metal-oriented songs. He wanted a separate project to write heavier music and created Star One.
I'm relatively new to the Ayreon/Star One universe (thanks Chad!), so for the longer fans on the block, is there really a distinction? Do you say "Wow, I love the Ayreon, but not loving the Star One" or vice versa? I kind of dig both, though I view the Star One as a little more niche because of the very specific movie connections, but still. It's like Neal Morse for me. It's his solo stuff versus, say, Transatlantic, but I'd be hard pressed to understand why someone would love one and not the other, given the similarities (though I suppose it's possible).
For me it’s not that I don’t like one and like the other. I love both but I see them as different things for different needs. The man IS Star One and Ayreon so if he writes an Ayreon album, call it Ayreon. I expect something different from Star One and get a little bummed when it’s really not different than Ayreon other than the topic of lyrics. Not saying this album will be that, but as of yet I’ve only heard one riff that had a real Star One sound.
It’s like DT and LTE. Different sounds despite some overlap since it’s the same writers. But if they announced LTE4 and it was MM instead of MP and JM instead of Tony and they added James….then just call it Dream Theater.
I get that it's a bit different because it's all the same guy, but since you brought up that example... I don't expect every Dream Theater album to sound like Images and Words. And if they release The Astonishing when I'm expecting Images and Words, I consider that a me problem, not a them problem.
I kind of agree with that, but my understanding is that he and Russ had a bit of a falling out, and Dan is probably declining extensive guest vocal appearances with the current condition of his voice. So Arjen wanted to do something heavier after the last Ayreon album, and keeping the format from the first two wasn't an option, so it's either change things up or start a new project entirely. He's probably also been sitting on the idea for a thematic album about time-manipulation movies for awhile now, so it just made more sense to him to go with the former. Not every project has the strictly cohesive structure anyway, from a modern perspective it seems like Ayreon is his go-to vehicle for large ensemble casts on each track, but then of course if you go back, the first few albums are also singer per song, with the exception of ITEC. THE is where the structure becomes consistent.
I get that it's a bit different because it's all the same guy, but since you brought up that example... I don't expect every Dream Theater album to sound like Images and Words. And if they release The Astonishing when I'm expecting Images and Words, I consider that a me problem, not a them problem.
No, but if you pickup LTE3, and it sounds like the instrumental version of AVFTTOW, that's a JP/JR thing.I kind of agree with that, but my understanding is that he and Russ had a bit of a falling out, and Dan is probably declining extensive guest vocal appearances with the current condition of his voice. So Arjen wanted to do something heavier after the last Ayreon album, and keeping the format from the first two wasn't an option, so it's either change things up or start a new project entirely. He's probably also been sitting on the idea for a thematic album about time-manipulation movies for awhile now, so it just made more sense to him to go with the former. Not every project has the strictly cohesive structure anyway, from a modern perspective it seems like Ayreon is his go-to vehicle for large ensemble casts on each track, but then of course if you go back, the first few albums are also singer per song, with the exception of ITEC. THE is where the structure becomes consistent.
I'm with you on this. I think the 'falling out with Russ' is the biggest issue. If Arjen really wanted to be true to "Star One", he could've sub'd in Soeterbrock for Swano. I think bolded part is the biggest driver of calling this Star One. It's thematic, and movie/TV based - I suspect THAT makes is Star One as far as Arjen is concerned. Vocally and musically, I'm not hearing much that resembles the first two Star One albums.
I don't know how anyone could hear Mike Mills in that to be honest. I don't immediately recognise this voice. Sounds great though.
I agree... the Live on Earth versions of the Space Metal tunes are generally far better than the studio ones. I just wish they'd done Master of Darkness live.
Decent Ayreon song. Really dug parts of it.this is imho a pretty meh song even for the Ayreon... and I LOVE Ayreon usually.
Let me know when he releases a Star One song.
I don't know how anyone could hear Mike Mills in that to be honest. I don't immediately recognise this voice. Sounds great though.
Yea he's so right about VOTMA sounding so good, sonically it's a beefcake! :metalQuoteVT: And as hard as it is to believe, it’s already the 10th anniversary of the second Star One album Victims Of The Modern Age.
AL: I know! Funny you should mention it. As you know, every album I do is a reaction to the previous one, so since Transitus is not a metal album, I’d love to do a metal album now. So I’m thinking of doing a ‘Star Three’. But I don’t want to repeat myself, so last week I took a really long walk and with headphones I listened to both Star One albums. And again, it’s weird for me because the first album sold like crazy, it’s way more popular than Victims Of The Modern Age, which is one of my lesser sellers. But when I heard it, I thought ‘Oh my god, it sounds so good, and so huge!’ And it sounds stupid to say about myself, but the songs are kind of intelligent, you know? And then you listen to the first Star One album and it’s basically simple songs (laughs and sings ‘Intergalactic space crusaders…’) But it’s way more catchy, the first album. It has standout tracks like Set Your Controls and Songs Of The Ocean and The Eye Of Ra. The second album for some reason doesn’t have that. It’s kind of all on the same level for me. That’s probably why I didn’t play one of them on Ayreon Universe, but I think that album is so incredibly strong. The riffs, the sound, and of course the singers sound so good.
Stareon! :omg:
But then this makes me think about the Ayreon similarities and what if Arjen is slowly going to just combine these two elements into one awesome Ayreon album mixing both styles, in which he regrets splitting them up on The Universal Migrator. :biggrin:
A spaceship crew exploring the vast galaxies of space (They even had matching outfits for the shows. :lol ).
As a general proposition, I subscribe to the theory that the art is what the artist says it is. If Arjen says this is "Star One", or if Petrooch says "this is what DT is today" then that's what it is. The art is THEIR expression, not mine, and is subject to whatever lenses, biases, motivations, interpretations that the artist puts to it.
As a general proposition, I subscribe to the theory that the art is what the artist says it is. If Arjen says this is "Star One", or if Petrooch says "this is what DT is today" then that's what it is. The art is THEIR expression, not mine, and is subject to whatever lenses, biases, motivations, interpretations that the artist puts to it.
As a general proposition, I subscribe to the theory that the art is what the artist says it is. If Arjen says this is "Star One", or if Petrooch says "this is what DT is today" then that's what it is. The art is THEIR expression, not mine, and is subject to whatever lenses, biases, motivations, interpretations that the artist puts to it.
I hear what you're saying, I just think it's wrong. :D ;)
I kid... I don't really think this statement is entirely wrong. I think art a blend of both the artist's intentions, and the viewer/listener's interpretation. Like how some people think Die Hard is a Christmas movie - and even though Director John McTiernan says it *became* a Christmas movie, most of us know that it is *not* a Christmas movie.
So, I think in one sense you're right, but you're not entirely right (imo).
As a general proposition, I subscribe to the theory that the art is what the artist says it is. If Arjen says this is "Star One", or if Petrooch says "this is what DT is today" then that's what it is. The art is THEIR expression, not mine, and is subject to whatever lenses, biases, motivations, interpretations that the artist puts to it.
I hear what you're saying, I just think it's wrong. :D ;)
I kid... I don't really think this statement is entirely wrong. I think art a blend of both the artist's intentions, and the viewer/listener's interpretation. Like how some people think Die Hard is a Christmas movie - and even though Director John McTiernan says it *became* a Christmas movie, most of us know that it is *not* a Christmas movie.
So, I think in one sense you're right, but you're not entirely right (imo).
I think it makes a difference whether it's a proper name, like "Star One," or a category, like "Christmas movie."
Like, if Arjen claimed this album was baroque chamber music, I don't think I should give any credence to that just because he's the artist. I can just listen to it and tell that it's blatantly not baroque chamber music. But if he claims it's Star One, he's really saying that it's part of his project that he calls Star One, and there I think I have to take him at his word. I think I have to take him at his word even if he does release an album of baroque chamber music and says it's Star One.
Per Adami's post, as for what you say it *sounds like*, I think, yeah, that's another situation where it's up to your judgment, not the artist's. But in a case where an artist changes musical style and then makes several albums in that new style, sticking to that initial judgment might become questionable. Like, when Opeth went from death metal to prog rock, a lot of people said that the new album doesn't sound like Opeth, which had a lot of plausibility because it really didn't sound at all like most of their other albums. But now that they've released four albums in that new style, I don't think it would be so credible to say that their fifth "doesn't sound like Opeth," because... well, what do you mean? It sounds like these other four Opeth albums!
Knowing how big a Star Trek fan Arjen is. I am just laughing at myself because I am comparing the reactions of this Star One album, similar to Star Trek fans with regards to the original Star Trek crew and the Star Trek: The Next Generation crew. I see this album as Arjen making a Next Generation of the Star One crew.
I view Star One as a musical Star Trek. A spaceship crew exploring the vast galaxies of space (They even had matching outfits for the shows. :lol )What is one to do when one of the crew has a falling out, and one is uncapable of performing their duties. You find a new crew to work the ship.
Knowing how big a Star Trek fan Arjen is. I am just laughing at myself because I am comparing the reactions of this Star One album, similar to Star Trek fans with regards to the original Star Trek crew and the Star Trek: The Next Generation crew. I see this album as Arjen making a Next Generation of the Star One crew.
I view Star One as a musical Star Trek. A spaceship crew exploring the vast galaxies of space (They even had matching outfits for the shows. :lol )What is one to do when one of the crew has a falling out, and one is uncapable of performing their duties. You find a new crew to work the ship.
So...I decided to message Arjen this on Facebook on his Ayreon page. How I view Star One as a spaceship crew exploring the galaxies of space and how it's like making a new Star Trek crew akin to The Next Generation.
He laughed and said, "great analogy, Ben. Engage! :smiley:
Sometimes it pays to just ask a question to the artist anyways. Arjen is so nice to respond.
I love the new track! More concise, straightforward metal track, but it flows really well and I like Romeo's solo. Britney sounds really good, I need to check out more from Unleash The Archers one day.
I love the new track! More concise, straightforward metal track, but it flows really well and I like Romeo's solo. Britney sounds really good, I need to check out more from Unleash The Archers one day.
Song reminded me of Run Apocalypse Run
I love the new track! More concise, straightforward metal track, but it flows really well and I like Romeo's solo. Britney sounds really good, I need to check out more from Unleash The Archers one day.
Please do so, their last album Abyss was (if I recall) my 2nd favorite album of 2020 and upon more review, I think I'd rate it #1 now. Britney is a really good singer and the music is very good on the newest album. Great metal IMO and they performed live a couple months ago, blew me away with how good she was in person.
Now I need to check this song out.
Song reminded me of Run Apocalypse Run
THIS! Listened to this new song once and had Run Apocalypse Run stuck in my head for hours :lol
I love the new track! More concise, straightforward metal track, but it flows really well and I like Romeo's solo. Britney sounds really good, I need to check out more from Unleash The Archers one day.
Please do so, their last album Abyss was (if I recall) my 2nd favorite album of 2020 and upon more review, I think I'd rate it #1 now. Britney is a really good singer and the music is very good on the newest album. Great metal IMO and they performed live a couple months ago, blew me away with how good she was in person.
Oh dear lord... Ross Jennings is singing on this??
:youfail:
Oh dear lord... Ross Jennings is singing on this??
:youfail:
Remember when Star One was just 4 singers?
Remember when Star One was just 4 singers?
We'll see how it goes but I'm still not keen on the idea of different singers for each song, and it seems that there are also a lot of guest solo spots for several songs.
I just hope this isn't too much of "look who's on my record".
We'll see how it goes but I'm still not keen on the idea of different singers for each song, and it seems that there are also a lot of guest solo spots for several songs.
I just hope this isn't too much of "look who's on my record".
If you don't like the premise or just want the og Star One lineup, I am afraid this is not the record for you.
If you don't like the premise or just want the og Star One lineup, I am afraid this is not the record for you.
Yeah, I fear this will be the case. I hope he proves me wrong, but right now, I'm not feeling it.
And yeah, I know it's his trademark to work with multiple singers, obviously, but this is shaping up to be the biggest cast yet, and it seems there's also a guest soloist for most of the songs. Right now my gut feeling is, that it's too much. But that's probably me.
I do assume each song will have a soloist that is on both versions.
I do assume each song will have a soloist that is on both versions.
The alternate soloist on disc 2 for Steve Vai's 3-minute solo will be Fred Durst.
Well... so much for pre-ordering. €35 for shipping to Canada - just for the Artwork/Blu-Ray bundle (cuz I sure as hell don't need a €30 T-shirt, or €50 hoodie)!!!
F that. >:(
Thanks. I just might wait until it drops, and see if Amazon.ca has it in stock.
Thanks. I just might wait until it drops, and see if Amazon.ca has it in stock.
The artbook is limited, the link has this line: "This is a Century Media Exclusive item limited to 100 units!"
But maybe that is for the US and not Canada ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
LaserCD has artbook for pre-order
https://www.lasercd.com/cd/revel-time-3cdblu-ray-art-book-preorder
Well, so now this makes it really conspicuous that we have all of the original lineup except for Russ. I don't know if it would have been stranger to just do the album with the original three and someone like John Jaycee Cuijpers as the Allen replacement. And I suppose it's unclear how much Dan's voice has recovered, perhaps he could commit to a single track, but a full album of parts might have been more than he thought his voice could handle. I guess this leaves open the possibility he still has another Witherscape or Nightingale in him down the road.
Dear friends, we got quite a bit of complaints about the international shipping costs yesterday. And I agree! So we asked M&E to offer you cheaper options to ship your product. People who already ordered internationally can of course change their method of shipping and get a refund, please contact M&E for this. So sorry for the inconvenience, I really hope this helps! Thanks as always for your patience and support :-)
You can preorder here: https://www.merchandise.nu/en/collections/star-one
John Jaycee Cuijpers and Russell Allen? That is interesting.
I just went back through the Ayreon facebook page and compiled the list of guests he's revealed so far. I believe he's done with vocalists and keyboardists, but there might be a couple more instrumental guests left to reveal, but here's what he's revealed so far (in reverse order with the latest first):
Guest Vocalists:
Russell Allen (Symphony X) (NOT confirmed but most likely)
John Jaycee Cuijpers
Wilmer Waarbroek (Ayreon)
Brandon Yeagley (Crobot)
Damian Wilson
Dan Swano
Michael Mills (Toehider)
Ross Jennings (Haken)
Will Shaw (Heir Apparent)
Jeff Scott Soto (Sons Of Apollo/Malmsteen/Journey)
Allesandro Del Vecchio
Mike Andersson (Tungsten)
Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow/Deep Purple)
Brittney Slayes (Unleash The Archers)
Marcela Bovio
Tony Martin (Black Sabbath)
Irene Jansen
Roy Khan
Floor Jansen
Guest Instrumentalists:
Jens Johansson (Keyboard, Rainbow/Yngwie/Stratovarius)
Arjen Lucassen (Guitar, some random stuff)
Joost van den Broek (Keyboard, Ayreon)
Joel Hoekstra (Guitar, Whitesnake/Cher/TSO)
Marcel Singor (Guitar, Kayak)
Allesandro Del Vecchio (Keyboard)
Adrian Vandenberg (Guitar, Whitesnake)
Ron Bumblefoot Thal (Guitar, Sons Of Apollo, Guns N' Roses)
Lisa Bella Donna (Moog Synthesizers)
Michael Romeo (Guitar, Symphony X)
Timo Somers (Guitar, ex-Delain)
Steve Vai (Guitar)
A WHOOPING nineteen guest vocalists, over the course of 11 songs (well, 22 since there are two versions of each song). This is definitely a star-studded album, but I'm hoping it'll stand up on its own and be a strong one. I've only listened to the first single, so I'm probably gonna leave the rest of it as a surprise until I get my artbook in.
-Marc.
So there's a new Ayreon coming? Do we know when?
Also, I went to the Star One march store and it looks like the 2CD version is sold out; I'm assuming that's just the signed pre-order version, and I'll be able to buy the "standard" (that is, unsigned) version after release?
Guest Vocalists:
Arjen Lucassen (Who?)
Russell Allen (Symphony X)
John Jaycee Cuijpers
Wilmer Waarbroek (Ayreon)
Brandon Yeagley (Crobot)
Damian Wilson
Dan Swano
Michael Mills (Toehider)
Ross Jennings (Haken)
Will Shaw (Heir Apparent)
Jeff Scott Soto (Sons Of Apollo/Malmsteen/Journey)
Allesandro Del Vecchio
Mike Andersson (Tungsten)
Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow/Deep Purple)
Brittney Slayes (Unleash The Archers)
Marcela Bovio
Tony Martin (Black Sabbath)
Irene Jansen
Roy Khan
Floor Jansen
Guest Instrumentalists:
Jens Johansson (Keyboard, Rainbow/Yngwie/Stratovarius)
Arjen Lucassen (Guitar, some random stuff)
Joost van den Broek (Keyboard, Ayreon)
Joel Hoekstra (Guitar, Whitesnake/Cher/TSO)
Marcel Singor (Guitar, Kayak)
Allesandro Del Vecchio (Keyboard)
Adrian Vandenberg (Guitar, Whitesnake)
Ron Bumblefoot Thal (Guitar, Sons Of Apollo, Guns N' Roses)
Lisa Bella Donna (Moog Synthesizers)
Michael Romeo (Guitar, Symphony X)
Timo Somers (Guitar, ex-Delain)
Steve Vai (Guitar)
I was browsing "album preorders" on Target and saw a listing for a 2022 reissue of Space Metal for March 11? Anything special about that?
https://www.target.com/p/arjen-anthony-lucass-space-metal-re-issue-2022-cd/-/A-85638678#lnk=sametab
I was browsing "album preorders" on Target and saw a listing for a 2022 reissue of Space Metal for March 11? Anything special about that?
https://www.target.com/p/arjen-anthony-lucass-space-metal-re-issue-2022-cd/-/A-85638678#lnk=sametab
Re-issues of the first two Star One albums were announced and up for preorder when the preorders for Revel In Time were put up last year.
https://www.merchandise.nu/en/collections/star-one
-Marc.
Wow... that's a lot of JJC. Not that there's anything wrong with that!
New clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fHN4Qceip4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fHN4Qceip4)
I like it, seems this album will be varied and is going to be right up my alley.
I think it's a better album than Transitus, but doesn't come close to the other Star One's imo
The Jeff Scott Soto song is great. I love the one with Brittney Slayes too.
Very little of this album musically sounds like Star One, maybe two songs out of 11.. There is a lack of big, heavy riffs and faster tempos, which is make the band what it is to me. Most of the record is just Ayreon's music with lyrics about Sci fi films.
I get why people are disappointed it is not a discontinuation of the previous album. But for me this is significantly better, so I am very happy with the record.The Jeff Scott Soto song is great. I love the one with Brittney Slayes too.
Very little of this album musically sounds like Star One, maybe two songs out of 11.. There is a lack of big, heavy riffs and faster tempos, which is make the band what it is to me. Most of the record is just Ayreon's music with lyrics about Sci fi films.
While the album is much closer to Ayreon, I do think almost every song ventures into the riffing at least I associate with Star One. Almost every Ayreon album has much more mellow moments/songs in it. But the overall direction of the songs is often different than previous Star One. Take the title song, it has the riffs that sound Star One to me, but overall sounds much more like a catchy rock song.
As for the speed, there is perhaps a difference there but I do not consider the original Star One album fast. Victims of the Modern Age is heavier and faster in general though.
It's listed on the CD case. Here it is:
CD 1:
1. Fate of Man – Vocals: Brittney Slayes; Guitar solo: Michael Romeo
2. 28 Days (Till the End of Time) – Vocals: Russell Allen; Guitar solos: Timo Somers
3. Prescient – Vocals: Michael Mills and Ross Jennings
4. Back from the Past – Vocals: Jeff Scott Soto; Guitar solo: Ron Bumblefoot Thal
5. Revel in Time – Vocals: Brandon Yeagley; Guitar solos: Adrian Vandenberg
6. The Year of '41 – Vocals: Joe Lynn Turner; Vocalization: Will Shaw; Guitar solo: Joel Hoekstra; Synth solo: Jens Johansson
7. Bridge of Life – Vocals: Damian Wilson
8. Today is Yesterday – Vocals: Dan Swanö; Moog: Lisa Bella Donna; Guitar solo: Marcel Singer
9. A Hand on the Clock – Vocals: Floor Jansen; Hammond solo: Joost van den Broek
10. Beyond the Edge of it All – Vocals: John Jaycee Cuijpers; Guitar solo: Arjen
11. Lost Children of the Universe – Vocals: Roy Khan; Choir: Hellscore Choir; Guitar solo: Steve Vai
CD 2:
1. Fate of Man – Vocals: Marcela Bovio
2. 28 Days (Till the End of Time) – Vocals: John Jaycee Cuijpers
3. Prescient – Vocals: Will Shaw
4. Back from the Past – Vocals: John Jaycee Cuijpers
5. Revel in Time – Vocals: John Jaycee Cuijpers
6. The Year of '41 – Vocals and synth solo: Alessandro Del Vecchio
7. Bridge of Life – Vocals: Wilmer Waarbroek
8. Today is Yesterday – Vocals: Arjen
9. A Hand on the Clock – Vocals: Marcela Bovio and Irene Jansen (so, interestingly, we hear Irene and Floor sing the same song)
10. Beyond the Edge of it All – Vocals: Mike Andersson
11. Lost Children of the Universe – Vocals: Tony Martin
The first few tracks definitely sound like Star One before it goes full Ayreon.
The first few tracks definitely sound like Star One before it goes full Ayreon.
What to you is "full Ayreon"? We probably conceptualize what Ayreon is quite differently. It never has the interaction of numerous vocalists or the folk instrumentation, which I consider key requirements (at least for the past couple decades + ITEC).
The first few tracks definitely sound like Star One before it goes full Ayreon.
What to you is "full Ayreon"? We probably conceptualize what Ayreon is quite differently. It never has the interaction of numerous vocalists or the folk instrumentation, which I consider key requirements (at least for the past couple decades + ITEC).
A few listens in and I'm enjoying the new one quite a lot. I don't think it has quite the charm and richness of vocal melodies/harmonies as Space Metal, but I'm definitely liking it more than Victims which was decent but a bit lacking in good hooks.
I'd also like to add that Jaycee is one hell of a vocalist :metal
Thank you all so much for your kind birthday wishes, much appreciated! 62 years, damn…
Anyway, I’m busy remixing the Universal Migrator albums right now (for a re-release in September) and it’s sounding so much better than the original! I’m also hatching a cunning plan for a new band: ‘Arjen Lucassen Federation’. More soon!
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/277728436_5189511317772641_6816625511080628221_n.jpg?stp=cp0_dst-jpg_e15_fr_q65&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8024bb&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=L60LdvFpFdYAX9uCvCc&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AT-gPAtDaZGwVNq_gdV9Qx5GHIQhq6uXINEgOq6d6k_sXQ&oe=62501B6E)
I enjoy it. I also like how Arjen intends his projects to be a certain way, but as they progress, they have a life of their own and end up becoming not what he had intended. I just like how he lets them become what they want to be, rather than forcing something that isn't.
I do think it would've been better to just get both vocalists from both discs to sing on the song together, like how he did with Roy Kahn and Tony Martin in that music video, which is the only way we get to hear both singers in one song.
I enjoy it. I also like how Arjen intends his projects to be a certain way, but as they progress, they have a life of their own and end up becoming not what he had intended. I just like how he lets them become what they want to be, rather than forcing something that isn't.
I do think it would've been better to just get both vocalists from both discs to sing on the song together, like how he did with Roy Kahn and Tony Martin in that music video, which is the only way we get to hear both singers in one song.
Isn't that what art is? Following your muse?
There's a certain je ne sais quoi missing about this, and I think it's because it's more Ayreon-ish in terms of the vocals strategy.
Ordered the 6-disc earbook. For one reason or another I never got the 20th Anniversary release of ITEC, so I'm not gonna miss out on this one. I've always enjoyed these albums so I'm looking forward to hearing how this updated version compares! Arjen seems very enthusiastic about it!
-Marc.
Ordered the 6-disc earbook. For one reason or another I never got the 20th Anniversary release of ITEC, so I'm not gonna miss out on this one. I've always enjoyed these albums so I'm looking forward to hearing how this updated version compares! Arjen seems very enthusiastic about it!
-Marc.
The earbook of that is still in stock on an older merch page for original MSRP in case you still want it https://www.merchandise.nu/collections/ayreon (https://www.merchandise.nu/collections/ayreon)
(I actually ordered it there when I stumbled upon his own merch page while seeking for Star One)
Ordered the 6-disc earbook. For one reason or another I never got the 20th Anniversary release of ITEC, so I'm not gonna miss out on this one. I've always enjoyed these albums so I'm looking forward to hearing how this updated version compares! Arjen seems very enthusiastic about it!
-Marc.
The earbook of that is still in stock on an older merch page for original MSRP in case you still want it https://www.merchandise.nu/collections/ayreon (https://www.merchandise.nu/collections/ayreon)
(I actually ordered it there when I stumbled upon his own merch page while seeking for Star One)
Whoa, thanks for the heads up! $77 after taxes and shipping, which isn't bad, especially for getting it brand new!
-Marc.
Just realized it'll be the 15th anniversary of 01011001 is next January, so it'll be a good time to perform the album next year!
Also, other than Arjen, do you think he'll be able to get the other 16 vocalists for the shows? It's a big cast, so I'll be interested to see if he'll get (m)any of them back.
I guess this means we won't see any new studio material from Arjen next year since he'll probably be too busy organizing and rehearsing for the 01 shows next fall.
-Marc.
01011001 is one of - if not THE - favorite Ayreon album . . . .
Does this mean we'll get full versions of the songs from Ayreon Universe. Age of Shadows including We Are Forever, and the full versions of Comatose and Waking Dreams.
Just realized it'll be the 15th anniversary of 01011001 is next January, so it'll be a good time to perform the album next year!
Also, other than Arjen, do you think he'll be able to get the other 16 vocalists for the shows? It's a big cast, so I'll be interested to see if he'll get (m)any of them back.
I guess this means we won't see any new studio material from Arjen next year since he'll probably be too busy organizing and rehearsing for the 01 shows next fall.
-Marc.
No way he gets Daniel Gildenlow or Jorn Lande. Not sure about the rest. A lot of them seem likely.
Just realized it'll be the 15th anniversary of 01011001 is next January, so it'll be a good time to perform the album next year!
Also, other than Arjen, do you think he'll be able to get the other 16 vocalists for the shows? It's a big cast, so I'll be interested to see if he'll get (m)any of them back.
I guess this means we won't see any new studio material from Arjen next year since he'll probably be too busy organizing and rehearsing for the 01 shows next fall.
-Marc.
No way he gets Daniel Gildenlow or Jorn Lande. Not sure about the rest. A lot of them seem likely.
Daniel Gildenlow I understand, but why not Jorn Lande? He seems to regularly guest and collaborate on things.
Just realized it'll be the 15th anniversary of 01011001 is next January, so it'll be a good time to perform the album next year!
Also, other than Arjen, do you think he'll be able to get the other 16 vocalists for the shows? It's a big cast, so I'll be interested to see if he'll get (m)any of them back.
I guess this means we won't see any new studio material from Arjen next year since he'll probably be too busy organizing and rehearsing for the 01 shows next fall.
-Marc.
No way he gets Daniel Gildenlow or Jorn Lande. Not sure about the rest. A lot of them seem likely.
Daniel Gildenlow I understand, but why not Jorn Lande? He seems to regularly guest and collaborate on things.
I just assume since he didn't come to the first Ayreon show where he had a number of songs I believe.
I guess it's possible, but I also think his ego's so big that being part of a large ensemble on stage might feel beneath him.
01011001 is one of - if not THE - favorite Ayreon album (and I'm a big fan). I don't know how I do it, but I'd love to see that show.
Bummer that he obviously doesn't want to the Migrator albums in full, as those combined is way better than 1001100011110001111111, but it is what it is. I like the album quite a bit, but not sure it's "I am ready to fly to the Netherlands" good.
Bummer that he obviously doesn't want to the Migrator albums in full, as those combined is way better than 1001100011110001111111, but it is what it is. I like the album quite a bit, but not sure it's "I am ready to fly to the Netherlands" good.
For better or worse Arjen is very connected to his fans and really knows how they gauge his work. He's spoken many times on how the Migrator albums were relative flops, and so I doubt he'll ever do those until a lot of other options are pursued. Sucky as this is for you in this situation, it also keeps him from, let's say, performing the most recent Ayreon album in full.
If the assumption of 01 in full is correct, I wonder what is done with any remaining concert time. I really hope a small set of Star One material, focusing on the new album and the criminally neglected second Star One album through the first two live shows.
Bob Catley
Tom S. Englund
Anneke van Giersbergen
Daniel Gildenlöw
Floor Jansen
Hansi Kürsch
Jørn Lande
Steve Lee
Magali Luyten
Jonas Renkse
Liselotte Hegt
Simone Simons
Ty Tabor
Marjan Welman
Wudstik
Phideaux Xavier
Otherwise, I don't see him doing what he did at the ITEC shows and do "one song per side project" like he did in that last set, covering Gentle Storm, Ambeon, Stream Of Passion, and Guilt Machine.
-Marc.
Otherwise, I don't see him doing what he did at the ITEC shows and do "one song per side project" like he did in that last set, covering Gentle Storm, Ambeon, Stream Of Passion, and Guilt Machine.
-Marc.
There was also a Star One song, an Arjen Lucassen solo song plus he let Fish do Kayleigh.
Frickin awesome concert that was....
The biggest surprise was when they rolled in the White Grandd Piano and Robbie Valentine entered....
Bummer that he obviously doesn't want to the Migrator albums in full, as those combined is way better than 1001100011110001111111, but it is what it is. I like the album quite a bit, but not sure it's "I am ready to fly to the Netherlands" good.
For better or worse Arjen is very connected to his fans and really knows how they gauge his work. He's spoken many times on how the Migrator albums were relative flops, and so I doubt he'll ever do those until a lot of other options are pursued. Sucky as this is for you in this situation, it also keeps him from, let's say, performing the most recent Ayreon album in full.
If the assumption of 01 in full is correct, I wonder what is done with any remaining concert time. I really hope a small set of Star One material, focusing on the new album and the criminally neglected second Star One album through the first two live shows.
Would love to hear some more songs from Lost in the New Real....
I think one major distinction of Guilt Machine is that Lori wrote the lyrics and that the tone of the album is not campy scifi or anything like that.
I think I might want to go this time. How much have the tickets cost for the concerts?
01011001 LIVE - CAST REVEALED + LIVE Q&A WITH ARJEN & JOOST
Dear Ayreonauts!
Here we are again with some exciting news for you about the '01011001 - Live Beneath the Waves' shows.
CAST REVEALED
During the last months we’ve been hard at work taking the first steps with the live production of the new shows and above all, gathering the vocalists and instrumentalists. We are very happy to announce this amazing cast that will make the 01011001 come alive.
Original 01011001 cast:
Hansi Kursch (TBC)
Tom Englund
Daniel Gildenlow
Jonas Renkse
Anneke van Giersbergen
Simone Simons
Wudstik
Marjan Welman
Liselotte Hegt
Maggy Luyten
Phideaux Xavier
Arjen Lucassen (yeah, sorry for that)
Special guests:
Damian Wilson
Brittney Slayes
Micheal Mills
John Jaycee Cuijpers
Backing vocals:
Marcela Bovio
Irene Jansen
Jan Willem Ketelaers
Band:
Marcel Coenen - guitar
Timo Somers - guitar
Johan van Stratum - bass
Joost van den Broek - keys
Ed Warby - drums
Ensemble:
Ben Mathot - violin
Jurriaan Westerveld - cello
Jeroen Goossens - woodwinds
Arjen: "I’m extremely happy with the singers that we managed to get for the 01011001 shows, what a cast! It’s always a big challenge to enlist all the singers for the live shows so far in advance, because so many of them are mega successful and therefore really busy. So... if your favourite singer isn’t there, PLEASE know that I did the best I could, but some simply aren’t available. Always to their own regret. I’m sure you agree that we have no less than 19 amazing singers here (apart from that hippie-dude), already proud of them!"
I wouldn't have expected Russell seeing as he wasn't on the original album.
It looks like the biggest missing names are Jørn and Floor. Just based on the list, it seems probable to me that Brittney will be doing Floor's parts, which should be interesting. I'd guess Cuijpers would be doing Jørn's parts.
They got Daniel!? Niiiiiiice.
Still no Russell though?
Several of the guests were on the newest Star One, so I don't think it'd be crazy to see a song or two from that.
Sad I can't go, but very excited for the people who can and when I get the blu ray eventually.
Hoping they ignore Transitus completely and some of the other songs that've been played a bunch at their few live shows. Plenty of good unplayed songs to pick from.
Sad I can't go, but very excited for the people who can and when I get the blu ray eventually.
Hoping they ignore Transitus completely and some of the other songs that've been played a bunch at their few live shows. Plenty of good unplayed songs to pick from.
Mike Mills is there so Dumb Piece of Rock is guaranteed. :biggrin:
I wouldn't have expected Russell seeing as he wasn't on the original album.
It looks like the biggest missing names are Jørn and Floor. Just based on the list, it seems probable to me that Brittney will be doing Floor's parts, which should be interesting. I'd guess Cuijpers would be doing Jørn's parts.
I wouldn't have expected Russell seeing as he wasn't on the original album.
It looks like the biggest missing names are Jørn and Floor. Just based on the list, it seems probable to me that Brittney will be doing Floor's parts, which should be interesting. I'd guess Cuijpers would be doing Jørn's parts.
This is who I think could be doing these singers Forever lines...
Damien - Jorn
Simone - Floor
Brittney - Floor/Steve Lee/Bob Catley (Arjen could do a switch for all of his lines)
Jaycee - Jorn/Steve Lee
Phiduex - Bob Catley (Seems plausible since he only has like 4 lines in the entire album)
Mike Mills - Steve Lee
Magali Luyten - Bob Catley/Steve Lee (I could see Arjen giving her more lines to sing)
VIP tickets for the sunday bought.
Anyone else there that day?
We got tickets, thankfully, but that queue system was some real damn bullshit. I literally called someone as a back up after 20 minutes in "the waiting room" and that person was 3000 spots ahead of me and got the tickets while I could not.true :-\
My dear friends, we got so many messages from disappointed people who couldn’t get tickets for the sold out Ayreon shows. And as you can imagine that feels really bad. So… now we’re feverishly looking for a way to arrange one more show for you! But it won’t be easy… more about this soon!
BIG NEWS: extra '01011001 - Live Beneath the Waves' show added!
Dear friends, we have managed to organise an additional show, especially for all the disappointed fans who were unable to get tickets so far!
It will be an afternoon show on Saturday the 16th of September 2023.
Tickets will go on sale Thursday the 24th of November at 16:00 CET.
Thanks and good luck!
Got my Earbook delivered today....
Beauiful package... signed by Arjen
Love that his preorders are sent out early
Got my Earbook delivered today....
Beauiful package... signed by Arjen
Love that his preorders are sent out early
Did you get any sort of shipping notification email? I haven't seen anything from Mascot lately.
-Marc.
Got my Earbook delivered today....
Beauiful package... signed by Arjen
Love that his preorders are sent out early
Did you get any sort of shipping notification email? I haven't seen anything from Mascot lately.
-Marc.
I got a mail from UPS but not from Mascot
I think he told a commenter earlier in the day that this new project was going for a cheesy 80s rock angle.
Arjun doing a cheesy project?
I’ll believe it when I see it.
And another piece of the teasing puzzle 😊 Meet my new band Supersonic Revolution… so proud of these amazing musicians!
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/326157083_481397524186410_6101974945432222378_n.jpg?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=e3f864&_nc_ohc=HCsH9uZLfzwAX8NFf1S&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBo6YJ2kB22Vbl7rVbgLExIf5sVhciH6_4eH4u6QdMJAw&oe=63CDA794)
Welcome back… here is Supersonic Revolution Lyrics Game #1! And some new music, hope you’ll enjoy 😊
Let us know your guess in the comments below for a chance to win an SR merchandise item. It’s not easy, so best guess wins! Answer on Wednesday, with some new music.
Which ‘70s 4 glam rock artists are referenced in these 4 verses?
seventy-one, time for a change
the hype is on, it’s shocking and strange
he takes the stage, sky in his hair
hot love in the air – everywhere
four London lads, living their dreams
they start a band, as sweet as can be
raising hell, outrageous and wild
leave the sixteens behind – in style
out of the dark with blackened eyes
the king of shock took the world by surprise
electric chairs, spiders and snakes
rock will never be the same – again
crimson blaze crossing his face
we were told he came down from space
thin and white, red spikey hair
no one out there compares – I swear
Good luck!
Arjen
I think the last 2 are Alice Cooper and David Bowie, right?
I think the last 2 are Alice Cooper and David Bowie, right?
Oooh seems about right. A lot of the FB comments say verse two is The Beatles.
-Marc.
Also the Beatles aren't from London.
Also the Beatles aren't from London.
Your mom's not from London.
Arjen Lucassen’s Supersonic Revolution will release their spectacular debut album "Golden Age Of Music" on 19 May via Music Theories Recording/Mascot Label Group. You can watch the lyric video for “The Glamattack” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3Fo7WtU4hI
The album will be available on various formats; 2LP Transparent Blue, 2LP Pink Marble, 2LP Purple Marble, 2LP Yellow Marble, CD, Digitally and Artbook. You can pre-order it from here: https://lnk.to/SupersonicRevolution
You think you know Arjen Lucassen? Towering Dutch prog rock polymath? The man behind the super successful prog rock conceptualists Ayreon? Not to mention his prog metal of Star One and Guilt Machine? Enormous overarching concept albums about space and time, packed to the hilt with special guests that read like a who’s who of modern day progressive rock? Arjen Lucassen? Well, think again…
Supersonic Revolution, the band behind ‘Golden Age Of Music’, are simply five men: Arjen on bass, long-standing keyboard player Joost van den Broek, guitarist Timo Somers, drummer Koen Herfst and singer Jaycee. Five men rocking out and having one hell of a time doing it.
The whole project grew from a request to provide a track for a cover CD for the German music magazine Eclipsed. “They asked if I had any cover versions lying around,” he recalls. “I said, ‘No but I’ll happily record one for you.’ So, they gave me a list of bands and I saw a ZZ Top song ‘I Heard It On The X’ that I really like. I said I could record it for them, but then they told me it had to be ready in one week...”
“I was like ‘Oh my god!’. I contacted my favourite musicians in Holland via WhatsApp and literally within 30 minutes I had assembled five people. A band basically. From there the seed was sown in Lucassen’s mind. ‘I want to form a band. And I want to simply have fun!’.
“I’m a perfectionist as you know, so I’m always sending musicians their parts back and asking them to change stuff,” he acknowledges. “But this was all brilliant. We were having fun, calling and WhatsApping all the time, and within a week we had a complete product.” He continues, “Also I wanted to have an up-beat, positive project.”
“I was like, let’s form a band and let’s write songs in the style of the 70s, and have the lyrics be a celebration of all the memorable things from that time, because those were my formative years,” he enthuses. “But I didn’t want it to sound like the 70s because that’s already been done, and I can’t do it any better than ‘Stargazer’ or ‘Kashmir’.”
“The guys are all younger than me – around 30 – so they weren’t even alive yet in the 70s. So, it was a great way for me to make 70s music with lots of Hammond and blistering guitars, but to update it to this time.”
The end result is 11 tracks of high energy, progressively inclined heavy rock that swings with the kind of groove Deep Purple rocked with in the early to mid-1970s. “This album is not a typical prog album. It’s not Yes or Genesis. But it’s not a metal album either. There’s a track called ‘Burn it Down’,” Lucassen notes, “it’s totally based on ‘Smoke On The Water’ but written from the perspective of the ‘stupid with a flare gun’ mentioned in the original lyrics.
The album also features covers of some legendary songs given the Arjen Lucassen treatment as bonus tracks: T-Rex’s ‘Children of the Revolution,’ ZZ Top’s ‘Heard It On The X,’ Earth Wind and Fire’s ‘Fantasy’ and Roger Glover’s ‘Love Is All.’
That, ladies and gentlemen, is the real Arjen Lucassen. Job done. Having fun.
Track list:
01 SR Prelude
02 The Glamattack
03 Golden Age Of Music
04 The Rise Of The Starman
05 Burn It Down
06 Odyssey
07 They Took Us By Storm
08 Golden Boy
09 Holy Holy Ground
10 Fight Of The Century
11 Came To Mock, Stayed To Rock
12 Children Of The Revolution (Bonus Track)
13 Heard It On The X (Bonus Track)
14 Fantasy (Bonus Track)
15 Love Is All (Bonus Track)
(https://i.ibb.co/xYxL3xq/329350232-726948845772750-3632997731064403956-n.jpg)
Dear friends, here is the second single/visualiser from my new band Supersonic Revolution! Lyrically it’s about Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and musically it’s a more melodic song than the first single. It’s got amazing vocals by Jaycee, blistering guitar and Hammond solos by Timo and Joost and thundering drums by Koen. Very curious to hear what you think of this one, give us some LOOOOVE!
Am I the only one listening to Supersonic Revolution?
It's musically more in the vein of Star One than Ayreon. I think it's a really good and enjoyable record. Golden Age Of Music, The Rise Of The Starman, Golden Boy and Holy Holy Ground are my favorites so far.
The MVP of this record for me is Joost van den Broek with some great Hammond Organ/Hammond sounds.
Am I the only one listening to Supersonic Revolution?
It's musically more in the vein of Star One than Ayreon. I think it's a really good and enjoyable record. Golden Age Of Music, The Rise Of The Starman, Golden Boy and Holy Holy Ground are my favorites so far.
The MVP of this record for me is Joost van den Broek with some great Hammond Organ/Hammond sounds.
I think it is really enjoyable, quality record. I enjoy Revel in Time a bit more, but it is close. And indeed this is more Star One than Ayreon.
I asked Arjen and he said the correct lyric IS "leave the sixteens behind".
-Marc.
I liked Star Three a lot (more than Star Two in fact) but yeah, it's all getting a bit samey and the different projects are just merging together. Not that I'd mind if the music was all exciting but it's hit and miss.Am I the only one listening to Supersonic Revolution?
It's musically more in the vein of Star One than Ayreon. I think it's a really good and enjoyable record. Golden Age Of Music, The Rise Of The Starman, Golden Boy and Holy Holy Ground are my favorites so far.
The MVP of this record for me is Joost van den Broek with some great Hammond Organ/Hammond sounds.
I think it is really enjoyable, quality record. I enjoy Revel in Time a bit more, but it is close. And indeed this is more Star One than Ayreon.
For sure ... and I'm kinda over the samey-ness of his music now. The last Ayreon record blew (and still had imo more of a Star One feel than Ayreon), and the one before that (which I love) also sounded more Star One-ish. Then we do get a Star One (multi-vocalist), and now this. I'm a bit spent on it.
Yeah, I have kind of just accepted that 1995-2004 was Arjen's peak, with everything since pretty hit or miss. And if one wants to expand that time span to include 01011001 as his prime, that is fine. He is definitely a "try before I buy" artist for me now.
Yeah, I have kind of just accepted that 1995-2004 was Arjen's peak, with everything since pretty hit or miss. And if one wants to expand that time span to include 01011001 as his prime, that is fine. He is definitely a "try before I buy" artist for me now.
For sure. He jumped the shark with Transitus.
Yeah, I have kind of just accepted that 1995-2004 was Arjen's peak, with everything since pretty hit or miss. And if one wants to expand that time span to include 01011001 as his prime, that is fine. He is definitely a "try before I buy" artist for me now.
For sure. He jumped the shark with Transitus.
Nah.... I still think Transitus is good but not really an Ayreon album. Would have been better to release under his own name.
The naration can be a bit much though.
Yeah, I have kind of just accepted that 1995-2004 was Arjen's peak, with everything since pretty hit or miss. And if one wants to expand that time span to include 01011001 as his prime, that is fine. He is definitely a "try before I buy" artist for me now.
For sure. He jumped the shark with Transitus.
Nah.... I still think Transitus is good but not really an Ayreon album. Would have been better to release under his own name.
The naration can be a bit much though.
This. Cut down on the narration and give it a different name and it's a really good record.
Does Arjen sound a little bit samey? For sure, but show me an artist with such an amount of records/projects that doesn't sound samey.
I don't love everything he does but I've yet to hear a crappy record with him.
Yeah, I have kind of just accepted that 1995-2004 was Arjen's peak, with everything since pretty hit or miss. And if one wants to expand that time span to include 01011001 as his prime, that is fine. He is definitely a "try before I buy" artist for me now.
I have been searching and searching for a Stream of Passion thread but cannot find one. Am I late to the party that they have regrouped and have a new EP coming out on Sept 9th?
New single - https://youtu.be/xbUN-G3TUx4
Another one coming out soon.
https://streamofpassion.com/
EDIT: I know Arjen has not been involved with them in a long time. Figured this thread would have the right audience.
almost friday...... :metal
i've been to both shows, exited for the new one! a friend is going twice on sunday, already told her to bring proper earplugs..
Any of you see Nick there? He and his wife are vacationing in Europe.
https://youtu.be/-tR0UcxXSOg?t=197
you can hear the backingvocals being way louder. in some songs that meant not hearing the singer you came to hear singing
https://youtu.be/-tR0UcxXSOg?t=197
you can hear the backingvocals being way louder. in some songs that meant not hearing the singer you came to hear singing
I just really hope they did We Are Forever in Age of Shadows.
I wouldn't have expected Russell seeing as he wasn't on the original album.
It looks like the biggest missing names are Jørn and Floor. Just based on the list, it seems probable to me that Brittney will be doing Floor's parts, which should be interesting. I'd guess Cuijpers would be doing Jørn's parts.
This is who I think could be doing these singers Forever lines...
Damien - Jorn
Simone - Floor
Brittney - Floor/Steve Lee/Bob Catley (Arjen could do a switch for all of his lines)
Jaycee - Jorn/Steve Lee
Phiduex - Bob Catley (Seems plausible since he only has like 4 lines in the entire album)
Mike Mills - Steve Lee
Magali Luyten - Bob Catley/Steve Lee (I could see Arjen giving her more lines to sing)
When do you all think we'll see the release of this show?
I have to disagree about The Day That the World Breaks Down, that was the absolute highlight of the show for me.
I will say I saw a definite improvement from Thursday to Friday, so I'm sad I didn't see anything on Saturday or Sunday, but am looking forward to the Blu-Ray for sure. Just absolutely magical concerts once again.
My dear Ayreonauts, now that I’ve finally caught my breath after the Ayreon live shows and the smoke has cleared, I want to send a huge and heartfelt thanks once again for your unwavering support! It's astounding that 15,000 of you from over 60 countries made the journey to see us. The whole Ayreon team and I totally recognize how special and unique this is. I know it’s a cliché, but truly, you are the best fans ever. You are what keeps me going.
To those who wanted to come to the shows but couldn't make it happen, we missed you! But there’s a silver lining - we’ve begun working on the live BluRay and CD, and I can assure you, they're going to be fantastic. I’m brimming with pride for all the amazing musicians involved!
And yes, between you and me, we just might already be secretly scheming for... 😊
(https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/393762595_849154506868515_6177159821935109808_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=xbqHgVwoXyoAX_ngQvO&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBTaS3yVi7C02Q_zVMjkSBJTV7t5eCD8MaMsWGklYSHlA&oe=6534B470)
Some singers were struggling a bit/out of key and the 01 section did not really work for me.
Hi all! This year I’ve been working on a new album… with old songs! I’ll explain. In the early 90s I formed a band with singer Robert Soeterboek called Plan Nine. But those were the days of grunge, so it wasn’t the right time for us. But now, 30 years later, we have re-written and re-recorded 13 songs with the help of lots of great musicians that you all know. And, if I say so myself, it turned out really cool! The album will be called “The Long-Lost Songs” and it will be released early next year by Mascot. Robert will play live with Plan Nine next year. More updates soon! (Oh… sorry for the cheesy photo… hey, that was more than 30 years ago!)
(https://scontent-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/401068986_7022057837851304_6768886993037559399_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=xGCEkSYYk-8AX8_HEzw&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDQRRbjKmZKoxkC_ghwC7lSCSiJZSM9ImNP75WeukdejQ&oe=6558E745)
My dear friends, tomorrow Wednesday we'll release the first track from my new (old) project Lucassen & Soeterboek’s Plan Nine, “Before the Morning Comes”. The official video premieres at 12-noon CET, hope to see you there! Robert and I will be in the chat, so be nice to us 😊
The wait is finally over... tomorrow, 12-noon CET, we'll premiere the first live video from 01011001 - Live Beneath the Waves, featuring "The Sixth Extinction" AND this is also when the pre-order starts for Both 01011001 - Live Beneath The Waves + Plan Nine.
Hope to see you at the premiere!
https://youtu.be/HAJ0zTMLClQ?si=XaCpgdVb_-yv7PSz
From Arjen's FB on the upcoming Plan Nine project:QuoteMy dear friends, tomorrow Wednesday we'll release the first track from my new (old) project Lucassen & Soeterboek’s Plan Nine, “Before the Morning Comes”. The official video premieres at 12-noon CET, hope to see you there! Robert and I will be in the chat, so be nice to us 😊
-Marc.
From Arjen's FB on the upcoming Plan Nine project:QuoteMy dear friends, tomorrow Wednesday we'll release the first track from my new (old) project Lucassen & Soeterboek’s Plan Nine, “Before the Morning Comes”. The official video premieres at 12-noon CET, hope to see you there! Robert and I will be in the chat, so be nice to us 😊
-Marc.
Anyone else check this out?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2l0-yHau5QY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2l0-yHau5QY)
I had no clue what to expect since I haven't kept up with anything about it, but I don't think I would have expected some tasty blues rock. Dunno if that's the style of the whole project, but if it is I'm totally down. Robert has a fantastic voice for it, and Marcel is a perfect soloing compliment. He's been one of my favorite guitar discoveries of the past half-decade or so. It's kind of incredible that I've heard thousands of guitarists and he still manages to sound unique with his phrasing and bending style that I really can't quite think of anyone else to compare him to. Maybe a less fusiony Chris Poland? That's still not quite right.
Sixth Extinction was fun, though Daniel (my personal favorite) is just kind of BSing his way through it it felt.
bring enough beer for everyone
I'm jealous that you live in an area where you have enough friends that like Ayreon that it's even conceivable to pull off such an idea.
Day that the World Breaks Down performance just released: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei4QjMN1y5g (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei4QjMN1y5g)
:metal
It is the final Sunday evening performance btw (according to Arjen).
Day that the World Breaks Down performance just released: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei4QjMN1y5g (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei4QjMN1y5g)
:metal
It is the final Sunday evening performance btw (according to Arjen).