Ayreon/Arjen Lucassen Thread (Star Three on the way)

[Nick]

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.

[MrBoom_shack-a-lack]

That pigeon shot at 2:40 was actually pretty cool! 

Fun and relaxed video but man I would have loved a live reharsal video, everyone was even there it seemed so i'm a little bummed they didn't do something like that.

[ronnibran]

Assuming this was the "gentle" version of the song, really looking forward to the "storm" version.  I'll probably like the storm version better of each song.  But, still think it's a cool concept and looking forward to both discs.  Looking forward to this probably even more than I was looking forward to The Theory of Everything.  But I've been really digging female vocalists more and more lately, so that's a factor I'm sure.

[MrBoom_shack-a-lack]

I don't think that was the gentle version though.

[ronnibran]

Ha, yeah, I thought that was a possibility after I posted that.  Looking forward to it either way!

[Nick]

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.

[ErHaO]

Haha, I walk there about two to three times a week (takes about 20-25 min to get to "De Dam" for me). Probably would not even recognize Anneke if I saw her like that

As for Arjen, I saw him twice in the Netherlands actually. Once in a town centre where I lived nearby and once at an Alice Cooper concert. But I am not the guy that wants to meet or anything (goes for any artist I am fan of), so we never talked even though he seems like a very nice guy and is fantastic with his fans.

[ronnibran]

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.

Oh, I'm not really expecting that.  In fact, I'm not even really a fan of the Star One albums to be honest.  I think it was all the folksy stuff at the beginning that made me think it initially.  It does get mildly heavy in there around the guitar solo section now that I listen to it again.  Good stuff!  Every update and teaser that's been released has sounded excellent.

[Nick]

If you like  the folksy vibes, be prepared to be happily floored by the Gentle album.

[ErHaO]

So Arjen is going to make a guest appearance at someone else's concept. Also with Damian Wilson and Marcela Bovio.

Maybe you guys saw it already: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/computer-mind-the-aspie-project--2

Sounds like the album itself is finished and some of the samples sound great. Funding is for proper release as it seems.

[Nick]

Here is my review of the new album: https://wpapu.com/2015-03-05/

[Evermind]

Shores of India - Gentle Version is up on Soundcloud.

https://soundcloud.com/officialinsideoutmusic/the-gentle-storm-shores-of-india-gentle-version/s-t4nSO

[Nick]

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!

[Evermind]

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!

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.

And needless to say I just love this song. I'm pretty sure it'll be my album of the year as of now.

[Nick]

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!

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.

Ah, excellent!

[abydos]

I love this song, a lot better than the previous one they released, too.

[ErHaO]

Really great song!

[ariich]

Here is my review of the new album: https://wpapu.com/2015-03-05/

Nice review! 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.

[ErHaO]

Great review indeed. Hype levels to the roof here (which will be a common event this year, it seems).

[abydos]

Soo... Nick, ariich. Where do I email nude pics so you share your copy with me?

[Nick]

Here is my review of the new album: https://wpapu.com/2015-03-05/

Nice review! 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.

ONE OF US. ONE OF US.

[Sacul]

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?

[Evermind]

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?

Yeah, it's a magazine. I'm doing the gentle version. Spoiler: it's amazing.

[ariich]

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?

Yeah, it's Lady Obscure's online magazine: https://www.ladyobscure.com/. I only joined it recently.

[Cyclopssss]

Arjen explaining the different versions of the album:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uksGzmYPnEk

I like the Artbook.

[Evermind]

Arjen explaining the different versions of the album:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uksGzmYPnEk

I like the Artbook.

Yeah, I'm so glad I've decided to order the artbook. Looks wonderful. Can't wait to read the timeline and other notes!

[abydos]

Wow, that artbook. Do want. But so expensive

[The Letter M]

SO GLAD I ordered the Limited Edition Artbook. Looks beautiful, and the artwork he showed on the inside is really nice. Cannot wait to get this in the mail later this month! So many artbooks in my collection now, they'll nee their own shelf soon!

-Marc.

[Nick]

His pendants are awesome, I want one.

[ariich]

Here are our reviews on Lady Obscure:

Evermind's Gentle version review: https://www.ladyobscure.com/albums/the-gentle-storm-the-diary-gentle-version/
My Storm version review: https://www.ladyobscure.com/albums/the-gentle-storm-the-diary-storm-version/

[Evermind]

My review may seem like usual pre-release overhype of the album, but in fact I was absolutely sincere about all things I wrote there. I don't think I was that happy with any album since the release of Raven and The Theory of Everything. I'm not very fond of Storm version, but Gentle disc is just outstanding.

[Cyclopssss]

Good recording of Waking Dreams, live in Finland.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHM6npLGxXE

[ErHaO]

Reviews sound great! I love both sides of Arjen's music very much, it will be interesting to hear which disc clicks the most. I am guessing Gentle, as I expect to prefer Anneke's voice for that.

Artbook looks awesome! But considering the new material (and tours) from Blind Guardian, DT, Kamelot, Muse, Nightwish and Symphony X, I am saving some money...

I did buy both Universal Migrator albums on vinyl last week btw, awesome stuff! (already knew that, offcourse). It was a good reason to blast them trough the livingroom again and just could not resist for 20 euro's each.

[MrBoom_shack-a-lack]

I actually forgot for a second that i've already ordered the Artbook, what a gentle surprise. Anyway can't wait for this, the fact that he dosen't use any synths sounds refreshing.

[Dr. DTVT]

I must be the only person to be underwhelmed by it.  I *struggled* to get through both listens.  I guess I just prefer the new Neal Morse and Enslaved albums.