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

[Evermind]

I'd say there's absolutely no filler on THE.

[jakepriest]

4, 8, 19 are all filler tbh

My good friend...
The exchange between Pride and Reason in Day Eight is one of the best parts of the entire album. And don't get me started on Day Nineteen... Parama pls...

[Crow]

woops I meant 9 not 8
8 is good

[The Letter M]

Looks like the album is another short double, with 44:07 and 44:26 on each disc. Looks good, and I like that James is the first vocalist we hear again!

-Marc.

[Crow]

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)

[The Letter M]

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)

Yeah, the album, like The Theory Of Everything, was made with vinyl in mind, with each of the 4 sections clocking in at around 22 minutes each. Very cool of Arjen to write the album with that much foresight so the eventual vinyl doesn't suffer from weird splits between songs.

-Marc.

[Bolsters]

Ugh it's two discs again. I really hope it's a lot more refined than TTOE was.

[Kwyjibo]

I'd say there's absolutely no filler on THE.

That's the truth and you all know it deep down in your hearts.

[ErHaO]

There is no Ayreon track I'd clearly call filler. There are some that I find less interesting or maybe a bit too remniscent of another Arjen track, but overall in their own context I think his albums are really well balanced and I think two discs is the ideal length for a rock opera in the way Arjen does it. These albums need atmosperic and/or storydriven songs as well to convey their experience. Some might feel that is filler, but I disagree. And, well, I tend to like songs other people dislike (Temple of the Cat, Connect the Dots etc.).

TTOE was more on the musical/opera side of the spectrum than any his other albums and I love the album for that, but I am glad he seems to be returning to the more song driven format. Also, this album will be a bit more on the heavy side than TTOE from what I gather (and from looking at the list of vocalists).

[Cyclopssss]

Exiting stuff. Reall got to say though, and I never thought I would say this as an Ayreon fan, I really don't like that cover.

[ErHaO]

Looking at the track lenghts, I was surprised the last couple of tracks are short and there is no closing epic. But Arjen said on fb that the last couple of tracks are without pause and are connected (and that it is really over the top).

[Train of Naught]

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 Letter M]

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'll if it's a 12 minute song, it's gotta be the opening track, and opening tracks are typically an album's first single.

-Marc.

[ErHaO]

Ok, stoked to hear it then! Since we can expect a major update this thursday (see fanmail) and given the DVD contains the clip of the 12 minute opener, I think we will get that song globally this thursday, along with the clip (and the dvd seems to have three other clips as well, so I think we get several singles prior to release).

This is the first Ayreon (Arjen in general) album at his new label right?

[Evermind]

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.

[ErHaO]

New song is up on all streaming services (google, Spotify, deezer etc.).

Yep, that is Ayreon alright, sounds awesome!

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.

Ah, did not know, thanks.

[RoeDent]

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 concept of the single as it used to be is null and void nowadays, so they can release any track as a "single" and just treat it as a sampler for the album.

[Bolsters]

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?

[home]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFuMKdrzPqU&feature=youtu.be

Video has just been released too

[Nick]

And pre-orders: https://usa.mascotlabelgroup.com/Ayreon?utm_medium=email&mc_eid=68c0136af1&utm_source=Ayreon&utm_campaign=da3542f8bf-20170126_Ayreon_Source_Preorder_AY&utm_term=0_1e39596a28-da3542f8bf-297103065&mc_cid=da3542f8bf

[Train of Naught]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFuMKdrzPqU&feature=youtu.be

Video has just been released too

Uhm.. this is fucking awesome?

Tommy Karevik's part, holy shit. I don't have time for the whole thing but I'm excited!

[Nick]

I'm torn, because I want to automatically drift to that ultimate fan package, but I have a few drawbacks on how little I'll use most of it.

I like the cover, but it is somewhat weird, and don't necessarily want it on a shirt/hoodie. If the hoodie just had the Ayreon logo on the front I'd actually be a lot more into it.

Earbook is cool, but frankly I have no need for 2CDs of instrumental music. Vinyl is cool, but it's black (as opposed to the limited colors) and I don't really need it if there is high-res 5.1 on the DVD. So essentially I would be buying it as a vain collector's piece, which I still might do.

Really, from a practical standpoint, the 2CD/DVD suits me just fine, maybe with a green vinyl addition.

Edit: To further my point on the practicality, after the initial listens and looks through the earbook and vinyl, they would both get displayed, and who knows when they'd come down again. I'd take out the DVD, put it in a jewel case, and keep that handy for future listens. I've done that with many box sets/limited items.

[cramx3]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFuMKdrzPqU&feature=youtu.be

Video has just been released too

Uhm.. this is fucking awesome?

Tommy Karevik's part, holy shit. I don't have time for the whole thing but I'm excited!

 

oh man so many of my favorite vocalists... JLB, Tommy, Simone, Hansi... this is pretty awesome. I also love the commentary from Arjen

[jakepriest]

that Michael Mills part gave me chills, god that was good

the rest sounds kinda like typical Ayreon, but with pretty meh vocal melodies. Let's see that the rest of the album sounds like before I make a judgement though.

[Evermind]

Gonna listen to the song later today.

Not sure what should I pre-order, earbook with T-shirt or CD/DVD with T-shirt. If the artwork was like The Theory of Everything quality, I would've bought an artbook without hesitation, but I don't like the artwork that much, so honestly, I'm not sure.

[Nick]

Well, after being able to watch the video I went off the deep end. Not only did I get the crazy package, but I finally caught up and got myself the first two albums on vinyl.

[Ben_Jamin]

My god that Mike Mills part gave me the chills in a nice soothing way. I'd say if Mike does more of that on the album if be happy. Also like what Arjen told him. Once this album is out I'm using that as my ringtone or message tone.

The rest were amazing as well, overall a great intro song. Makes me wish my card will get here soon so I can order that ultimate bundle.

[Evermind]

Alright, holy shit, that was awesome. I'm getting an earbook bundle.

[Train of Naught]

Just placed my order for the CD/DVD bundle, which is ridiculously cheap. Easily the cheapest bundle I've ever seen for music: Double-CD+DVD, signed, and a poster for less than 20 euros including shipping costs, what the fuck.

I love how well Simone Simons and Tommy Rogers play off eachother in their parts, also Karevik seems like the perfect singer for a character called "The Opposition Leader", looking forward to his participation on the record most of everyone on the line-up. Arjen's guitarwork is pretty tasty too, the guy is modest but he can come up with some sweet shit.

[Shadow Ninja 2.0]

Great song! The singers all sound fantastic, and I really liked the bluesy section.

[Tomislav95]

Wow, this was great! Loved Arjen's comments I liked everyone's part but Floor's short vocal section is AWESOME.

[Nick]

I had two listens on crappy computer speakers at work and I was floored. Can't wait to get home and hear this better.

[Crow]

I need to relisten to this, I wasn't particularly impressed (it was pretty solid, nothing more) but I was also pretty distracted so

[Adami]

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.

[Nick]

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.

Seriously. I really wish more videos did exactly what this one does.