Author Topic: Arjen Lucassen's Star One (merged) (Read 13855 times)

PixelDream · « **on:** May 11, 2009, 11:41:59 AM »

Yeah, just gave it a spin after not thinking about it for like three years. I forgot how FREAKING amazing it was!

I'm talking about the album 'Space Metal' by Star One. In essence it's a concept album about Space, and it's inspired by films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Star Wars. Musically it comes pretty close to 'The Flight of the Migrator', the heavier part of the 'Universal Migrator' double album. Personally I think this album slays it.

For those of you familiar with Ayreon, be sure to check this out. The style is more metal than Ayreon but with a big Deep Purple influence (especially in the organs department).

I think this gets overlooked often, simply because it doesn't carry the Ayreon name on it. Just look at the cast of singers:

Russell God Allen
Dan Swano
Damian Wilson
Floor Jansen

A bit of a small cast compared to Ayreon's rock opera's, but damn, these singers complement eachother so well. But in the end, Russell Allen steals the show here. I think I like his singing here better than almost everything he did with Symphony X (check out the tracks Eye of Ra and Starchild).

Anyway, I think this album is at least better than the last Ayreon record (the production too - it sounds powerful, deep, and clear) and it has kickass singers, groovy metal riffs, and GOOD choruses!

I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for a new Star One record.

Adami · « **Reply #1 on:** May 11, 2009, 11:53:51 AM »

It's ok. The production is rather weak.

But Star One live is incredible.

ariich · « **Reply #2 on:** May 11, 2009, 12:55:40 PM »

I like this album a lot, when I'm in the right mood. If I want something more serious then it's horribly tacky, but when I want to listen to something really fun and entertaining, this album totally fits the bill, and the singing is awesome throughout.

Grappler · « **Reply #3 on:** May 11, 2009, 01:30:15 PM »

I fucking love this disc. The sci-fi movie theme is a lot of fun, and the singers just kill, especially Dan Swano. Love his vocals on this - I don't think he's ever sang that low before. It's the album that got me into Dan's music.

The Star One: Live on Earth dvd is awesome as well. Lots of Ayreon tunes, plus some great live performances from everyone except for Dan (one of the Ayreon regulars took his spot on the tour).

PixelDream · « **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2009, 01:38:07 PM »

Quote from: Grappler on May 11, 2009, 01:30:15 PM

I fucking love this disc. The sci-fi movie theme is a lot of fun, and the singers just kill, especially Dan Swano. Love his vocals on this - I don't think he's ever sang that low before. It's the album that got me into Dan's music.

The Star One: Live on Earth dvd is awesome as well. Lots of Ayreon tunes, plus some great live performances from everyone except for Dan (one of the Ayreon regulars took his spot on the tour).

I agree, Dan's low vocals are sick on this album. He provides an incredible low end to the vocal harmonies at the end of The Eye of Ra.

PaulEMoz · « **Reply #5 on:** May 11, 2009, 01:51:04 PM »

This is actually one of my favourite albums ever. I have no bad words to say about this. Live On Earth is one of the most fun packages I've ever bought, too.

reneranucci · « **Reply #6 on:** May 11, 2009, 02:17:09 PM »

thanks for the recommendation

. I love Ayreon, I'll check out this album later

PixelDream · « **Reply #7 on:** May 11, 2009, 04:09:39 PM »

Quote from: PaulEMoz on May 11, 2009, 01:51:04 PM

This is actually one of my favourite albums ever. I have no bad words to say about this. Live On Earth is one of the most fun packages I've ever bought, too.

I just watched Live On Earth again, and damn, it was great. The vocalists are truly incredible, who put on truly believable performances, no matter what topic the song is about. Those include stories about ancient gods and space travelling.

Even the behind the scenes stuff is fantastic! They must have had the greatest fun ever on that tour!

Zook · « **Reply #8 on:** May 11, 2009, 06:50:47 PM »

This thread has inspired me to finally buy both the Studio album and the Live on Earth DVD.

Oh yeah, *appreciates*

PixelDream · « **Reply #9 on:** May 12, 2009, 04:45:45 AM »

bundy · « **Reply #10 on:** May 12, 2009, 05:33:34 AM »

I've had the limited edition CD for quite a few years and still love this album. Not a filler track on it. The Eye of Ra and Intergalactic Space Crusaders are my favourites. Love the sci-fi movie concept. As a longtime Hawkwind fan, the 9 minute Hawkwind medley featuring Dave Bock on disc 2 caps the album off beautifully.

abydos · « **Reply #11 on:** August 08, 2010, 02:57:14 PM »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvvPI6Mh-xw
Didn't see this posted yet.

ariich · « **Reply #12 on:** August 08, 2010, 03:44:27 PM »

Awesome, sounds like more of the same, so hopefully it'll be another fun album! I wonder if he managed to get Russell Allen back.

Also, I love how endearingly goofy he is.

Dr. DTVT · « **Reply #13 on:** August 08, 2010, 03:51:44 PM »

DO WANT.

When in the right mood, Star One and the live album hit the spot. Next live album better have "Master of Darkness" dammit.

PixelDream · « **Reply #14 on:** August 08, 2010, 07:20:02 PM »

Master of Darkness is badass

.

Awesome, a new Star One album! I still love this futuristic, proggy, shreddy metal project. It's about the only thing I still listen to in this genre. Probably because it doesn't try to take itself very serious. It's all just a lot of fun, and it sounds great.

And yeah, I hope he managed to get (more or less) the same cast. That's a winning team.

Nick · « **Reply #15 on:** August 09, 2010, 11:03:03 AM »

Can't wait, the first Star One was fantastic.

Adami · « **Reply #16 on:** August 09, 2010, 11:05:48 AM »

Oh god I hope he uses Damien and Russel again on this album. The last low voice guy they used on the studio versio didn't do much for me, but the live guy was great, would be cool if he hopped on board.

Also, the last album was all (I think) sci fi movies in musical form. I wonder if this is just a random album.

Nick · « **Reply #17 on:** August 09, 2010, 11:16:11 AM »

Yeah, every song from the first album was based on a space based science fiction movie.

robwebster · « **Reply #18 on:** August 09, 2010, 11:43:38 AM »

Or TV series. I think there was one about Blake's Seven.

If this is following the same pattern, maybe the title track'll be Logan's Run or something.

Silver Tears · « **Reply #19 on:** August 09, 2010, 02:35:55 PM »

Quote from: abydos on August 08, 2010, 02:57:14 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvvPI6Mh-xw
Didn't see this posted yet.

Cool I hadn't seen that. And he seems like such a lovely guy

PixelDream · « **Reply #20 on:** August 10, 2010, 05:28:11 AM »

Quote from: Silver Tears on August 09, 2010, 02:35:55 PM

Quote from: abydos on August 08, 2010, 02:57:14 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvvPI6Mh-xw
Didn't see this posted yet.

Cool I hadn't seen that. And he seems like such a lovely guy

definately. I emailed him a few years ago, and he replied with a substantial amount of words, within a week. Very cool! I saw him a while back at a Blackfield gig (he ain't hard to miss).

EstyMaJ · « **Reply #21 on:** August 10, 2010, 09:31:58 AM »

Anyone know who does the low vocals threwout the album ? storyteller in High Moon? I freekin love this album!!!

PixelDream · « **Reply #22 on:** August 10, 2010, 10:25:19 AM »

Quote from: EstyMaJ on August 10, 2010, 09:31:58 AM

Anyone know who does the low vocals threwout the album ? storyteller in High Moon? I freekin love this album!!!

Dan Swanö. The beginning of 'Starchild' sounds SICK!

The Awesome · « **Reply #23 on:** August 10, 2010, 11:33:58 AM »

Quote from: abydos on August 08, 2010, 02:57:14 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvvPI6Mh-xw
Didn't see this posted yet.

Does anyone know what that artwork is on the wall behind him? I would assume it's an album cover.

abydos · « **Reply #24 on:** August 10, 2010, 11:58:45 AM »

The Dream Sequencer

Silver Tears · « **Reply #25 on:** August 10, 2010, 02:02:28 PM »

Quote from: PixelDream on August 10, 2010, 05:28:11 AM

Quote from: Silver Tears on August 09, 2010, 02:35:55 PM
Quote from: abydos on August 08, 2010, 02:57:14 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvvPI6Mh-xw
Didn't see this posted yet.

Cool I hadn't seen that. And he seems like such a lovely guy

definately. I emailed him a few years ago, and he replied with a substantial amount of words, within a week. Very cool! I saw him a while back at a Blackfield gig (he ain't hard to miss).

Awesome! I'm glad he's actually as nice as I imagine him to be

Nick · « **Reply #26 on:** August 19, 2010, 02:04:27 PM »

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

FUCK YES

Adami · « **Reply #27 on:** August 19, 2010, 02:08:10 PM »

Quote from: Nick on August 19, 2010, 02:04:27 PM

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

FUCK YES

Very nice to see Russel, Damian and Floor back. I wish they got Robert for the low voice, but I'll settle for Dan.

If they tour for this again, I might actually fly to holland to see it.

Nick · « **Reply #28 on:** August 19, 2010, 02:15:35 PM »

I'd prefer Robert as well, but I'm happy with the lineup. And I really wish I could consider a trip to Europe for this, if I had the money I would certainly be happy to use it for this.

Adami · « **Reply #29 on:** August 19, 2010, 03:59:04 PM »

Quote from: Nick on August 19, 2010, 02:15:35 PM

I'd prefer Robert as well, but I'm happy with the lineup. And I really wish I could consider a trip to Europe for this, if I had the money I would certainly be happy to use it for this.

Oh I don't have nearly enough money for that, but I'm pretty sure I have a few organs that I don't need to survive.

faemir · « **Reply #30 on:** August 20, 2010, 01:56:20 AM »

Awesome! And how can you guys not like Dan Swano!

Who is this Robert fellow anyway.

Silver Tears · « **Reply #31 on:** August 20, 2010, 01:59:48 AM »

Awesome!

And yay Floor and Russel Allen

Adami · « **Reply #32 on:** August 20, 2010, 02:04:44 AM »

Quote from: faemir on August 20, 2010, 01:56:20 AM

Awesome! And how can you guys not like Dan Swano!

Who is this Robert fellow anyway.

Robert so.....something. He did Swanos parts live. I have no problem with Swano, I just liked Roberts vocal personality more.

Dr. DTVT · « **Reply #33 on:** August 20, 2010, 05:54:46 AM »

Quote from: Adami on August 19, 2010, 03:59:04 PM

Quote from: Nick on August 19, 2010, 02:15:35 PM
I'd prefer Robert as well, but I'm happy with the lineup. And I really wish I could consider a trip to Europe for this, if I had the money I would certainly be happy to use it for this.

Oh I don't have nearly enough money for that, but I'm pretty sure I have a few organs that I don't need to survive.

Here's a possible solution to your money problem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnl68BmSSes

wolfking · « **Reply #34 on:** August 20, 2010, 06:01:24 AM »

New album looks epic. The inclusion of Allen and Swano makes me a first day buyer.

News: Video of online chat between fans and members of Dream Theater: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx8cLlXnHpA&feature=youtu.be (*no chickens were harmed during the filming of this chat)

Author Topic: Arjen Lucassen's Star One (merged) (Read 13855 times)