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.