THE HUMAN EQUATION

The Human Equation is Ayreon's most ambitious project to date. It features a lot of James LaBrie, among many other greats such as Mikael Akerfeldt and Devin Townsend. The album is a progressive rock opera that tells the story of a man that gets into a car accident and goes into a coma. The album is a double disc, split into days one through twenty. Each day represents a different emotion, and unfolds more of the story. Now onto the music: This album features many styles, including folk music, metal, pop, rock, and even some classical influences. All the songs are composed to exhibit the vocalists' best ablilties. For example, Akerfeldt usually sings either soft melodies or death growls (both are his specialty). LaBrie usually gets the main melody, and Devin gets some great scream moments in, especially in Loser. This disc really sets the standard in progressive metal. You will hear elements of some of the bands represented by the singers. In other words, you will get great rock moments reminiscent of Dream Theater, great heavy metal moments the likes of Opeth, and so on. This album has something for everyone. It took me quite a few listens for it to sink in, but if you lock yourself in a room, turn the lights off, and just listen straight through, you'll be in for a real treat. It will be hard for Ayreon to top this one.