ACTUAL FANTASY REVISITED

If you want to check out AYREON's second album this is the version you need. It's been re-mixed, re-mastered and tuned-up I guess you could say. The original used a drum machine while this one has Ed Warby on a real drum kit. After the success of AYREON'S debut he (at the time) didn't want to repeat himself so this album is quite different from all the rest. There is a theme here but it's not a Rock Opera like all the others, and also there are far less musicians taking part here. This is a stripped down affair I guess you could say when compared to the others. So yeah this one's unique but it's generally regarded by fans as their least favourite.

"Actual Fantasy" features synths,flute then almost spoken vocals. "Abbey Of Synn" is haunting early then reserved vocals come in. It kicks in before 2 1/2 minutes and vocals follow. A calm 6 minutes in with reserved vocals and synths. "The Stranger From Within" opens with synths as a beat comes in. A full sound before a minute and vocals follow. Heaviness comes and goes. I like the keyboards 5 1/2 minutes in. "Computer Eyes" has a mood to it that I like. Reserved vocals before 2 minutes. It kicks in at 3 minutes and we get a guitar solo too.

"Beyond The Last Horizon" opens with samples before we get a melody after a minute. It's fairly heavy 2 minutes in. Vocals are monotone until after 3 minutes. Contrasts continue. "Farside Of The World" has an intense rhythm section with vocals. "Back On Planet Earth" has a beat with synths that sounds cool early. Processed vocals follow. Some good guitar to end it. "Forevermore" opens with synths followed by reserved vocals and guitar. Some violin late. "The Dawn Of Man" opens with synths and atmosphere. Electronics after a minute then processed vocals join in. Reserved vocals 2 minutes in.

This does seem sort of samey to me and synths dominate the sound. Still it's a good album.