THE HUMAN EQUATION

Ayreon

Progressive Metal

4.20 | 1244 ratings

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FunkyM

The Human Equation is yet another great double CD album from the Ayreon project.

For those uninitiated, Ayreon is Arjen Anthony Lucassen's project and at least six or seven albums (depending on how you view the Universal Migrator) have been released under that name, all of very high quality. Usually Lucassen has a variety of guest players and vocalists accompanying him on each album, a sort of a who's who of progressive rock and metal.

Well, this album delivers star power in the person of James LeBrie (Dream Theater) who appears throughout the album and several other notables such as Devin Townsend, Heather Findlay (ex-Mostly Autumn), Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth).

More importantly, it delivers in the songwriting and performing departments. The Human Equation combines a vast range of styles, from Celtic folk combined with death metal screams to Jethro Tull-ish flutes mixed into Dream Theater prog-metal and Pink Floydian soundscapes.

Best of all, even as double CD album that reaches over 100 minutes it doesn't get tired. The storyline is compelling and unlike a number of concept albums, it is very easy to follow along with. Each track delivers something fresh and exciting.

As this is a concept album, each singer is assigned a character. This gives the whole thing a bit of a rock opera feel. This could have detracted from the individual talent of each artist, but Lucassen uses them wisely and creatively. LeBrie, in particular, is given softer pieces in contrast to his usual material in Dream Theater - and surprise, he sounds great!

Overall: Ayreon's The Human Equation was one of my favourite albums to listen to in 2004 and I would still recommend it to anyone interested in the band without hesitation.

FunkyM | 5/5 | 2011-11-6

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