UNIVERSAL MIGRATOR, PART 1: THE DREAM SEQUENCER

Reading the collaborators reviews, you would think this is a terrible album. It seems most of the people who just rated it and didn't review it think differently, as it averages out to 4 stars (3.89). I will grant one thing though: the concept is extremely cheesy (if we prog heads are honest with ourselves, we will realize that other prog concepts that are more highly regarded are equally, if not more, cheesy.........Tales For Topographic Oceans is a prime example). But then, so is the entire Star Wars story, or the various Star Trek shows. Personally, I like those as well, while accepting that they are cheesy and campy in many respects. Much like I enjoy this album. This was my first introduction to Ayreon, and in retrospect I would never suggest this as an introduction to these projects. Electric Castle is probably the best for that. But I really enjoy this album. I don't find the blatant Pink Floyd atmospherics to be poorly done. In fact, I prefer Arjens guitar playing in these areas over Gilmore. And was a huge Floyd fan for many years, so I certainly have a deep appreciation for Gilmores style. I find most of the singers do an excellent job, but am not too fond of the singer on the first vocal track, or the female singer on Temple Of The Cat. But I love the songs Lana Lane sings, as well as the Edward Reekers and Damian Wilson tracks.

I think the main drawback for most people, particularly those who were already fans of Ayreon, is that Arjen decided to split the atmosperic and heavy sides of his Ayeron projects style into two seperate albums. For myself, this yeilded one great album (this one) and one far too heavy for my tastes album. I got rid of The Flight Of The Migrator because it was just too much heavy metal for me, though I'd say it was pretty well done.

This album is certainly not the best Ayreon album, but it is one I enjoy immensly, cheesiness and all. So if you don't mind some heavy Pink Floyd influence and a sci-fi concept, then you might like this album.