SPACE METAL

Star One, one of Arjen's side projects. Band, which do live gigs. This was very intresting, I thought when I first listened the album. I had heard Ayreon's Human Equation and both of the Universal Migrators. At start, I must say that Arjens music generally is not progressive. The longer tracks, which in this album are The Eye of Ra and Starchild are bit prog (well, at least they have to be), but for me, this is a metal album, a fine metal album.

The intro 'Lift off' is nice, when first listening, excitement grows and then launches 'Set Your Controls', which is a bit lame. Basic drumming, guitarring and structuring. Nothing special about the track. The next song, 'High Moon' is good, though very simple. Catchy chorus, and good riff. But that's that. Moving to 'Songs of the Ocean', which include simple riffing and catchy chorusing. Good track still. Next song is my favourite track of the album after 'Intergalactic Space Crusaders'. 'Masters of Darkness' has good keyboard playing and nice riffing in the beginning, good dueling in the middle too. Good track. 'The Eye of Ra' is fine track, calm beginning evolves into mellow metal. The next two songs 'Sandrider' and 'Perfect Survivor' are hard rock tracks, but brings nothing spcecial up. When lsitening the album through, these tracks just flow into the listeners head and comes out leaving few feelings about the track. Not awful, but could be better. 'Intergalactic Space Crusaders' is my favourite track, though it is so simple. Sometimes in music you need that. The society has poisoned our minds with simple music (perhaps not all people suffer from this poison, but I do) and though I listen that kind of music seldom, the body still needs it sometimes. Simple music can sound good. This song does that in my head. The album finishes with 'Starchild', which is fine track, but bit too lenghty. Boring at times.

Overall, this album is simple metal and hard rock, not progressive. I still like it as a whole. Vocal performances are sung well and Ed does good job drumming. Good album, but non- essential. I would say. But this site is for prog albums, so rating 'Collectors/fans only' is more suitable. Fans of Ayreon or Arjen's work should buy this, but if you're looking for something new, introduce yourself to 'Human Equation'.