LIVE ON EARTH (CD/DVD)

Last summer I said that Arjen Anthony Lucassen and STAR ONE had created one of the best albums in the past five years, well I have another one to add to the list. ''Live On Earth'' was recorded during the tour's last gig in Rijssen, The Netherlands. The recording and sonics are superbly rendered and brilliantly representative of the studio recording.

Get ready for another warp drive rock 'n' roll ride as Lucassen and his cast of characters perform this passion play of sound and story. They play to a receptive audience ready to sing back all the words to each song when beckoned by the band.

I noticed something this time around that I obviously did not hear clearly enough on the studio album, the resemblance of DEEP PURPLE and ELP in their sound. I was too excited about the music to mention it I guess, in any event, I hear it loud and clear now. That is not a bad combination at all and a flattering comparison to make if I do say so myself. Everything is here on these live tracks... the stories, the spoken word narrations, the whirling dervish keyboards, kick ass guitars, and standout vocals from many talented people.

This will be one of the best, if not the best, live rock albums that you will hear in 2003. Yes, it is that good. There I go again; I cannot seem to help myself. Lucassen has put together an impressive team of talent and it shows when they step on stage to play this music. ''Live On Earth'' is out of this world.