UNIVERSAL MIGRATOR, PART 2: FLIGHT OF THE MIGRATOR

Flight of the Migrator is part 2 of the Universal Migrator story. The first part is titled the Dream Sequencer and follows the protagonist back in time all the way to the time of the First Man on Earth. This album continues the story and follows the protagonist as he takes a crazy journey through space. The first album is more melodic and atmospheric, while this album is heavier and more metal. The intent was to showcase the two different sides to Arjen Lucassen's music. What results are two albums at two extremes. I don't think the approach quite works because it is the blending of the two components that makes Ayreon albums so special. This album is the obvious better one out of the two, and provides the listener with one crazy, heavy, progressive metal adventure through space- a concept I feel that fits this music brilliantly. This is a brilliant album without a dull moment. There isn't much more I can say.

"Chaos" starts the album with exactly what the title promises. The migrator's robotic voice comes on and warns the protagonist that "no colonist has ever re-incarnated back this far before. Are you sure you want to continue?" and with that, the album kicks into high gear with a powerful progressive metal instrumental that is the perfect start to the journey at hand. "Dawn of a Million Souls" is a wonderful song, perhaps my favorite of the whole album, that gives Symphony X singer, Russel Allen, a chance to shine. There are some wonderful keyboard string sounds and an incredible guitar solo. From there the album chugs along at the same high quality with amazing vocal performances from all involved, and incredible keyboard and guitar solos from a variety of guests. I love the organ solo in the middle of "Journey On the Waves of Time", the acoustic guitar that starts "To The Quasar", the punchy keybards on "Out of the White Hole", and the grand finale of "The New Migrator".

this album accomplishes what it sets out to do- take the listener on a heavy journey that is never boring. This album is consistent and gets me head-banging along to the music. It is a fantastic album that I enjoy each time I play it. Arjen succeeded more here than with part one because it makes for a disc free of atmospheric passages that can tend to drag on. This is simply a powerhouse of a record that never lets up. This is highly recommended, and just shy of the five star tag.