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Ayreon - Actual Fantasy Revisited CD (album) cover

ACTUAL FANTASY REVISITED

Ayreon

 

Progressive Metal

3.59 | 108 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Muzikman
Prog Reviewer
4 stars I did not have the pleasure to hear "Actual Fantasy" in 1996. Nearly 10 years later Arjen Lucassen decided to remake the progressive rock musical story. I had to watch the bonus DVD to understand what went into this project. Believe me it was a pleasure to watch the DVD, not to mention listening to the Revisited version several times to appreciate all of the hard work that went into making the album again, or as Arjen says in the video, it's a continuation or extension of the music.

After my initial listen, I was not as taken with this album as I usually am with recordings from the Lucassen catalog. I have nothing to compare this version to, as I said, I did not hear the original release. I considered how long ago this all came together and listened several times before coming up with a final assessment. I enjoyed it more with each listen, however this is not Arjen's best work. It is quite good, just not on the same level as "The Human Equation" or "Into The Electric Castle". Realistically, that would not be fair to compare it to those two fine releases. In the interview at the studio were the album was recorded, Arjen explained that many of the parts of the album were rebuilt and replaced. He created new guitar parts and totally removed some sampling (some parts were actually lost), then replaced it with real drums to give it more warmth. It is evident that it came together quite well as the sound is sharp and full.

The video for "The Stranger from Within" is very cool. The effects of the innovative MTV video "Take On Me" from fellow Norwegians Ah-Ha are duplicated. I really enjoyed the visit with Arjen in the studio with his band. He takes the time to explain why he decided to remake the album and how he did it. It makes for a complete experience that unfolds before you on the CD. The bottom line is you get a better album with many more features including the option of listening to it in 5.1 surround sound on the DVD. It is a nice package that is well worth checking out.

My rating: 9/10

Muzikman | 4/5 |

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