UNIVERSAL MIGRATOR, PART 1: THE DREAM SEQUENCER

Being relatively ignorant of Ayreon's other works; The Universal Migrator was a comparatively new experience in terms of being introduced to the heavy bombastic sound that the Dutch group had to offer. Based on first impressions the opening track "The Dream Sequencer" has a somewhat corny and clichéd intro and guitar use not unlike Pink Floyd's opening on The Division Bell (1994), "Cluster One". However, this is not a bad thing. quite on the contrary; it delivers a talented and "spacey" guitar sound. Other stand out tracks includes "My House on Mars", "The First Man on Earth" and "The Dream Sequencer Reprise". "My House on Mars" is a typically synthesised piece on the album, which becomes soothing and tiresome. The vocal work is not dissimilar to Peter Hammill's slow melancholy drawl, but less poetic and therefore less inspiring. "The First Man on Earth" is another 7min+ epic that seems to outlive its welcome before the end, but also has some great guitar work and heavy dramatic sound. "The Dream Sequencer Reprise" builds on where the first left off (without the corny intro) and builds on the unique sound created by the artists. Although not lacking in rhythm, talent or memorable tracks I find this album too bombastic and polished to consider it likable. The style and approach to the music is not unlike Rammstein's album Mutter (2001), which is similarly synthesised German metal (just not as progressive). Although not very familiar to Ayreon's other albums, this one did not capture my interest to a degree where I'd recommend buying it. replaying a few of the tracks every other weekend is sufficient fulfilling enough for me.