TRANSITUS

Rather odd CD in the repertoire of Ayreon. Whereas usually firmly rooted in progressive metal, this album is more a cross-over between "musical" and '80's hard rock. And it's a big disappointment. The story-telling by Tom Baker takes up way too much space, often destroying the pace of the album. Also, the songs are short and there is hardly any song development, which you typically would find in the progressive genre; this time, no epics. There are some nice parts here and there but each time when you think: now we're getting somewhere - whoosh, next track. The vocals have the typical, theatric presentation that one associates with musicals; this is probably just me, but it I found it hard to relate with the characters, which is difficult to begin with, in view of the, I have to say it, extremely boring story. Speaking of the vocals (which are are quite in front of the mix, by the way) - no Anneke van Giersbergen this time. This is SO wrong. Also wrong: super-drummer Ad Warby is sadly missing. Arjen: what happened? I'm a big fan of Arjen and his last concert in Tilburg (Into the Electric Castle) was nothing short of fantastic, but I really hope they skip this album in the next show. I really wanted to like this album, but for me, it doesn't work. Sadly.