VICTIMS OF THE MODERN AGE

Some 8 years after the début Star One album, Arjen Anthony Lucassen resurrected the name for this 2010 album. When he first started work on the album in 2009, he was unsure at that stage whether this would in fact be a Star One release, but as he began to draw in further sci-fi influences from films, it became clear to him that Star One would be the best vehicle for this work.

The title is taken from the controversial film "A clockwork orange", with all the tracks drawing their concepts from well know classic films. Although the line up retains a number of guests who appeared on "Space metal", the relationship with the first album is less obvious musically, this being a generally heavier set with less emphasis on the very strong melodies which prevailed on "Space metal". That is not to say that this collection lacks melody, but this album shifts into more metallic territories, with pulsating riffs and pounding rhythms being the norm.

The opening tracks have the feel of Ronnie James Dio's time with Black Sabbath and Heaven and Hell, although there is never any doubt that this is a Lucassen project. Even the odd burst of growling or acoustic guitar cannot disguise the distinct tenets which prevail through this and virtually all of his albums.

Personal favourites include the fine opener "Digital rain" (The Matrix), "Earth that was" (Firefly / Serenity) the climactic "24 hours" (Escape from New York) and the title track.

While this is a highly enjoyable collection which should not surprise anyone familiar with the work of Arjen, a word of warning is perhaps in order for those coming to this album via "Space metal". Although the themes are indeed Space related, "Victims of the modern age" is largely devoid of the space influences which graced the first album. The main themes and choruses, while of a high calibre, are not as memorable this time around. This remains though an album which should please those who enjoy the work of AAJ.

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