THE HUMAN EQUATION

3.5 / 4 stars This is my first album experience and it is strange to describe. When i go through the album my feeling is : ...mmhhh and so what? only after a few listen I can realise the beauty of this piece of music.

Yes, I respect the great musicianship, maybe the best reunion of incredible artists on the same album, but maybe this is exactly the reason of the 3.8 stars rating. The artists are so many, that they haven't the right time to show their true abilities. a few artists / a bit more intense work.

Too much attention to the storytelling, in my opinion it would have been a masterpiece if the songs were better balanced. I mean a bit more instrumental part, and a little more soloing (especially guitar) from Arjen. He is able to use that guitar in a marvelous way, way does he have to imprison and confine his sound in that way. this is only my opinion, but from an objective point of view, the guitar work is not so "complete" here.

On the other side, the album is a true novel, a journey in the human mind, through fear and love, and sometimes the lyrics are so fascinating that could make you cry.

Arjen is a genious, without doubt one of the most solid songwriter and concept writer of his time.

Let this album be your second or third experience with Ayreon music, this is a very "strange" point to start with.