Ayreon – The Theory of Everything – InsideOutMusic
By John Knowles
This is certainly the year of the Prog-rock ensemble-cast concept album. 2013 has so far seen the latest from Tobias Sammet’s Avantasia (The Mystery of Time), and Timo Tolkki’s Avalon (The Land of New Hope). As good as those albums may be, nothing really lives up to the masterworks of Arjen Lucassen’s main vessel, Ayreon. After far exceeding fans expectations on the previous Ayreon release, 01011001, the demand and buzz surrounding this latest release could not be higher. Introducing The Theory of Everything, the latest release from Ayreon, which is sure to satisfy any fan of the band, and will certainly win over legions of new fans to Mr. Lucassen.
Sonically this album sounds amazing. The rhythm section is powerful and full, creating a solid base for the layers of keyboards, guitars, and vocals that fill in all Ayreon records. Once again Arjen himself handles most of the instrumentation, and leaves the vocals this time around entirely to others. This album is definitely less heavy than the previous two releases, but it is nonetheless great. While The Human Equation and 01 maintained a similar feel, Ayreon returns with a slightly different approach on this record, featuring greater use of instrumentation, and a very human and emotionally charged storyline.
This album features a notably smaller cast than the previous two Ayreon releases, but in all fairness the story this time around does not necessarily demand such a high head count, as did the highly ambitious 01. “When nature has work to be done she creates a genius to do it, but every great genius is touched by madness.” This line was the first hint at a storyline fans received for this new record, which revolves around a young prodigy, his family, his psychiatrist, his teacher, a personal rival, and an apparent love interest. In the leading role this time around is a true prodigy in his own right, and certainly someone who has generated quite a bit of buzz since his recent arrival to the mighty Florida-based, Kamelot. Tommy Kaverik plays the part of the highly gifted savant, whom it seems no one quite knows what to do with, save for his very loving and sympathetic mother, played by the lovely and immensely talented Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil. In the role of the father is relatively unknown Toehider frontman, Michael Mills. Mills is an unbelievable talent, who showcases an amazing range on this project. The same goes for Kaverik and Scabbia. In Kaverik’s case I’m sure having the opportunity to record an album without the prospect of touring on it allowed him the freedom to really unleash his range. Scabbia adds so much passion and sincerity to this record, and it is such a pleasure to hear her alongside the likes of others besides her Lacuna co-vocalist Andrea Ferro.
Unlike previous Ayreon releases, The Theory of Everything is made up of just four songs, albeit very long songs comprised of many movements. The song titles and themes of the album’s four “Phases” bring to mind the idea of a relationship in progress. “Singularity” is phase one, and opens with a word from The Teacher, played by Grand Magus frontman JB, followed by the lovely voice of Ancient Bards leading lady Sara Squadrani as The Girl. “The Theory of Everything” is the second “track” of Phase One, and introduces the album’s infectious main theme, featuring some very heavy and intense guitar and keyboard pairing, as well as the first appearance of the many progressive rock legends that Arjen was able to acquire for this project. Rick Wakeman performs a brilliant piano melody that leads right into the first and very memorable appearances of Michael Mills and Cristina Scabbia. “The Prodigy’s World” introduces the listener to Tommy Kaverik for the first time, who makes his presence known in a big way with some killer vocal acrobatics. Following Kaverik’s premiere is the introduction of Marko Hietala (Nightwish) as The Rival on “The Teacher’s Discovery.” Hietala is a great fit for this project, and really captures the “Metal” edge on the record. Quite possibly the instrumental highlight of Phase One is found on “Progressive Waves,” which is a fitting name for this masterpiece. The legendary Keith Emerson performs a great solo in the middle of this track, followed by Dream Theater’s Jordan Rudess who always brings greatness to whatever he’s a part of.
Phase Two, “Symmetry” opens with “The Consultation,” and introduces listeners to another progressive rock legend, John Wetton (Asia, King Crimson) as The Psychiatrist. Wetton provides a stunning performance and is the perfect fit for the role. The word hope best describes this Phase, as The Prodigy is offered help in the form of drugs, a fitting commentary for the modern mental health scene. “Alive!” is another stand out track from this Phase, featuring great performances from Kaverik and Mills.
Phase Three, “Entanglement” presents listeners with some unnerving signs of trouble in the world of The Prodigy. “Transformation” and “Collision” provide some of the best performances from JB and Hietala respectively, and lead right into “Side Effects,” a title which offers little surprise to the listener. “I believe we have a problem,” claims The Psychiatrist, and its clear things are not going well with the characters’ plans to help The Prodigy. The Rival provides The Prodigy and the listener an interesting turn of events in “Quid Pro Quo,” as the plot takes a very interesting twist.
Phase Four, “Unification” opens up with the amazing playing of Troy Donockley, who is a now a recent addition to Nightwish. “Mirror of Dreams” features some beautiful flute playing from Donockley and is one of the stand-out performances on the album, featuring both of the album’s female characters. “The Parting” follows shortly, and showcases the incredible vocal range of Michael Mills. Listeners will be struck by the cries of The Father in true desperation, followed by an incredible solo from legendary Genesis guitarist, Steve Hackett. An even more intriguing and somewhat supernatural plot twist takes place on “The Visitation,” and “The Breakthrough,” which leads the story towards it’s triumphal conclusion on “The Theory of Everything part 3.” A very somber and contemplative performance from JB brings this great record to a close, leaving the listener in a state of wonder, and a strong desire to replay the record from the beginning to try and catch all of the subtle nuances.
One can’t help but wonder where the inspiration for this amazing story came from. Could there perhaps be a hint of autobiographical reflection from one of the most thoughtful and challenging heavy metal composers of today? The following lines were noted in the album’s first online trailer: “After traveling through space and time seeking the origins of the universe, Ayreon returns to Earth to explore the most complex object in the known universe, The Human Mind.” Arjen Lucassen has done just that, and given fans a slightly different taste of his signature brand of ambitious and heavy handed prog-rock. Arjen himself described this album as “less heavy and more instrumental than 01011001,” and although this is a very true statement, this album is certainly a stand out Ayreon album, and one that will challenge and intrigue fans listen after listen.
Line-Up:
Vocalists (in order of appearance):
JB as The Teacher (Grand Magus)
Sara Squadrani as The Girl (Ancient Bards)
Michael Mills as The Father (Toehider)
Cristina Scabbia as The Mother (Lacuna Coil)
Tommy Karevik as The Prodigy (Kamelot/Seventh Wonder)
Marko Hietala as The Rival (Nightwish)
John Wetton as The Psychiatrist (Asia/ ex. King Crimson)
Instrumentalists:
Ed Warby –drums
Rick Wakeman – keyboards
Keith Emerson – keyboards
Jordan Rudess – keyboards
Steve Hackett – lead guitar
Troy Donockley – Uilleann pipes and low flute (Nightwish)
Arjen Anthony Lucassen –electric and acoustic guitars, bass guitar, mandolin and keyboards.
(Ben Mathot –violins, Maaike Peterse –cellos, Jeroen Goossens – flute , bass flute, piccolo, bamboo flute and contrabass flute, Siddharta Barnhoorn – orchestrations, Michael Mills – Irish Bouzouki)
BUY 'The Theory of Everything'
By John Knowles
This is certainly the year of the Prog-rock ensemble-cast concept album. 2013 has so far seen the latest from Tobias Sammet’s Avantasia (The Mystery of Time), and Timo Tolkki’s Avalon (The Land of New Hope). As good as those albums may be, nothing really lives up to the masterworks of Arjen Lucassen’s main vessel, Ayreon. After far exceeding fans expectations on the previous Ayreon release, 01011001, the demand and buzz surrounding this latest release could not be higher. Introducing The Theory of Everything, the latest release from Ayreon, which is sure to satisfy any fan of the band, and will certainly win over legions of new fans to Mr. Lucassen.
Sonically this album sounds amazing. The rhythm section is powerful and full, creating a solid base for the layers of keyboards, guitars, and vocals that fill in all Ayreon records. Once again Arjen himself handles most of the instrumentation, and leaves the vocals this time around entirely to others. This album is definitely less heavy than the previous two releases, but it is nonetheless great. While The Human Equation and 01 maintained a similar feel, Ayreon returns with a slightly different approach on this record, featuring greater use of instrumentation, and a very human and emotionally charged storyline.
This album features a notably smaller cast than the previous two Ayreon releases, but in all fairness the story this time around does not necessarily demand such a high head count, as did the highly ambitious 01. “When nature has work to be done she creates a genius to do it, but every great genius is touched by madness.” This line was the first hint at a storyline fans received for this new record, which revolves around a young prodigy, his family, his psychiatrist, his teacher, a personal rival, and an apparent love interest. In the leading role this time around is a true prodigy in his own right, and certainly someone who has generated quite a bit of buzz since his recent arrival to the mighty Florida-based, Kamelot. Tommy Kaverik plays the part of the highly gifted savant, whom it seems no one quite knows what to do with, save for his very loving and sympathetic mother, played by the lovely and immensely talented Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil. In the role of the father is relatively unknown Toehider frontman, Michael Mills. Mills is an unbelievable talent, who showcases an amazing range on this project. The same goes for Kaverik and Scabbia. In Kaverik’s case I’m sure having the opportunity to record an album without the prospect of touring on it allowed him the freedom to really unleash his range. Scabbia adds so much passion and sincerity to this record, and it is such a pleasure to hear her alongside the likes of others besides her Lacuna co-vocalist Andrea Ferro.
Unlike previous Ayreon releases, The Theory of Everything is made up of just four songs, albeit very long songs comprised of many movements. The song titles and themes of the album’s four “Phases” bring to mind the idea of a relationship in progress. “Singularity” is phase one, and opens with a word from The Teacher, played by Grand Magus frontman JB, followed by the lovely voice of Ancient Bards leading lady Sara Squadrani as The Girl. “The Theory of Everything” is the second “track” of Phase One, and introduces the album’s infectious main theme, featuring some very heavy and intense guitar and keyboard pairing, as well as the first appearance of the many progressive rock legends that Arjen was able to acquire for this project. Rick Wakeman performs a brilliant piano melody that leads right into the first and very memorable appearances of Michael Mills and Cristina Scabbia. “The Prodigy’s World” introduces the listener to Tommy Kaverik for the first time, who makes his presence known in a big way with some killer vocal acrobatics. Following Kaverik’s premiere is the introduction of Marko Hietala (Nightwish) as The Rival on “The Teacher’s Discovery.” Hietala is a great fit for this project, and really captures the “Metal” edge on the record. Quite possibly the instrumental highlight of Phase One is found on “Progressive Waves,” which is a fitting name for this masterpiece. The legendary Keith Emerson performs a great solo in the middle of this track, followed by Dream Theater’s Jordan Rudess who always brings greatness to whatever he’s a part of.
Phase Two, “Symmetry” opens with “The Consultation,” and introduces listeners to another progressive rock legend, John Wetton (Asia, King Crimson) as The Psychiatrist. Wetton provides a stunning performance and is the perfect fit for the role. The word hope best describes this Phase, as The Prodigy is offered help in the form of drugs, a fitting commentary for the modern mental health scene. “Alive!” is another stand out track from this Phase, featuring great performances from Kaverik and Mills.
Phase Three, “Entanglement” presents listeners with some unnerving signs of trouble in the world of The Prodigy. “Transformation” and “Collision” provide some of the best performances from JB and Hietala respectively, and lead right into “Side Effects,” a title which offers little surprise to the listener. “I believe we have a problem,” claims The Psychiatrist, and its clear things are not going well with the characters’ plans to help The Prodigy. The Rival provides The Prodigy and the listener an interesting turn of events in “Quid Pro Quo,” as the plot takes a very interesting twist.
Phase Four, “Unification” opens up with the amazing playing of Troy Donockley, who is a now a recent addition to Nightwish. “Mirror of Dreams” features some beautiful flute playing from Donockley and is one of the stand-out performances on the album, featuring both of the album’s female characters. “The Parting” follows shortly, and showcases the incredible vocal range of Michael Mills. Listeners will be struck by the cries of The Father in true desperation, followed by an incredible solo from legendary Genesis guitarist, Steve Hackett. An even more intriguing and somewhat supernatural plot twist takes place on “The Visitation,” and “The Breakthrough,” which leads the story towards it’s triumphal conclusion on “The Theory of Everything part 3.” A very somber and contemplative performance from JB brings this great record to a close, leaving the listener in a state of wonder, and a strong desire to replay the record from the beginning to try and catch all of the subtle nuances.
One can’t help but wonder where the inspiration for this amazing story came from. Could there perhaps be a hint of autobiographical reflection from one of the most thoughtful and challenging heavy metal composers of today? The following lines were noted in the album’s first online trailer: “After traveling through space and time seeking the origins of the universe, Ayreon returns to Earth to explore the most complex object in the known universe, The Human Mind.” Arjen Lucassen has done just that, and given fans a slightly different taste of his signature brand of ambitious and heavy handed prog-rock. Arjen himself described this album as “less heavy and more instrumental than 01011001,” and although this is a very true statement, this album is certainly a stand out Ayreon album, and one that will challenge and intrigue fans listen after listen.
Line-Up:
Vocalists (in order of appearance):
JB as The Teacher (Grand Magus)
Sara Squadrani as The Girl (Ancient Bards)
Michael Mills as The Father (Toehider)
Cristina Scabbia as The Mother (Lacuna Coil)
Tommy Karevik as The Prodigy (Kamelot/Seventh Wonder)
Marko Hietala as The Rival (Nightwish)
John Wetton as The Psychiatrist (Asia/ ex. King Crimson)
Instrumentalists:
Ed Warby –drums
Rick Wakeman – keyboards
Keith Emerson – keyboards
Jordan Rudess – keyboards
Steve Hackett – lead guitar
Troy Donockley – Uilleann pipes and low flute (Nightwish)
Arjen Anthony Lucassen –electric and acoustic guitars, bass guitar, mandolin and keyboards.
(Ben Mathot –violins, Maaike Peterse –cellos, Jeroen Goossens – flute , bass flute, piccolo, bamboo flute and contrabass flute, Siddharta Barnhoorn – orchestrations, Michael Mills – Irish Bouzouki)
BUY 'The Theory of Everything'