The Final Experiment
Jason Goh
Once in a while you come across an album that is so different from the others; different in feel, different in arrangement, different in concept, etc. Now, that's what I'll describe Ayreon as - different. Ayreon has declared this album "A Rock Opera", and they couldn't be nearer to the truth. The whole album is based on a concept - a story that is both new and refreshing. I won't tell you what Ayreon has to say. That's for you to find out. What's new is that all the songs on this album are divided into four acts.
That's right, just like an opera. Each act is a collection of songs, and in some songs, a group of scenes. This is particularly interesting. I mentioned once before that a composer can only be truly successful if the audience is able to experience the music just as he wanted it to be felt. By dictating the scenes and events which occurred in this album, the audience is "forced" into living its music. Failing which, the composer has not succeeded. So has Ayreon managed to bring his music to life?
Yes, I believe he has.
This album exhibits an impressive array of musicians - 15 vocalists and 13 different instruments in all! I'll describe the songs in this album as a single entity, granted that it is originally intended to be delivered whole. The feel of this album falls mostly in the light rock category, though there are slightly heavier parts. However, it is far from commercial rock as all pieces are inspired by fantasy.
The amazing use of keyboards brings much excitement into the songs. I feel like I'm listening to a movie soundtrack. Besides that, great melodies and song arrangements make this album an extremely memorable one. A beautiful masterpiece.