Metal Reviews

Nope i downloaded it illegally.

I will have the booklet when my 2cd/dvd version arrives

I now realize I need to amend this statement. Of course due to the fact that Renske appears all over this release. I was foolish to make such a broad comment. The track I'm speaking of is called "Waking Dreams". Renske and Anneke perform the vocal work on this track. I really enjoy listening to this one. It has a Pink Floyd feel to it , especially the guitar solo.

Magali Luyten is to this album what Devin Townsend was to The Human Equation. She's brilliant, but far too under-used.

I ordered this from Amazon yesterday. I'm holding all of your positive words!!

Waking Dreams is one of my favorites tracks from this album.

I agree, she is amazing on Ride The Comet

Anneke and Renkse really shine on this album, and Lande has some great passages. I think Hansi is the one who was underused. And when he is used, he's either too far back in the mix, or he's just doing backing vocals.

I would have to agree with you on all of your points. I felt the same way about the mix on Hansi. You can barely hear him sometimes. It's a disappointment but the CD is still awesome.

Agreed. And Floor Jansen surely doesn't make her sound any worse. Have you heard anything else Magali's done? Beautiful Sin? Her voice gives me chills. It's so powerful!

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Yeah i agree he is underused but the part he sings in Newborn Race is amazing.

I actually found the enjoyable songs on this album better than the songs on Human Equation, I too find that album to be over-rated. However, its true that the two bombs of songs, "Web of Lies and Connect the Dot," drag this album down from a masterpiece. I can't even really see how they fit into the story unless they're just noting on the emotions of mankind.. but they truly don't fit into an album as grandiose as this one.

That being said, the two "Extinction" tracks are amazing, New Born Race is catchy as hell, and every singer on this album delivers a stand up performance. 89 for me.

I was often very skeptical about this type of music. Avantasia never caught on with me, I found Aina boring, and many other "metal opera super groups" just seemed so...unentertaining, despite the wonderful line-ups they often contained. Therefore I was extremely skeptical when deciding to give Ayreon a listen.

I picked up Universal Migrator parts 1 and 2, and then realized I had found my metal opera. they are some of the finest albums I've ever listened to. Part one leaning towards rock and the latter having a darker, more metal feel. The songs are all wonderfully written and expertly performed. (Huge amount of love to Bruce Dickenson for Into the Black Hole in Part 2)

That being said, I will definately be checking out the rest of their stuff and have most likely found a band I will love for the rest of my life.

This is exactly the same I did, and now I've got my hands on Ayreon's last four albums. "01011001" is a definite grower, and as long as I've owned it, I haven't actually gotten quite under it's skin yet. But there is always enough interesting in the music and of course the vocal-line up for each CD is enough for me to buy it... Still, this is an album I might have to pull out and listen to the whole thing from start to finish.

I agree that this album is better than "The Human Equation" all the way through, as that album was harder to get into. Although the storyline were a bit "easier" to connect with, though. I also find that many of the male voices are pretty similar, as there were times when I had to like: "Hmm, was that Jørn Lande or the other guy..." Still, I think the concept story of this album is a definite winner. Everything from the right guitar tone, to voices, lyrics and even the artwork on cover and in booklet all make up one of the coolest concept- stories ever! Guess, now I better start digging the actual music too.