AYREON – The Source

The Source is the 9th Ayreon album and is perhaps not only the finest and most all encompassing release under the Ayreon name, but it may also be the crowning achievement of Dutch creator Arjen Anthony Lucassen’s career. With a wide range of top level vocalists and guest musicians, The Source will automatically attract Metal fans from an array of sub-genres. The two disc album includes  James LaBrie (Dream Theater), Simone Simons (Epica), Floor Jansen (Nightwish), Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian), Tobias Sammet (Edguy, Avantasia), Tommy Karevik (Kamelot, Seventh Wonder), Russell Allen (Symphony X), and Tommy Rogers (Between the Buried and Me); there is no shortage of top vocal talent. The album also includes guest appearances by guitar powerhouse players Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big, Racer X) and Guthrie Govan (The Aristocrats, Asia).

Spanning two CDs, and almost an hour and a half running time, The Source is a science fiction Metal exploration. Musically, Arjen keeps his influences close while maintaining a fresh view on his approach to songwriting. While there are clearly nods to the vocal arrangements of Queen and instrumental passages of Rainbow, nothing ever sounds borrowed, only saluted. The awe-inspiring “Run! Apocalypse! Run!” raises the bar for fast, catchy, sophisticated Metal. The sound production is the best of the best, with all of the finest elements of European style Metal production being well executed. The Source is more of a musical experience than it is an album, and it’s an experience that the listener won’t want to end.

This album will serve as both a perfect introduction to Ayreon (and the work of Arjen Anthony Lucassen), and also a ten course meal of satisfaction for long time fans. Based on the well deserved positive reception to the album’s lead singles “The Day That The World Breaks Down”, and “Star Of Sirrah”, this will likely be an album that fans will be hearing about for a while.

The Source is a cut above everything else and deserves to be placed on the highest of pedestals along side the finest classic Metal albums. The only question left now is whether or not this will ever be heard and seen by a live audience. If that happens, fans can hope there will be a DVD released of what would be an Earth-shattering collection of Metal talent.

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