"The Dream Sequencer" / "Flight of the Migrator"
Inside Out Music
By Vinnie Apicella Take a classical listening experience that transcends all time and space-Ayreon, the brainchild of Dutch wunderkind Arjen Anthony Lucassen, a man of multi-dimensional talent who has outdone himself and undertaken a massive endeavor with the simultaneous release of "The Dream Sequencer" and "Flight of the Migrator," the two latest in a series known wholly as "Universal Migrator." In an odd sort of way, listening to part one, is like taking a step backward in time though the setting is directed well into the future and a fictional account of the lone survivor-a Martian colonist who's life is explored through the timeless mental wanderings allowable only within that "Dream Sequencer." and a fantastic journey that follows past, present and future. Taking virtual reality to another level, Lucassen's created a true masterpiece that seems well ahead of it's time as it builds on the space-driven dramatics of the likes of Yes, Floyd and Hawkwind. A spectacular presentation built upon gentle instrumentals, synthesized backing effects and female vocals. sights, sounds and all of nature's elements at play to give us, the listeners, an amazing mental picture of the future-it's a twilight zone of full fascination. Part two takes place in a time before the big bang. as the computer-generated introduction informs us and "Are we sure we want to continue?" But of course, we've gone too far to turn back now. and here's where the setting changes from before. Seemingly jarring you awake from the pleasant dreams of before with an incoming barrage of heavy rock, powerful and progressive by nature, full with blazing guitar scales, timely synth work and further symphonic textures. The atmospheric quality remains as prevalent as before yet here's where it gets interesting. An all-star cast within the progressive and power metal ranks of vocalists is assembled to each lend their talents to the respective parts of the unfolding story, one of great detail and presented with many intricacies that only the most stellar of vocal prowess could endure. From the "Journey on the Waves of Time," "To the Quasar," "Through the Wormhole" and all throughout the galaxy we'll come across the likes of Ralf Scheepers of Gamma Ray and Primal Fear fame, Andi Deris of Helloween, and landing right square in the middle of the production is none other than one Bruce Dickinson and his captivating performance during "In the Black Hole." Quite an extraordinary journey that all at once commands immediate admiration and yields quick listening gratification. Though much of the attention is deserving of each contributing singer, each given their moment to shine within each of the nine chapters, the overall production here is nothing short of spectacular-Ayreon, a visionary entity both soothing and savage all at once, and all at once, The "Universal Migrator" Parts I & II, is like nothing you've experienced before. |
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