UNIVERSAL MIGRATOR, PART 1: THE DREAM SEQUENCER

Universal Migrator is an intriguing concept epic album from the masterful Ayreon project. As usual this Cd features incredible vocal performances from all involved and has some low lights and some highlights but it all blends seamlessly into one great package. It begins like many Ayreon albums with a robotic instructional voice and a lengthy instrumental. The first CD is actually part 1 which sold separately on initial release. It has quite a melancholy soundscape, soaked with synthesizers and some haunting guitar passages. There is no real metal surprisingly enough but it creates an ambience that flows from track to track. Neal Morse is a special guest and one of the highlights.

I purchased this with the special 2 CD package with part one and 2 together and when heard together this is the weaker of the 2. Firstly, the tracks are not as consistently good as part 2 and secondly, there's little to no metal and as a prog metal band they don't commit themselves here or satisfy the average metal fan - some may be disappointed at the lack of heaviness as I was. It is still compelling music but I so used to the heavier Ayreon. Part 2 of this sage is very heavy in comparison to this and as a result more satisfying.