THE HUMAN EQUATION

This is the best album i have heard in the last 5 years, i had a previous experience with Ayreon that didnt impressed me much (Universal Migrator) but for years i have been enjoying other Lucassen's side projects like Ambeon, Stream of Passion or Lana Lane's secrets of astrology on witch he guests. Human Equation was a revelation to me, i didnt expected Arjen could actually pull of a double concept album that was consistent and interesting throughout the hole 100+ minutes of play time, i must say i think this album is almost flawless, there are no filler tracks whatsoever, everything flows well as a whole and the diversity displayed here is amazing, call it folk, progressive, metal, pop, blues, rock, opera ... everything is displayed here and to my surprise it doesnt sound forced or out of place, everything, every instrument, every vocal is well thought out, the production is top notch, the singers impressive (even the much criticized Labrie is great here).

My favorite tracks are Isolation, Trauma, Accident and the amazing closing title Confrontation witch develops really nicely from a calm start to an intense metal-like double kick drum rhythm while most of the cast of singers display their vocal abilities.