THE HUMAN EQUATION

Arjen A. Lucassen's Ayreon, an opera of man, their creators the Forever and their plight to save themselves from extinction has been told throughout the Ayreon collection, but never in such a beautifully subtle way. The album is the story of Me, whom, after seeing his wife and his best friend together, proceeds to attempt suicide by crashing his car. While in a coma he battles with his emotions, all portrayed by different accomplished singers, on a number of circumstances; all while his wife and best friend battle with guilt and sorrow over his situation. Throughout the story Me, the main character, relives his life, gets closure from his neglectful father, receives forgiveness from his best friend for Me's own betrayal, and finally forgives his wife for cheating on him. Only in the last few moments of the CD is it revealed that the entire story was a computer program in The Dream Sequencer, a machine that can project simulations of life while the user lies motionless inside, for a Forever, one of the creators of mankind and of whom lost their emotions eons ago. The story ends as the Forever says, Emotions... I remember. Revealing that after living a humans life and going through happiness to rage to sorrow, the Forever have finally regained their long lost emotions. By far the best Ayreon, and even Arjen A. Lucassen's album to date; with a fantastic storyline, and an amazing line-up of musicians and vocalists, this CD should be one of the favorites of any progressive metal fan.