INTO THE ELECTRIC CASTLE

Ayreon's first classic album has garnered a veritable cult following among prog addicts and Ayreonauts alike. There are many highlights on this prog rock opera, including the lengthy fan favourite Isis and Osiris, and my personal favourite Amazing Flight. The garden of emotions has some innovative moments along with the dark aggressive The castle hall. Cosmic fusion is a spacey track in 3 parts and the finale that includes The two gates is truly majestic and full powered.

This is a metal release with tons of ambient keyboards and terrific vocals from all involved. The running time of the 2 CD opus is a whopping 102:35, making this a quality and quantity purchase. The concept is heavy handed with castles and medieval futurism, but works well with other Ayreon albums.

Arjen Lucassen plays all guitars, some mandolin, bass, and Minimoog, Mellotron and keyboards, with Hammonds on this album. A special mention to the incredible talented Thijs van Leer on flute, and the vocal prowess of Fish, Damien Wilson, Sharon Den Adel, and Anneke van Giersbergen on vocals. This is an excellent introduction to Ayreon and one of the best prog albums of 1998.