THE HUMAN EQUATION

The Human equation is Arjen Lucassen's defining masterpiece. Human equation combines prog, metal, rock, folk and pop into an album where every song is different and unique in its own way. Released in 2004 after a four year gap from his next most recent works, the Universal Migrator albums. Everyone new that his next album was going to be something special and it was. This album featured the same old strange story line with odd characters and what not which where each played by a different vocalist. The Human equation included many notable vocalists including Mikael Åkerfeldt, Devin Townsend and James Labrie and numerous others. There is also a synth solo from Oliver Wakeman.

The concept: The Concept of the album is that where was a man who had a car crash in broad daylight with no other car in sight. This man played by James Labrie is taken to a hospital where he falls into a coma. A few days later he has recovered from his injuries but he can't wake from his coma and he doctors are mystified. In the man's head there are voices talking to him, reflecting on his life's experiences and from these voices we find out about his life and all the things that have happened. This is just the rough idea but the story is much more complex.

Highlights: Isolation, Love, Trauma, Confrontation (the end of the album leaves you thinking.)

The Human equation is, in summary one of the most varied and enjoyable albums ever made, there is something in it for everyone so check it out. Five stars a masterpiece if I ever saw one.