VICTIMS OF THE MODERN AGE

STAR ONE - a project which has prog metal music based on sci-fi-movies in supply. As for that consequently coupled with some appropriate references, obvious at first concerning the cover art and some song titles. The lyrics are consistently referring to diverse wellknown movies like 'The Matrix', '12 Monkeys' or 'Planet Of The Apes', to name a few. Mastermind Arjen Lucassen is bestknown for his project Ayreon probably, which he advertises as his 'mothership'. And Hawkwind is often named by him as a big influence. So the limited edition disc of the first STAR ONE studio production even features a Hawkwind medley with vocal contributions by Dave Brock. Well, some spacey synths and stomping rhythms are reminding of this protagonists - however, the nine songs put on the album's regular edition are way more metal pervaded though, featuring a rather aggressive mood based on heavy guitar riffs all over.

Additionally Lucassen has invited a best-of team of vocal artists - that's for sure - to name Damian Wilson and Russell Allen for example. With Digital Rain they have a promising begin, Ed Warby's powerful drum work attracts attention immediately, which applies to the complete course by the way. Next then the excellent Earth That Was starts off - dominated by a remarkable shredding guitar riff, wooohhhh! - perfectly reduced as for the volume and the punch when it comes to the outstanding vocal parts. The keyboard/synth decoration is worthwhile alone, even comprising some spacey moments in between. Provided with spirit - this one is really pathbreaking!

Apart from that, it's really hard to keep up this high level for the following songs. 24 Hours comes as a pleasant exception though, decorated with a symphonic note and emotive vocals by Damian Wilson. Cassandra Complex and It's Alive - She's Alive - We're Alive are drifting into a more catchy direction where the long track It All Ends Here is dominated by a darker mood and shows a short Pink Floyd inspired section.

Comprising the shining highlight 'Earth That Was' this is a solid album, prominent regarding technical abilities, featuring lots of bombast riffs, skilled vocals, lively keyboard/synth contributions - great musicianship to sum it up. However, when it comes to the compositional impact, the entire album is a bit single-tracked according to my taste. Possibly exposed Lucassen fans will add an additional rating star here. Basically also designated to supporters of Dream Theater, Symphony X, Fates Warning I would say.