Thoughts on Ayreon - The Human Equation?

[Frans]

Now that the interview with Arjen Lucassen has been archived and many of you have heard some of the material, what are the reactions to this 2 CD release?

Frans

[JeffS]

I'm afraid I wasn't listening intently, as I've been busy setting up a new PC while listening, or doing housework as we've had guests two weekends in a row now.

I do recall that it was different in a good way, and very interesting.  I am considering buying the CD.  Is the DVD a live concert, playing the new material end-to-end, or...?

JeffS

[Capt. Rhodes]

Really liking it a lot, the CD's keep finding their way into my cd player. The production value is very high, and the music as a whole has developed into a more mature sound for Arjen and Ayreon. Ed Warby (drummer) agrees, and is very proud to be a part of it! A new clip for the song 'Loser' (Day Sixteen) will be released in early July.

Hi Jeff!  

The bonus DVD consists of the following:

01. Inside - Behind the scenes (45:27)
02. Concept - The Concept Of The Human Equation (03:05)
03. Ayreon - The Story Of Ayreon (04:26)
04. Drums - Ed Warby's Drums (03.:32)
05. Video - Day 11: Love (in 5.1 surround!) (03:49)
06. Teaser Trailer (01:28)

Right now, my favorite tracks are:

Day Three: Pain
Day Four: Mystery
Day Five: Voices
Day Eleven: Love
Day Twelve: Trauma
Day Fifteen: Sign
Day Sixteen: Loser
Day Eighteen: Realisation

Definitely check out the limited edition with the DVD. The DVD gives a very good insight into the making of the cd, and it shows off Arjen's incredible enthousiasm and love of music. It surely is an eye opener for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the mind of Arjen. Geez, I sound like a spokesperson now......

[Proxi]

Thanks for introducing me to Arjen's music, Frans. It's one of the best concept/prog stuff I've ever heard. I'm definitely picking up the Ayreon - The Human Equation discs.


~Pr

[Rayna]

I absolutely LOVE the new Ayreon.  I've probably listened to the cd about 10-15 times already and it keeps getting better!!  I think I'm going to put it on again right now.

[LaraThePanther]

Love it

* LaraThePanther drools to Frans

[Tim McCarthy]

I just discovered Aryeon a few days ago, and can't stop listening to the stuff.  Not having heard anything of the bands previous to The Human Equation, I can't make a comparison, but I can say that it's one of the most inspiring pieces of music I've heard in a really long time.  Very well produced, and mixed too.
The blending of musical styles is really impressive.  As a composer, I know I will be getting a lot of inspiration from this album!

[Borkdude]

Hi guyz,

This is my first post here.

On Ayreon:

I think the new Ayreon is the best one till now, even better then my previously fav. Ayreon album ITEC.

Of course I especially like the keyboardsolo of Joost on his Nordlead hehe, but the rest of the instrumentarium is great too. Great folky things, proggy things, great great vocals. I never knew Magnus Ekwall before, I like his voice very much, raw as it is.

I love it. I can just advise anyone who is into prog, to buy this stuff.

[gary]

I like the album okay, but I like ITEC so much more.  Maybe it's because I only just got ITEC a few weeks ago and I'm still learning it.  The Human Equation is really good, but at this point I don't agree with Arjen that it's his best work.  I really enjoyed the DVD portion so far though.  I have to watch it again.  Next I'll have to get a copy of the Star One Live DVD/CD combo.

[Shawn]

I agree with Gary.  I really do like The Human Equation a lot but I haven't had enough time to fully digest it yet.  Into The Electric Castle was awesome (minus the voices at the start) and I really love that album.  Perhaps I love it so because it was the first album that got me into Ayreon.  That being said, there is some terrific work on Human Equation and I'm sure I'll love it more with each listen.  I find one of the things I have to try and get past is his inner geek showing so clearly.  I see what he's going for but I think a lot of the time it's a bit over the top and goes a bit into cheeseland.  But that's something that happens with all Arjen's work.  That aside, the man can write some absolutely amazing pieces of music.  He's without a doubt one of prog's brightest tallents today.  I love hoe he tries to bring in outside musicians and uses only the best from them.  That is very cool.  More power to Arjen I say!

[Rene]

I must confess I have only been able to force myself to sit and listen to The Human Equation in its entirety once so far.  Yes, I do mean "force."  I find it difficult to listen to more than a couple of tracks at a time.  I think it's mostly the vocals that turn me off.  Too many wailing, operatic, vibrato parts that sound "over acted."  Too many minor chords.  It sounds repetitive to me.  At this point I think the work could have been much more effective had it been compressed into one 20-minute epic rather than 2 CDs.

Having said that, I do like the sounds of the instruments and they are played well.  The production is good.  I found Into The Electric Castle much the same.  However, like many prog records, maybe this will grow on me after a few more listens.  I will reserve further comment until I reach that point.

[The_Lurker]

I like it quite a bit, with the exception of the "cookie monster" vocals. Love the Labrie parts and the concept itself. I'll be buying it for sure.

[BobL]

So far, I have only enjoyed Arjen's work in small doses.  I am impressed with his talent and prolific writing, but I have not been won over as of yet.

Nonetheless, a few Aryeon tunes now and again are always welcome!

[feargalmellon]

I've really enjoyed it, another great set, and the limited version is a fantastic package. My only flaw is as was put by the lurker 'cookie monster vocals' but as part of the overall concept i can handle it.

feargal

[Hollow Man]

I can't seem to stop listening to this cd. Great epic songwriting with alot of melodic hooks.