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| Ayreon - Into The Electric Castle |
 Released: 1998 Label: Transmission (division of Double Dutch Record Service BV) Cat. No.: TM-014 Total Time: 102:35 | |
Reviewed by: Stephanie Sollow, September 1999 This is another of those disks that I sought out based on a review by Larry, and because, in part, of Fish's involvement. My first listen to Ayreon's Into The Electric Castle was not under ideal listening conditions - in my cramped, highly exposed office at work, meaning the volume had to be low. But, enough penetrated through for me to know that this was a quality, stellar release. Now, having listened to in more ideal surroundings - headphones at home - I can tell you that it is a stellar release. Arjen Lucassen has gathered the all the right people for this project. I first thought that Jay Van Feggelen's voice was wrong for the role of Barbarian, but as the disc progresses, it seems just right. I am unfamiliar with him otherwise, but he has a very bluesy kinda voice - I thought of Glenn Hughes (and he looks a bit like Eric Clapton). There are two female vocalists here, too - Anneke Van Giersbergen of The Gathering, and Sharon Den Adel. Well, I was impressed enough with Van Giersbergen to pick up The Gathering's latest release [How To Measure A Planet?] based on that alone (well, not quite that alone, as I had earlier listened to an MP3 of The Gathering). The rest of this impressive list includes Damien Wilson (ex-Threshold) and two other vocalists I'm unfamiliar with - Erwin Balogh and Edward Reeker. More impressive vocals. Given that each character has a voice - by which I mean that the arrangement fit the characters personality, origin - you'd think this would be a mismash of ideas, that the music would clash, jar, or otherwise become disharmonious. Well, no. It blends well and cohesively. The only thing I didn't like, but probably will over time, are the Death vocals of...well, Death (not the band, btw). A little too growly for my tastes, but wholly appropriate. And that's just the vocalists - the ubiquitous Clive Nolan is featured on keys on one track, Ton Scherpenzel (synths), Thijs van Leer (flute) and a host of others, some on just one track (or two) others for the whole album. If you like symphonic progressive, if you like progressive metal, if you like classically influenced rock, ethereal rock...basically if you like music, you will like this album. Fish is very good on this disk, though he is typecast as the Highlander - he has a voice that would lend itself to any of the other male roles - except maybe the Hippie, which is Lucassen. It is a sonic journey well worth taking...repeatedly. Now I'm anxious to hear the back catalog of Ayreon releases and await the next release. Highly recommended. [See also also LarryD and Keith's reviews -ed.] More about Into the Electric Castle: Track Listing: Disc 1: Welcome To The New Dimension (3:05) / Isis And Osiris (11:11) A) Let The Journey Begin, B) The Hall Of Isis And Osiris, C) Strange Constellations / Amazing Flight (10:15) A) Amazing Flight In Space, B) Stardance, C) Flying Colours / Time Beyond Time (6:05) / The Decision Tree (We're Alive) (6:24) / Tunnel Of Light (4:05) / Across The Rainbow Bridge (6:20) Musicians: Contact: Website: www.ayreon.com/ Discography
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