Ayreon
Into The Electric Castle - A Space Opera

Arjen Anthony Lucassen is someone who knows a thing or two about works. And with the Ayreon project, he has truly created masterpieces. "Into The Electric Castle" is, in my opinion, second only to "The Human Equation".

It is an epic concept based on the attempt by 8 different characters, coming from different eras, to reach the electric castle. It is characterized by a sound that is a sophisticated mix of various genres and musical traditions such as metal, prog, folk, classical, electronic, opera, etc... Personally, I think this is truly Lucassen's album of artistic maturity, showing that he is a composer capable of doing things with order and consistency. After an excellent debut with "The Final Experiment," there was an underwhelming "Actual Fantasy," based on electronic experiments that were certainly a good idea but, to be honest, a bit poorly coordinated. Listenable, yes, but certainly open to criticism. Now, however, everything shines again as before, showing a very mature and confident Lucassen!

The work includes 2 CDs. 7 tracks on the first, 10 on the second. No particular change in style between the first and second CD, though I slightly prefer the first. In the first, there are truly authentic gems like "Isis And Osiris," with folkish parts played with a mandolin, metal parts and beautiful synthesizer passages, "Amazing Flight," with its bluesy start that evolves more forcefully accompanied by excellent parts of flute and synthesizer, "The Decision Tree" where the synth work is truly stellar and blends well with the guitars, and the folk-oriented "Tunnel Of Light." In the second, there is a slight and imperceptible drop, but it doesn't hinder the compositional vein, and we witness notable tracks like "The Garden Of Emotions," "The Tower Of Hope," which alternates powerful guitar riffs with beautiful synth parts, "Cosmic Fusion," with an excellent instrumental part, the lively "The Two Gates" and the others.

The overall work maintains very high levels throughout its duration and leaves us generally satisfied with what we have listened to. But we must always consider who is behind the project, and Lucassen's name, frankly, is a great one!