Ayreon
Into the electric castle

Progressive metal is one of those genres that always manages to split public opinion into two camps: the idolizers and the executioners, the former supporting the creativity of such groups, the latter—purists—who do not consider these bands worthy of the metal label.

In the distant 1998, Ayreon (among the most appreciated progsters) released this album, an absolutely monumental work: 2 CDs packed and really intense. The music is almost "cosmic," the voice seems to come from a distant world, and the atmosphere prevails. Without it, it would be just like any other album, inferior to the others.

You can't do a track analysis, because this album cannot and should not be disassembled. Worth noting are the excellent female vocals in Valley of the Queens, which almost give the album a "Blackmore’s Night" tone.

Truly a good album, excellent production, and genius ideas. What more could you want? It's a pity it doesn't prove to be excessively lasting, perhaps because it is too monumental or excessive. Personally, I would have split it into two distinct chapters rather than a double CD, but you know, they make the choices... and for this reason, my rating is reduced.

Dying_Sun