When Ayreon releases a new album, a shudder goes through prog- and metal-loving Netherlands. Not surprising, because in 20 years Ayreon has become the standard against which the makers of rock and metal operas measure themselves. Arjen Lucassen has again managed to attract a variety of guest vocalists for The Source. Among others , ( ) and ( ) lend their voices to Lucassen's musical science
… fiction story. New to this project was that Lucassen started with the cover and from there came up with text and music. The equally stunning and complex artwork by the Frenchman Yann Souetre fits perfectly with the layered music of Lucassen that leads along classic rock, elaborate prog, solid metal and folky interludes. (PdK)more
