Ayreon - CD Review
The Theory Of Everything

2013
InsideOut Music
2 CDs, 90+ minutes
English lyrics

Has it really been only 5 years since the last Ayreon album was released? Wow. It feels like it’s been much longer than that. Arjen Lucassen hasn’t sat idle for all of that time, either. After 2008’s 01011001, which marked the conclusion of the original Ayreon storyline, Lucassen took a break from his long-running progressive rock opera to focus on other projects. He then churned out Guilt Machine’s On This Perfect Day, a second Star One record, and a solo album, all of which Lucassen’s fans (myself included) relished. Yet, as each of those records came out, we couldn’t help but think, “Ayreon’s coming back one day… Right?” Now we’ve got an answer in the upcoming eighth Ayreon album, The Theory Of Everything.

Due out on October 29th via InsideOut Music, The Theory Of Everything retains the familiar Ayreon sound while offering new twists. We’re still getting a double-album whirlpool of progressive rock, heavy metal, electronica, and folk music. What’s different is The Theory Of Everything’s character. Instead of 10 or so tracks of varying length per CD, Theory contains four 20-minute songs (two per CD) divided into a total of 42 tracks (a direct reference to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.) Within those tracks, Lucassen experiments with structure and arrangements more than ever. For example, some of the divided segments take on a normal verse-chorus structure, while others act as melody-driven monologues, conversations, or arguments. Recurring motifs and lyric verses also connect the songs’ themes and the characters’ conflicts. On top of all that, The Theory Of Everything may be the most instrumental Ayreon release to date. Hooks and contrasts abound here, as do solos from guest musicians such as ex-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett, Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess, and Nightwish piper Troy Donockley, among others.

As with the previous Ayreon records, The Theory Of Everything boasts an all-star lineup of rock and metal vocalists. Here are those singers, with the roles they play:

Tommy Karevik (Kamelot, Seventh Wonder) as The Prodigy
Marco Hietala (Nightwish, Tarot) as The Rival
Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil) as The Mother
Michael Mills (Toehider) as The Father
JB (Grand Magus) as The Teacher
Sara Squadrani (Ancient Bards) as The Girl
John Wetton (Asia, King Crimson) as The Psychiatrist

Each singer gives an outstanding performance. Marco Hietala fits the calculating Rival perfectly, and Tommy Karevik shines as the desperate and vulnerable Prodigy. Sara Squadrani and Michael Mills are both revelations (gravity-defying at times!) in their respective roles as the Prodigy’s love interest and the self-serving Father. The biggest surprise for me, however, was Cristina Scabbia. I’d lost interest in Lacuna Coil with their past two albums because Scabbia’s vocals underwhelmed and disappointed me. But on The Theory of Everything, she plays the protective Mother with convincing emotion and power I haven’t heard since Lacuna Coil’s 2005 CD Karmacode. It’s evidence that Lucassen really does know how to bring out the best in people’s talents.

Despite the new approach to Ayreon’s sound, the highlights are balanced between instrumentals and vocals. And when the two aspects come together – oh, what a symphony! (Of a non-classical nature, that is.) Hietala and Karevik duke it out over a power metal assault (“Collision”). A love triangle unfolds over fields of whistle-laced folk rock (“Magnetism”). Synthesizers and guitars roil as Squadrani and Hietala clash in opinion (“Love and Envy”), then rejoice with Karevik and Mills over their discovery (“The Breakthrough”). Also, some of the shorter tracks are best listened to when paired with their neighbors. “Surface Tension” and “A Reason To Live” pack a great one-two punch. Guitars and synths swirl around each other on the former before skyrocketing into the latter, where JB and Squadrani pledge in compelling fashion to help the Prodigy. I’ll list other favorites at the end of this review – because if I don’t stop here, I might not ever!

While I enjoy The Theory Of Everything just as I’ve enjoyed every Ayreon album (make that every Lucassen album) in my collection, this record needed considerable time to grow on me. The format of four marathon tracks divided into so many smaller ones might be the reason why. First, the split-second interruptions between each segment are distracting, sometimes interrupting the listener’s concentration when absorbing the album from start to finish. Second, that’s the only way to listen to The Theory Of Everything: from start to finish, without skipping songs or playing in random order. Yes, I agree that’s the best way to listen to a concept album – but it’s even difficult to shuffle most of these tracks with songs from other albums because of their brevity or segues. This “all or nothing” nature makes The Theory Of Everything an overwhelming or frustrating experience when initially diving into it.

To continue the metaphor, though, The Theory Of Everything is like water you’re about to swim in during the summer. It takes some getting used to before fully immersing yourself in its universe and finding the delight it can bring. And at its core, The Theory Of Everything still teems with all of the goodies that Arjen Lucassen fans have to come to expect and love from Ayreon. The brilliant vocal performances, the balance of undeniably catchy hooks and melodies with fluid yet technical musicianship, and the unique concoction of rustic, futuristic, subtle, and bombastic sounds – Ayreon has always been a playground for the music lover’s ears, and The Theory Of Everything is no exception. And next time, Mr. Lucassen, please don’t make us wait as long for the next Ayreon chapter!

8.5 / 10

Best Songs: “Collision,” “Magnetism,” “Love and Envy,” “Surface Tension” / “A Reason To Live,” “Quid Pro Quo,” “Transformation,” “Progressive Waves,” “The Consultation,” “Alive!”

For fans of past Ayreon albums (particularly 01011001, The Human Equation, and Into The Electric Castle) and Arjen Lucassen project, as well as fans of all of the bands represented by the guest vocalists (Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, Kamelot, Seventh Wonder, Ancient Bards, etc.)

The Theory of Everything will be released in Europe on October 28th and in North America on October 29th. Visit Arjen Lucassen’s website as well as his Facebook page for more information.

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