What’s great about "Victims of the Modern Age" is that Lucassen has reunited the "Space Metal" line-up. So, the four vocalists have returned as well as the guest musicians. Ed Warby (Ayreon, Gorefest) pounds away on the drums again, and all guitar and keyboard solos are courtesy of Peter Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery) and Joost van der Broek (ex-After Forever), respectively. "Victims" also features a new spin on the Star One sound. The trademark, theatrical synth and organ work is still present, but the music on this album is heavier, more guitar-driven, and less "spacey" than that of its predecessor. This more serious tone is also reflected in the lyrics. Instead of basing the songs on sci-fi space films (as he had done on "Space Metal"), Lucassen sought inspiration this time from post-apocalyptic and dystopian films such as "Blade Runner" ("It All Ends Here"), "The Matrix" ("Digital Rain"), and "Planet of the Apes" ("Human See, Human Do"). Laugh all you want at this concept – but the end result will take your breath away.

Take the intro "Down the Rabbit Hole" and the first full song "Digital Rain," for example. The futuristic synth notes lace around each other and evoke the same otherworldly magic heard at the beginning of "Space Metal." Then – boom! The thunderous drums, buoyant riffs, pulsing bass, and swift organ notes erupt all at once and send you into euphoric sensory overload. That’s before the slow chorus soars in, with Allen and Jansen’s flawless harmonizing. This song is lush and intense, and it gets more addictive with each listen.

All of the tracks on "Victims" demonstrate different sides of the new, more aggressive side of Star One. The gritty opening riff of "Earth That Was" is just as memorable as its strong melodies and chorus. "Human See, Human Do" charges forth from start to end with double bass drumming, a throbbing bass line, and frantic keys and organs. On the slower end of the spectrum, "24 Hours" is compelling with its balance of quiet and loud moments, while the anthemic title track coasts on layers of static-like and ringing guitars. However, the most fascinating track on "Victims" is its doomsday closer "It All Ends Here." From the low, ominous verses to the unearthly wails of the guitar during the chorus, this song goes down as one of the most chilling – and one of the best – in Lucassen’s repertoire.

Of course, his repertoire is outstanding; and "Space Metal" is one of Lucassen’s most dynamic and enjoyable albums, albeit a tad gimmicky. But, with the exception of the tedious "It’s Alive, She’s Alive, We’re Alive," "Victims of the Modern Age" outshines "Space Metal" like a supernova over a twinkling star. The music’s overall sound has vastly improved, especially the guitars. Lucassen has stated in recent interviews that he spent weeks finding his ideal guitar sound for "Victims," and his hard work has paid off. The final guitar sound is thick and robust, and it adds more vigor to the uptempo tracks and enhances the dark lyrical content.

Also, even though the vocalists were brilliant on "Space Metal," all four outdid themselves on the new album – especially Floor Jansen and Daniel Swanö. Jansen was only 21 years old when she sang on "Space Metal." Since then, her vocal abilities have matured dramatically. So this time, instead of doing just the simple choral melodies and harmonies, Jansen gets more lead parts (most notably on "Cassandra Complex") and has more room to unleash her powerhouse vocals. Swanö is the biggest surprise on the album, however. On "Space Metal," his low, monotone vocals weren’t anything special. But on "Victims," he uses his gruff baritone range to its fullest extent, even growling on "Human See, Human Do" and the title track. If you’re like me and haven’t followed Swanö’s career since "Space Metal," his vocals are a real treat this time.

Oh, heck, the whole album is an absolute treat. "Victims of the Modern Age" is one of those rare albums that grabs you with the first song and carries you on a journey through different soundscapes, then convinces you to take the trip over and over again. Having the "Space Metal" line-up playing and singing their hearts out again has helped Lucassen to recapture that magic spark. But, honestly, Lucassen deserves most of the credit for "Victims." His ear for great talent, his clever melodies and songwriting, and his desire to find that perfect guitar sound have elevated Star One to stratospheric heights. This is one exhilarating trip "down the rabbit hole" that metal fans of all kinds shouldn’t miss.

9.5 / 10

Best Songs: "Digital Rain," "It All Ends Here," "Human See, Human Do," "24 Hours"

Highly recommend for fans of Ayreon, Stream of Passion, and all bands represented on this album (Symphony X, After Forever, Threshold, etc.)