Universal Migrator Part 1: The Dream Sequencer

Ayreon is the epic-prog rock project of the Dutchman Arjen Lucassen. This album, Universal Migrator Part 1: The Dream Sequencer, is part of a larger series of similarly themed albums, but is more directly related to its' counterpart Universal Migrator Part 2: Flight of the Migrator, which was released congruently back in 2000. Quite the mouthful, huh? Anyway, Arjen is the ever intrepid prog musician. He collected a series of talents to join him on his quest, including but not limited to Lana Lane, Neal Morse and Johan Edlund. One of those things does not belong... That's right, Johan Edlund from Tiamat contributes his distinct baritone for what is perhaps the highlight of the album "My House on Mars."

I should probably take a moment and explain what this album is all about...

It's 2084, and the earth has consumed itself in war. Everyone is dead. Colonists on Mars are now dying as a result (no imports of food, water, soap, etc.) There is this awesome machine, called the Dream Sequencer. It allows you to travel through time and live the experiences of famous people and events. Like a virtual reality history lesson. This one poor chap is the last person alive on Mars, or anywhere for that matter, and he hops in the machine to live out his days as best he can. Let the fun and adventure begin! Enter Sir Francis Drake, Rembrandt, Neil Armstrong, Druids, Mayans, etc etc etc...

I'm not too into the "rock opera" scene. But, this album somehow keeps making it back into my rotation after all these years. Especially Edlunds track.

Part 2 has some lad named Bruce Dickinson. But I never made it that far.

...enjoy...

Wildhoney

Tiamat put the European metal scene on notice with the release of 1994's Wildhoney. Facing their break up, the band decided to just make an album for themselves, never believing it would be a critical or financial success. They could not have been more wrong.

A departure from their much more aggressive and heavy efforts of the past, this album showcased a band coming into their own as musicians and proved that creativity would not be bound by genre limitations. While some elements of their metal past were still evident, Wildhoney showcased progressive and psychedelic song writing unfettered by restraint. Nature and the wonderful hallucinogenic drugs it provides is a theme throughout. It plays out like a trippy drug induced journey through an otherworldly realm. While there you will marvel at all nature has to offer, but you will also stand witness to man's careless destruction of it. Man is such a dick sometimes. Pink Floyd and King Crimson can be heard whispering inspiration behind each track, so make sure you listen carefully. I recommend that you enjoy this album in its' entirety, letting it play from beginning to end. It plays not like a group of songs, but like an experience. And not one you are likely to forget.

If I had my own planetarium, and if life were fair I would, there would be a Friday midnight laser light show for Wildhoney. And all the cool kids would come and we would smoke. Alot.

For every tear, a dream