Entry 281 - Ayreon - The Universal Migrator Part I: The Dream Sequencer

 

What would happen if Pink Floyd played metal and employed a dozen vocalists? I'm pretty sure it would sound close to Ayreon at this point their musical career, especially on Part 1 of this epic two part album. Listen to the title track and tell me that doesn't sound like Shine On You Crazy Diamond.

Comparisons aside this album is exceptionally well done. The assortment of vocalists that Arjen was able to amass on this album is quite impressive. Each song seems like its written for each collection of vocalists.

Highlights include My House On Mars with Johan's gothic drenched croon. Neal Morse on The First Man on Earth also showcases his incredible vocal range. Damian Wilson also provides powerful and emotive vocals on And the Druid Turns to Stone. Really all the tracks have well curated vocalist selections and powerful performances... there isn't a bad track on this thing.

The music on the Dream Sequencer is almost all mid paced. It works exceptionally well for the album as it allows the melodies to build slowly and lets the vocalists shine. In 2084 there is this synth solo that comes between the vocal lines that gives me goosebumps, something similar happens with My House on Mars.

There are so many small details on this album that add up over the course of the 70 minutes. Be it a guitar solo that weeps emotion, a synth that emphasizes the scifi nature of the album... or really anything. There's so much here to dig into. I'm elated that this got reissued on wax. Hopefully we'll see some more Ayreon on vinyl soon... that would be very welcome indeed.