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| Wednesday, December 17, 2008 - Drummer Chris Maitland guests on Arjen Lucassen's new project | News from Arjen Lucassen:
We're pleased to announce that Arjen's new project will feature drummer Chris Maitland (ex-Porcupine Tree). The drum recording sessions took place November 9-12 (listen to a sample). Arjen had this to say about the results:
We recorded Chris Maitland's drums last month at RS 29 (the studio where I recorded drums for the first 5 Ayreon albums). Not only did he live up to my (admittedly high) expectations; he surpassed them! I've been a big fan of his drumming ever since I heard Porcupine Tree's 'Signify' in 1996, and particularly since seeing him play live with them. Chris's playing has it all: great energy and power coupled with a perfect groove and flawless technique. I almost worked with him on Ayreon's 'The Dream Sequencer' in 1999, but that didn't work out at the very last moment. The project I'm currently working on was just screaming for his particular style; the music is subtle at times but also quite heavy and challenging in places. Chris's performance during the sessions was brilliant, and now I'm really enjoying recording the vocalist, who comes to my studio to record one song every couple of weeks. I realize that artists say this all the time, but I truly believe that this will be my strongest side project yet!
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| Monday, November 10, 2008 - News from Ayreon | Latest news from Ayreon:
Memory remains video preview
To herald the European release of TIMELINE on 17 November, we have posted a video preview about making the song, Epilogue: The Memory Remains.
The video features interviews with Arjen and vocalist Jasper Steverlinck (Arid), as well as a glimpse into the recording process. You can find it on the Arjen Lucassen Youtube site: www.youtube.com/ArjenALucassen. Note that this is *not* the same video that appears on the TIMELINE DVD.
Drum recording commences!
Steady progress continues on Arjen's new project. In fact, drum recording commencing tomorrow (10 November) at studio RS29 with Oscar Holleman at the helm as engineer; this is the same winning combination used for previous Ayreon albums ( The Final Experiment, Into the Electric Castle, Universal Migrator I and II, and Star One (Space Metal).
And no, we're not ready to reveal the identity of the drummer yet, but your speculation, conjecture and guesses are welcome on the mailing list or message board!
From all of us at ArjenLucassen.com, until next time!
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| Tuesday, September 16, 2008 - Ayreon compilation news | The latest news from the Electric Castle is that Arjen has just put the finishing touches on the forthcoming Ayreon 3CD + DVD compilation album, TIMELINE.
"I've been asked many times before to release an Ayreon compilation album, but it just didn't feel right to present fragmented bits of story by lifting individual songs out of their greater contexts. However, my attitude changed after I completed my 2008 album 01011001, in which I connected all the previous Ayreon releases, musically as well as lyrically. Having completed the circle, so to speak, it seemed like a fitting time to put all things Ayreon into perspective and create an Ayreon timeline outlining the entire story."
TIMELINE follows the thirteen-year evolution of the Ayreon sound from the 1995 debut The Final Experiment to the release of 01011001 in 2008. In addition to selecting tracks from the existing Ayreon discography, Arjen has also written and recorded a new Ayreon song exclusively for TIMELINE. Titled Epilogue: The Memory Remains, this previously unreleased 9-plus-minute track introduces Ayreon fans to the clear, powerful voice of Jasper Steverlinck (Arid). Lyrically, The Memory Remains provides further insight into the final chapter of the Ayreon saga and what the future might hold for its characters.
In addition to The Memory Remains, TIMELINE's 3 audio CDs comprise 32 essential Ayreon tracks (almost 4 hours of music), all carefully remastered specifically for this release.
The accompanying DVD features nearly two hours of released and unreleased video clips, behind-the-scenes featurettes, 5.1 mixes, and live performances of Ayreon tracks (Star one and Stream of Passion versions).
To illuminate the Ayreon story further, a timeline poster illustrating the Ayreon universe and 56-page booklet containing many new photos, all lyrics, and notes on the story are included in the TIMELINE package. The cover is a specially commissioned painting by traditional Ayreon cover artist, Jef Bertels (see the full painting here).
TIMELINE will be available from InsideOut Music on 7 November (Germany - Austria - Switzerland), 10 November (Europe), and early 2009 (N. America). For dedicated fans, the TIMELINE package is the perfect Christmas gift to introduce "non-believers" to the Ayreon universe ;-)
Preorders for signed (and unsigned) copies of TIMELINE will be available from the AjrenLucassen.com store from 17 September.
When asked what the release of TIMELINE means for the future of Ayreon, Arjen explains, "I don't see this as the end of Ayreon, but rather as a new beginning. I'll definitely be recording some side projects before I even start thinking about re-inventing Ayreon. To keep things fresh for myself I've got to come up with a completely new concept for both the music and the lyrics. I hope I can do it...it will be definitely be quite a challenge!"
For more info and updates, check the TIMELINE page regularly
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| Wednesday, May 28, 2008 - Arjen Lucassen Back In The Studio Working On New Material | Despite Ayreon's 01011001 being released only a few months ago, Arjen Lucassen has returnedf to the studio and is recording ideas for his next project. He has issued the following update:
"I'm very inspired and have already recorded three long instrumental songs - almost 30 minutes of material! The music I've recorded so far has some similarities to Ayreon, maybe a bit closer to Dream Sequencer than to Flight Of The Migrator. But there are enough differences even at this early stage to tell me that it won't be an Ayreon album. Contrary to Ayreon I'll try to work with just one singer this time. I have no idea yet who that will be (though there are plenty of options, including myself).
Nor do I know what the concept will be - or if there will even be a concept at all! I'm definitely not consciously trying to be different or re-invent the wheel with this one, but a definite style is gradually taking shape and it feels good!"
Arjen
On another note, 4 videos from the 01011001 release party that took place in Utrecht on January 27th, 2008 can be seen be downloaded below. These are all in Quicktime format.
Release Party Overview
Charm Of The Seer
E=mc2
Day 6: Childhood
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| Friday, March 21, 2008 - New Ayreon EP - Ayreon vs. Avantasia | Latest news from Ayreon:
Arjen has enlisted the vocal talents of his "arch rival" Tobias Sammet (Avantasia, Edguy) to record an explosive, over-the-top version of the 1973 Alice Cooper hit, Elected. The song will be featured on a 4-track EP released by InsideOut Music/SPV (release dates: 25 April for Germany/Austria/Switzerland; 28 April for Europe). The EP includes 3 other tracks: an acoustic live radio session of the 01011001 track E=mc2 with Marjan Welman on vocals, Ride the Comet taken from the album 01011001, and a touching piano-only version of the Human Equation track Day Six: Childhood featuring Joost van den Broek and Marjan Welman. For more information, please see the official press release. The ArjenLucassen.com store (NB! NOT Plato) will be taking pre-orders for signed copies in early April.
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| Friday, November 16, 2007 - Ayreon - Album details and Release party | News from Ayreon:
The new Ayreon release '01011001' due out in January 2008 will be available in three editions:
- A regular 2CD edition with a 28 page booklet.
- A Special Edition: a box containing the regular 2CD edition and a bonus DVD*.
- A Deluxe Limited Edition, a DVD size fold-out case with embossed silver lettering on the slipcase. This edition contains the 2 CDs and a bonus DVD* plus a 36 page booklet with additional artwork.
*The bonus DVD contains:
Behind the Scenes - Making of 01011001
Beneath the Waves - CGI Movie (5.1/2.0)
Guide Demos (audio) - feat. Arjen on vocals
Ed Warby's Session - Recording drums
Bloopers (audio)
To celebrate the newest Ayreon release, we'll be throwing a party for the fans. The location is (like The Human Equation Pre-Release Party) in the Stairway to Heaven Cafe in Utrecht, The Netherlands on Sunday January 27th, 2008.
It's a free event which it starts at 13.00 hrs and should end at about 17.00 hrs.
You will also be able to buy all editions of the album and new merchandise. More information will become available soon. Mark your calendars and we hope to see you there!
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| Friday, November 2, 2007 - Ayreon - 01011001 - Full Tracklist, Release Dates Revealed | It has been confirmed that the forthcoming Ayreon rock opera, entitled 01011001, is now finished and will be in stores end of January 2008. Release dates include: January 25th - Germany, Austria, Switzerland, January 28th - Europe, January 29th - US and Canada. Other territories and labels TBA.
The album will feature the following tracklisting:
CD1 - Y:
'Age Of Shadows' (incl. 'We Are Forever')
'Comatose',
'Liquid Eternity'
'Connect The Dots'
'Beneath The Waves':
(a) 'Beneath The Waves'
(b) 'Face The Facts'
(c) 'But A Memory...'
(d) 'World Without Walls'
(e) 'Reality Bleeds',
'Newborn Race'
(a) 'The Incentive'
(b) 'The Vision'
(c) 'The Procedure'
(d) 'Another Life'
(e) 'Newborn Race'
(f) 'The Conclusion'
'Ride The Comet'
'Web Of Lies'
Disc 2 - Earth
'The Fifth Extinction'
(a) 'Glimmer of Hope'
(b) 'World of Tomorrow Dreams'
(c) 'Collision Course'
(d) 'From the Ashes'
(e) 'Glimmer of Hope' (reprise)
'Waking Dreams'
'The Truth Is In Here'
'Unnatural Selection'
'River of Time'
'E=MC2'
'The Sixth Extinction'
(a) 'Echoes On The Wind'
(b) 'Radioactive Grave'
(c) '2085'
(d) 'To The Planet Of Red'
(e) 'Spirit On The Wind'
(f) 'Complete The Circle'
The album officially features the most guest musicians mastermind Arjen Lucassen has ever had on one of his productions. The complete guest list, in no particular order, is as follows:
Forever: Daniel Gildenlow (PAIN OF SALVATION), Tom Englund (EVERGREY), Hansi Kursch (BLIND GUARDIAN), Anneke van Giersbergen (AGUA DE ANNIQUE), Jonas Renkse (KATATONIA), Bob Catley (MAGNUM), Jorn Lande, Floor Jansen (AFTER FOREVER), Steve Lee (GOTTHARD), Magali Luyten (VIRUS IV)
Man: Ty Tabor (King's X), Simone Simons (EPICA), Liselotte Hegt (DIAL), Phideaux, Marjan Welman, Wudstik, Arjen Lucassen
Guest Keyboardists: Tomas Bodin (THE FLOWER KINGS), Derek Sherinian (PLANET X), Joost van den Broek (AFTER FOREVER / STAR ONE)
Guest Guitarists: Michael Romeo (SYMPHONY X), Lori Linstruth (ex-STREAM OF PASSION)
Drums: Ed Warby (GOREFEST)
Flute: Jeroen Goossens (FLAIRCK)
Violin: Ben Mathot (DIS)
Cello: David Faber
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| Thursday, October 11, 2007 - Ayreon album details | The title of the forthcoming Ayreon album has been revealed to be 01011001. The following people perform on the album
Vocalists
Hansi Kursch -Blind Guardian
Daniel Gildenlöw - Pain of Salvation
Tom S. Englund - Evergrey
Jonas Renkse - Katatonia
Jorn Lande
Anneke van Giersbergen - Agua de Annique - ex-Gathering
Steve Lee - Gotthard
Bob Catley - Magnum
Floor Jansen - After Forever
Magali Luyten - Virus IV
Simone Simons - Epica
Phideaux Xavier - Phideaux
Wudstik
Marjan Welman - Elister
Liselotte Hegt - Dial
Arjen Lucassen
Ty Tabor - King's X
Instrumentalists
Arjen Lucassen
Guitar, keyboards, synths, bass guitar, programming
Ed Warby (Gorefest)
Drums
Ben Mathot (Dis)
Violin
David Faber
Cello
Guest guitarists and guest keyboardists will be announced soon!
Release date
January 2008
Regular Edition (2CD)
Special Edition (2CD + DVD)
Limited Deluxe Edition (2CD + DVD)
Go here for more information.
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| Tuesday, July 31, 2007 - Ayreon update | Ayreon has issued the following update:
"For a limited time only we've put up a 10 minute demo track here for which vocals have not yet been recorded. Ben Mathot of the band DIS plays violin on this track. Ed Warby, as always, plays drums. This demo will be deleted in a few days, never to be heard again, so check it out now!
The third vocalist to be featured on the new Ayreon has been announced: Ty Tabor (KING'S X). Magali Luyten (VIRUS IV) and Simone Simons (EPICA) were announced earlier. In total 13 vocalists have been confirmed, with more to be added."
More on Ty Tabor here and here.
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| Saturday, July 7, 2007 - Ayreon news | | News from Ayreon: Second vocalist recorded!
The second singer recorded vocals at the Electric Castle this week. You can listen to an acapella version (the instruments have been removed) at this location. We'll be announcing the identity soon, but first join in the guessing fun on our messageboard. First vocalist confirmed!
There were some good guesses as to who the vocalist was on the sound sample that we put up a month ago. A few even got it right: the first vocalist who will star on the new Ayreon is Magali Luyten (Virus IV and Beautiful Sin). You can check out her MySpace pages here:
Magali Luyten
Virus IV
Beautiful Sin
Twelve vocalists have been confirmed so far, with a number of vocalists still to be added over the next few months. Ayreon Fanmeet
Members of the messageboard spent nearly a year already organizing a fan-meet for Ayreon (Arjen Lucassen) fans. What started out as an informal get-together for forumers at a zoo, turned into a little bit of an event where 250 people can attend. It takes place September 15th, 2007 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. It starts 13:00 and ends aproximately 19:00. Among the highlights of the day are a cover band called Ayreonotes, who will play a set of Arjen Lucassen tracks, an exclusive sneak preview of the new Ayreon album, hanging out with fans from around the world and perhaps even some special guests. You can now order tickets via the website here - remember, tickets are limited! For more information please check this thread on the messageboard - relevant information starts at page 36. For questions please contact: fanmeet@live.nl and use 'fanmeet' as topic.
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| Thursday, June 14, 2007 - Ayreon - First Vocal Recordings For New Album Complete | Ayreon mastermind Arjen Lucassen's webmaster has issued the following update:
"The very first vocalist for the seventh Ayreon album was recorded in the Electric Castle Studio last week. We're not revealing the name of the vocalist just yet, but you can listen to a sample of the voice (without instruments) here.
During the time leading up to the official announcement of each of the vocalists participating on the new Ayreon album, we'll be giving acapella previews of every vocalist. Currently 12 vocalists have been confirmed, and a few more will be added. Discuss the sample, and all things Ayreon, on our message board or on Arjen's official MySpace site."
In a separate update the band adds: "Arjen and Ed Warby finished all drum recording together with producer Gordon Groothedde. Studio report is coming soon!"
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| Monday, May 14, 2007 - Ayreon news | Latest news from Arjen Lucassen/Ayreon:
Ayreon Demos Finished
Arjen just finished recording the demos for his seventh Ayreon album. As previously reported, Arjen went through a difficult time last winter. Since then he's been doing a lot better. He discovered that music truly is the best medicine and also drew inspiration from the many encouraging e-mails, letters, and postcards he received from his fans.
Double Album
Though Arjen initially planned to release a single album, the plan -- as always -- changed as the composing progressed. Like 'The Human Equation' and 'Into the Electric Castle', the new Ayreon will be a double album featuring 15 tracks with a combined length of nearly 100 minutes.
Drum Recording
Arjen and Ayreon-veteran Ed Warby will enter the studio next month to record drums together with producer Gordon Groothedde.
Musicians
Arjen is currently checking the availability of vocalists and instrumentalists to see who can be scheduled to appear. A number of vocalist have already responded enthusiastically. Arjen has a long wish-list, and it promises to be quite a puzzle to figure out who will be singing where and what.
Release date?
No release date has been set.
Ayreonauts MySpace
Be sure to check Arjen's official MySpace site for special updates and upcoming previews.
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| Wednesday, November 22, 2006 - Ayreon news | News from Arjen Anthony Lucassen:
Finally, we are able to bring you some news about Arjen's next recording project.
At the end of September 2006, Arjen's new studio was finished and ready to use. The very next day, Arjen went in with his trusted little tape recorder, and papers with dozens of song ideas that he'd been working on for the past year.
He has been in his studio nearly every day (and night) since then, getting the ideas translated into songs. The musical ideas are so extremely varied that only one project could possibly hold them all: Ayreon.
Arjen has already been in contact with some very interesting and talented people to help create a new dimension of the Ayreon Universe. Of course, we'll keep you informed on Arjen's progress over the next months!
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| Sunday, October 15, 2006 - News from Arjen Lucassen | News from Arjen Lucassen:
"At last my friends, good news!
The studio at Arjen's new home is finished. It is completely soundproof. All the wires are in place. All machines are hooked up. And everything works! Phew. It is still a bit strange, because the 'feeling' is so different from the previous studio, but I'm sure Arjen will get used to it soon enough.
Arjen has, in fact, plugged in the old, old analogue synths (and even the digital one). Unfortunately a few of the analogue synths are still roaming around in the Netherlands as they've been lent to other musicians. The same is actually true for some of the guitars. But... it hasn't stopped Arjen from embarking on a new composition for a new album. And no, I am not going to tell you anything... No, you can't make me. Not going to happen. I'm silent. Not a peep out of me (but it's 'progressing' nicely ;-)).
In the ArjenLucassen store we've added a few new things: singles! Over the past year or so we've gotten quite a few request for the singles that don't seem to be as available as you would like. So for a limited time only, this is the time to complete the Ayreon and Stream of Passion collection. Check the store here.
In the mean time Stream of Passion (and Arjen, of course) is getting ready to hit Mexico City for a one-off gig (October 14th). Anathema is headlining, but Stream of Passion will still be playing a long set (so it is kinda sorta like double headlining). There may be more concerts lining up in the future, but nothing is clear yet - there are too many factors to consider - suffice to say: "they're looking into it". When this Mexican concert opportunity came along, it was too good to pass up - giving the Mexican band members a chance to finally perform for a Mexican audience.
We've been getting questions about whether the band will be available for a meet and greet, and the answer is: not directly after the concert. Security is a real fun-breaker here, but the band can't help it.
That is all for now again!"
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| Monday, May 23, 2005 - Arjen Lucassen announce new band | After Dutch guitarist/composer/producer Arjen Anthony Lucassen had finished his latest endeavour, the Ayreon rock opera The Human Equation, he wanted to do two things: showcase the many talents of Mexican singer Marcela Bovio, one of the vocalists on the Ayreon album, and form a band for the first time in 10 years.
"The response of critics and fans to Marcela's vocals on the Ayreon album was really great. People were simply blown away." Arjen explains, "However, already when she was in my studio recording for the Ayreon project, I realized that she had many more talents that I regretted not being able to use at that time. So, hating to let a good thing go to waste, I decided to construct a project completely centered on her singing, composing and writing."
Read more about this project at the official Stream of Passion website
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| Monday, May 9, 2005 - New Ayreon single | Here are the latest news from Arjen Lucassen and Ayreon:
Yes, we've been real quiet for a while now... haven't we? Consider it the calm before the storm, because the last few months have been extremely hectic in the Electric Castle. Arjen has been hard at work; inside his studio recording a new album, and outside his studio doing photoshoots and videoshoots, all for his latest musical endeavour: a band! We will have to keep you in suspense a little while longer before we can reveal details of this exciting new development, but there is other, very cool news to tell you as well.
New Ayreon single!
The third single taken from the Ayreon album 'The Human Equation' will be released June 16th, 2005. It is called 'Come Back to Me', and is a slightly extended and newly mixed version of the song 'Day 7: Hope'.
Other tracks include: 'August Fire' featuring Mostly Autumn's Heather Findlay; 'When I'm 64', a Beatles cover song; and 'Back 2 Me', a special remix.
A video clip was shot during the summer of 2004 and is included on the single together with a 'making of' video. For more information and artwork, visit the site.
Arjen guests on new Shadow Gallery album!
Shadow Gallery's Gary Wehrkamp and Mike Baker have been good friends with Arjen for years now. Gary and Mike performed on various Arjen Lucassen projects and when Shadow Gallery began work on their new album, they asked for Arjen to perform a solo on one of their songs. He was only too happy and thrilled to play on the album called 'Room V' to be released at the end of May, 2005 through InsideOut.
Arjen also sang and played guitar on a very interesting bonus track featured on the special edition of Room V. For more information on this album please check the official Shadow Gallery website.
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| Sunday, January 2, 2005 - New Arjen Lucassen project | Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon) has posted a message on his website, looking back on 2004 as well as forward. Here is an excerpt about his next project:
"Ah yes... the new CD... You'll be glad to know that I will start working on it first thing this year. Which means that when you are reading this... I'm working! ;-) So what will it be? It is hard to explain, simply because I've only just started. But I can say at least a few things about it that I know for sure.
First off, it will be an entirely new project/band and I fully intent to make it sound very different from my other projects Ayreon, Ambeon and Star One. This actually means that ...if I succeed... there will be no analog keyboards, there will be no concept and there will be just one singer (there, I said it out loud, so now I have to stick to it!). I know I am not supposed to talk about this yet because it's far too early (and my manager Yvette will probably kill me for this) but I really can't stop myself from revealing the vocalist for this project to you (just don't tell anyone I told you) ;-)
The singer is the very talented and beautiful Marcela Bovio from Mexico, who sang the part of Wife on The Human Equation. Some months ago I sent Marcela a couple of basic ideas on acoustic guitar, and she returned them with some of her melodies. I'm not even gonna try to avoid my old cliches: WOAH, AMAZING, GOOSEBUMPS! Marcela will write her own melodies and lyrics, (and most of it will be English). To be honest, I have no idea yet what style it will be, and I really want it all to develop naturally as we work on it. It will definitely not become a happy or poppy album; some of it will be heavy, some of it will be soft... or maybe... aaargh, I'm just as curious as you are! I'll keep you posted on all developments as much as I can."
Read the whole message here.
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| Thursday, December 2, 2004 - New Ayreon project | In a recent interview with BW&BK, Ayreon mastermind Ajen Lucassen discussed his plans for 2005 now that the Ayreon re-issue campaign is drawing to a close, with a re-touched version of his 1995 debut The Final Experiment due to be finished by the end of the year.
"Well, I definitely need a couple years off from Ayreon," Lucassen says. "I'd love to do another Star One, but then everyone will expect me to go out and play live again and I don't know if I'd want to do that because the tour we did was such a magical thing. I really don't think I could capture that magic again, to be honest, so it's not going to happen. I'm going to be working on a project next year with just one singer, and I'm going to try and make different from everything I've done before, which means I'm definitely not - that's what I say now (laughs) - going to use my analog shit. I've tried that before but I really want to do it this time. As for the direction of the music, I don't know what style it's going to be. I've written some stuff on acoustic guitar and the singer - okay, I'll tell you, it's a she - has written a few melodies. Beyond that I don't know what the style will be. I always try to make soft album, but it never works (laughs). There will be some heavy parts, for sure."
Lucassen also reveals there will in fact be a third single from the latest Ayreon album, The Human Equation, released next year.
"We will be putting out a third single, but the problem is we made a video clip for it a few months ago and it's very summery. Release that now, in the winter, and it's kind of weird so we're going to wait until April or May. Everything is finished and I'm working on a few bonus tracks for it."
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| Monday, November 29, 2004 - Ayreon video | Together with Ayreon artists Robert Soeterboek and Peter Vink, Arjen signed hundreds of CDs at the Record and CD Fair Saturday November 20th, 2004.
After the signing session, they took to the stage and performed three Ayreon tracks. The set consisted of acoustic versions of "The Stranger from Within", "Amazing Flight in Space" and "The Two Gates". Check out the video (WMV, 10 MB) for an impression of the day.
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| Monday, July 19, 2004 - Re-issue of 'The Universal Migrator Part 1 & 2 | Latest news from Ayreon:
On July 26th 2004, a re-issue of the Ayreon albums 'The Universal Migrator Part 1 and 2' will become available in stores.
The Ayreon project moved to a new label InsideOut, and all albums, which as some of you noticed, have been sold out and very hard to find for a while, are going to be released by InsideOut. The albums are re-issued in reverse order, starting with the Universal Migrator albums first released in 2000.
Initially Arjen believed there were two distinct group of fans, the prog and the metal lovers, and so he decided to release two albums- one for each catagory without obligating fans of one genre to buy the other, resulting in the atmospheric Dream Sequencer, and the heavy Flight of the Migrator.
However, time proved Arjen wrong- the line between prog and metal is quite blurry. Nearly equal amounts of the albums were sold, and from the many emails Arjen received from his fans, he found out that each loved both albums.
And so, for this re-issue Arjen and the label decided to join the albums in a Special Edition - but for the price of a single album. The 2-in-1 version contains extra liner notes by Arjen, but do not contain bonus tracks as Arjen believes that would be unfair to fans for such a recent release.
News on other re-issues is coming soon!
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| Friday, April 16, 2004 - Ayreon DVD Details | InsideOut will be releasing a couple different formats of the new Ayreon album, The Human Equation. Along with the regular double CD version, a Special Edition DCD + DVD box set will be made available. Arjen Lucassen spilled the beans to BW&BK as to what fans can expect to see on the DVD.
"It's very, very interesting," says Lucassen. "It's a Making Of The Human Equation. My manager filmed everything. Everytime I picked up the singers at the airport she came with me and filmed us meeting for the first time, taking the tour around my place, singing in the studio. So, you see the singers recording their actual vocals. The Making Of section is about 45 minutes long; then there are sections on the drums and the artwork for the album. There's also a feature where I tell people the story behind The Human Equation using a lot of different images. Then there's the story of Ayreon, where I explain how the whole Ayreon concept came about. And, there's a video clip and the making of the video clip. The DVD is over 60 minutes of really great material."
In addition, a single for the track 'Love' is currently making the rounds, with unreleased covers of 'No Quarter' (featuring Graves, Ekwall, Clayton and LaBrie) and 'Space Oddity' (featuring Clayton) as B-sides.
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| Wednesday, March 3, 2004 - Ayeron news | News from the Arjen Lucassen website:
The new Ayreon album 'The Human Equation' will be released on May 24 in Europe and one day later in the U.S. There will be a single released on April 19 in Europe ONLY, featuring the radio edit for the song 'Day Eleven: Love' and the full album track 'Day Two: Isolation'. Included on the single will also be two cover versions. One is a stunning rendition of Led Zeppelin's 'No Quarter' sung by Devon Graves, Magnus Ekwall, Eric Clayton and James LaBrie. The other is a very powerful and moving version of David Bowie's 'Space Oddity' sung by Eric Clayton.
The website also has new comments from Arjen on the performances of Martin Orford, Oliver Wakeman, Joost van den Broek and Ken Hensley.
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| Sunday, November 16, 2003 - Ayreon vocalist lineup | All vocalist names have been announced for 'Ayreon: The Human Equation', scheduled for release May 2004. Devon Graves, Mike Baker, Eric Clayton, Magnus Ekwall, Heather Findlay, James LaBrie, Marcela Bovio, Mikael Åkerfeldt, Devin Townsend, Irene Jansen and Arjen Lucassen. Check out Arjen Lucassen's site for more information.
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| Friday, October 24, 2003 - The next Ayreon project | James Labrie (Dream Theater) is the latest singer announced to be part of the next Ayreon release. Six vocalists have been confirmed so far and the list is an exciting one...
James Labrie (Dream Theater)
Eric Clayton (Saviour Machine)
Mike Baker (Shadow Gallery)
Devon Graves (Dead Soul Tribe)
Magnus Ekwall (The Quill)
Heather Findlay (Mostly Autumn)
Ed Warby will once again be the man behind the drums. More info is available at the recently redesigned website of Arjen Anthony Lucassen.
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| Thursday, September 18, 2003 - First Ayreon guest singer confirmed | An update from the Official Arjen Lucassen website:
With his recording session scheduled for October, we are thrilled to officially announce Devon Graves from the band Dead Soul Tribe as one of the singers confirmed to appear on the new Ayreon album.
After singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Buddy Lackey left his former band Psychotic Waltz, he changed his name to Devon Graves and started a new band called Dead Soul Tribe, who just released a stunning second album called 'A Murder of Crows'. Both Arjen and Devon are extremely excited about working together. As Devon is also a very talented poet, he was also asked to write lyrics to one of the new Ayreon songs. For more information on Dead Soul Tribe and Devon, do visit their website.
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| Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - Ayreon news | Here is an update on the next Ayreon album from the Official website:
The creation of new Ayreon CD is well underway; all music has been composed and at the moment lyrics are being written and singers/guest musicians are being confirmed. However, for this next Ayreon CD things will be a little different.
For one, we are preparing to make an amazing video clip for one of the songs!! Right now we are looking for professional, semi-professional, or really good amateur Ayreonauts to help us with the huge production of this half-animated, half-filmed rock video! We are looking for camera men/women, actors and actresses, extras, lighting crew, designers, directors, computer-animators, etc., to join our creative team to take this next Ayreon project to the stars!
If you believe you are the one for any of these jobs, send us a letter, in which you introduce yourself and list your experience and interests to Ayreon Productions, PO Box 74, 4890 AB, Rijsbergen. Or email Yvette at management@ayreon.com
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Other information
 Band Profile
What is your name and your current position in the band?
My name is Arjen Lucassen and I AM the band :)
How would you categorize the style of the band?
Have you got an hour?
And did you ever consider or try playing other styles of music than the one(s) you are playing now?
My project Ayreon already embodies all the many different styles of music that I like, there are no limits. You wouldn't catch me doing r&b or reggae though.
What is your latest album and why should people buy it?
My latest album is called 01011001, and people should buy it because it has a ridiculous title.
Tell us about the history of the band. More specifically, when was the band formed,
I started the Ayreon project back in 1993, the first album was released in 1995.
how did you meet,
I've worked with over a hundred guest musicians now from all over the world.
and have there been any particular highlights or low points in your career, any crucial events that have taken you where you are today?
The decision to finally do something that I liked myself with Ayreon after having done way too many concessions to band members, record companies and so-called fashions in general.
Was there ever a time when you wondered if your band would remain just a local outfit and never make it in the industry?
When I started the Ayreon project I never really expected anyone to like my weird music. And at first the record companies didn't, it took me a year to get a label interested in my first album. I really just wanted to make an album that I would be proud of for the rest of my life. I never expected it to be so successful.
Can you share with us one or two of your favourite moments with the band?
Being able to work with my all-time favourite musicians and entering the charts in 12 countries with my new album.
How is the writing process in the band?
I write, compose, play all instruments, produce, engineer, master, yeah, I'm an ego-maniac alright :)
What brought you on the path to becoming a musician? Did you ever consider or take any other paths through life besides music?
No, I never had a choice. Music chose me.
Do you have any idols? If yes, who?
There are many musicians who inspired me. Some names are Alice Cooper, Ritchie Blackmore and David Gilmour, but the list goes on and on.
Do you have any regrets looking back at your career? For example any songs or even full albums that you regret recording? If so, what made you regret it?
Oh yes, I recorded about 40 albums now and I can tell you there were some pretty dodgy albums there! The only albums I'm still 100% proud of are all of my Ayreon albums. I don't regret anything though, it's a natural process I just had to get through to get where I am today.
Are there particular songs in your catalogue that the fans love but you're not particular fond of yourself?
Maybe some of the old 80's stuff. It seemed like a good idea at the time though :)
How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?
The lyrics and the storylines add an extra dimension to my music, so it's pretty important to me and I hope to the fans as well. The Ayreon albums are after all rock operas.
What do you think about the state of the music industry today?
Illegal downloading and copying will eventually reduce 'earning your living from music' to 'making music as a hobby'. It's especially hard on new upcoming bands. On the other hand the internet offers musicians to chance to promote themselves.
What do you think is the best way to fight music piracy?
Not to follow fashions and to offer people quality music.
Do you have a life philosophy? If yes, what is it?
The meaning of life is to give life meaning.
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
I'm pretty boring really, every day is about the same! Answering emails, writing or recording music, eating, watching DVDs and listening to music. Oh, and occasionally I get some sleep as well.
What do you like to spend your time with besides music?
As I just said, watching DVDs. preferable TV shows, sci-fi or comedies.
What's the craziest thing that has ever happened on a tour?
I don't tour with Ayreon. And I've blocked out all the crazy stuff that happened in the 15 years I've toured with various bands. Too painful and too much blackmail material!
You're heading off to live on a deserted island for a couple of years with your portable entertainment system... Which albums, movies or books would you bring? (Max. 3 of each)
Albums: I'd bring a Floyd, Beatles and Zeppelin album.
Movies: Being John Malcovic, The Machinist, 2001.
I don't read books. Can I bring a woman?
What is your favourite joke?
Life.
Can you tell us about any future plans for you and your band?
I always need a break between Ayreon albums and I will let my inspiration guide me into the next side-project, whatever it will be.
Thanks for answering these questions. Now you are free to write a few lines to our readers.
I know my music is pretty pretentious and over-the-top and hard to get into. But in these fast-food days of iTunes, Torrents and MySpace I think I offer an interesting alternative for people who want to dig in a little deeper. Love it or hate it, no two ways about it!
Oh, and of course..NI NI NI!!!!
Cheers,
Arjen.
Added by Steen - 2/18/2008
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| Articles on this site
Album Review - Day Eleven: Love (Single)
(Steen)
Interview - Interview with Arjen Anthony Lucassen
(Hashman)
Album Review - The Human Equation
(Steen)
Album Review - 01011001
(Steen)
Band Information - Band Profile
(Steen)
Album Review - 01011001
(Alanna)
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