Actual Fantasy- Studio Report
Aardschok Magazine
01-09-1996
THE CD 'AYREON - THE FINAL EXPERIMENT' IS ONE OF THE MOST UNBELIEVABLE SUCCESS STORIES OF 1995.
In a time dominated by punk, house and black metal, Arjen Anthony Lucassen comes up with the idea to make a traditional rock opera. Former Bodine- and Vengeance-guitar player doesn't give a thing about trends and follows his heart. A heart that has been dedicated to music from the seventies for a long time. The combination of creativity, stubbornness and spirit are not unnoticed. Even more, 'Ayreon - The Final Experiment' is one of the most successful Dutch rock albums of the year.
Even the editorial board of Aardschok magazine has fallen for the charms of this bombastic epic. First the album became Album of the Month and later, based on individual votes from the board, CD of the Year. That's why some writers for Aardschok magazine -Gerd-Jan Vleugels, Michel van de Moosdijk, Ron Willemsen and me- have been invited for an exclusive listening session where some new songs will be played. Location: Oscar Holleman's Studio RS29 in Waalwijk, where 'Ayreon - The Final Experiment' was recorded earlier.
"I could easily have made another rock opera," says Lucassen introducing his new work. "I've got enough new stories on the shelf. But I didn't do it. It didn't seem a good idea to repeat the success."
The title of the new album is 'Actual fantasy', which doesn't have a story line like the rock opera. "But the individual tracks are connected by a theme. All songs are based on the concept of 'fantasy'."
Four songs are being played in the studio: 'Actual fantasy' (intro), 'Abbey of synn', 'Stranger from within' and 'Computer eyes'. Songs that indeed show that Lucassen isn't continuing the success story from the previous year. The melodic rock is influenced by electronics to a large extend, both rhythmical and otherwise. Several effects have been applied to the vocals. The material therefore sounds more modern than 'Ayreon - The Final Experiment'.
Whereas 'Ayreon - The Final Experiment' was a parade of big names (Jan-Chris de Koeijer, Lenny Wolf, Barry Hay and others), the crew for 'Actual fantasy' is a lot smaller. Again Robert Soeterboek and Edward Reekers on vocals, joined by Okkie Huysdens for the perfection of the multi-vocal parts. The instruments are mainly played by Lucassen himself. Only for the keyboards Rene Merkelbach and Cleem Determeijer were asked.
'Stranger from within' will be released both as a single and as video. Tentative release date is the 1st of September. Because of the success of the rock opera 'Actual Fantasy' will also be released under the name 'Ayreon'.
"Major question is: will the people who liked 'Ayreon' also like 'Actual fantasy'? It is an entirely different album," according to Lucassen. " But I decided to take the chance and do exactly what I want. Just like I did when I made 'Ayreon - The final experiment'. And that went just fine."