The Human Equation
Steve Pettengill - Sea of Tranquility
2004
If I was going to introduce a youngster to progressive rock, I would choose Ayreon's The Human Equation. All the elements of classic "prog" are here and the album is wrapped in a glossy audiophile production that just begs the listener to sit between the speakers without distraction for nearly two hours. The massive special edition double CD package under review also contains a DVD that is very much worth watching.
For those new to the band, Ayreon is actually an ongoing series of rock operas conducted by Arjen Anthony Lucassen and he typically assembles a large group of guests to fulfill his conceptual fantasies. The Human Equation is fairly representative of all the styles that Lucassen employs in most of his projects: classic symphonic rock, heavy metal, Irish folk melodies, bits of electronica and even a bit of pop. One departure for Ayreon is the fact that the concept doesn't involve science fiction (I'm discounting the joke at the end of the album) but rather tells a fairly involved story of a man lying in a hospital bed in a coma. The listener is privy to his thoughts and emotions as he thinks on his past life. Meanwhile, we also become acquainted with the man's wife and best friend who are watching over him in the hospital bed. Though the lyrics tend to be melodramatic and the outcome of the story is more than a little predictable, the concept is in service to the music and the vocals-both of which are absolutely astounding.
It would be pointless to discuss the album track by track. Like most rock operas, the songs work best as a unified whole, but songs like "Day Eleven: Love" and "Day Sixteen: Loser" certainly do stand out for the great vocals and melodies. There is one thing that cannot be overlooked and that is the impressive roster of singers and instrumentalists Lucassen has assembled for his latest project: Martin Orford from IQ and Ken Hensley from Uriah Heep make small but invaluable contributions. Hensley's short but raging Hammond organ solo on "Day Sixteen: Loser" certainly takes us back to Hensley's work with Uriah Heep.
As for the singers, James Labrie from Dream Theater plays the part of the man in the coma, simply known as Me. If you are used to Labrie's work with Dream Theater, be prepared to be surprised here. For the most part, his singing is mellow and happily he proves that he has more depth as a singer than he is generally given credit for. Heather Findlay from Mostly Autumn is cast as Love and her singing is as impressive and moving here as it is with her own band. Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth is given ample opportunity to shine as well; the man has a great voice. Relative newcomer Marcela Bovia also deserves a mention as the wife; judging from her performance with Ayreon, she has a bright future ahead of her.
As I said, the special edition contains a DVD and it is a very nice bonus. With a running time of an hour or so, we get a behind the scenes look at the making of The Human Equation as well as a brief history of Ayreon told by Arjen Anthony Lucasson himself. There's even a 5.1 Dolby Digital remix and video of "Day Eleven: Love" included.
Ayreon have been criticized in the past for being over the top and pretentious and there is nothing on The Human Equation that will change such views. However, put into the context of Mr. Lucasson's previous works, The Human Equation is miles ahead of Star One and is as engaging as Into the Electric Castle. It is one of the best CDs I've heard all year.