47 replies to this topic

[CloudMountainJuror]

Into the Electric Castle by Ayreon - 8/10

 

 

So. Ayreon's pretty damn awesome. This album has fantastic instrumentation, the lyrics are well-written, and every singer does a great job with what they're given. However, there is one major problem with this album: the story is incredibly unfulfilling. It's just a series of things that happen that doesn't call for much investment in the characters. People are introduced just to die, and while this isn't inherently a bad thing on its own, it is when they have entire songs devoted to them doing so. Because there's no reason to care. After hearing that this album rivaled The Human Equation as Ayreon's best album, it's a major disappointment. That being said, this is still a great album, and highly recommended. It would easily have gotten a perfect 10/10, if only the story were better thought out. I honestly enjoy this album more than several albums to which I've given higher scores.

 

Speaking of The Human Equation...

 

 

 

The Human Equation by Ayreon - 10/10

 

 

Now this is some awesome kitten. Like Into the Electric Castle, the instrumentation is great. The lyrics have a great sense of humanity to them, making the dialogue even sharper than it already would be, considering the story around it. That being said, the story here is actually satisfying. Characters are fleshed out so there's an attachment to what's happening (namely the main character). This album is what cemented Ayreon being great for me, and what has me looking forward to future releases. Amazing album, and definitely one of my favorites.

 

Long story short: go listen to The Human Equation.

Edited by zacrathedemon5, 09 July 2014 - 01:34 AM.

[dylanrivers10000]

10/10 boston

[deviouslyChaotic]

AM by Arctic Monkeys

10/10

[Gravenimage]

Well since zacra decided to review Ayreon album I'm going to do the same:

The universal migrator part 1: The dream sequencer 9/10- awesome sound killer guitar rift and keyboards, the vocals are top notch. "my house on mars" is my favorite song.

The universal migrator part 2: flight of the migrator- this is the continuation of the first and also the first Ayreon album I listened. Vocals and instrumentation is amazing. The singers featured in the album are Bruce kitteninson (Iron Maiden), Russel Allen(SymphonyX), Andi Deris(Helloween), Timo Kotipelto(Strato Varius), Fabion Lione(Rhapsody of fire) among others.

 

01011001 10/10- I love this album its my favorite album after the human equation. top songs are "connect the dots" "new born race", "the earth extinction" and" river of time". Singers featured are Jorn Landee (ex-Ark, ex-Masterplan), Hansi Kursh (Blind Guardian), Robert Englund (Evergrey) and many more.

[pite-shippuden]

 

"Weird Al" Yankovic - Mandatory Fun 8/10

 

I think "Weird Al" really did a great job doing this album by really maintaining the rhythm and tempo of songs while maintaing his light and PG content. The songs such as "Word Crimes" really underlined his vocal range from rap to high pitched signing. I am not a big fan of the style parodies, but I am not as familiar with most of the bands parodied. I think this is a solid album that will hold its water for a while. 

[dylanrivers10000]

boston- greatest hits 5/5 it is boston what could go wrong besides corprate america xd

[CloudMountainJuror]

The Astonishing by Dream Theater - 8/10

 

Very ambitious album, and the ambition mostly paid off. Some fantastic ballads on here, alongside some of the most theatrical music Dream Theater has ever made (though I do feel they could have embraced the theatricality a bit more to make the experience more satisfying, specifically in the plot events which involve characters singing and in the concluding tracks of Act 2). With over two hours of music on this, there's surprisingly little bloat; there's only one track which I would consider potentially expendable (discounting the NOMAC transition tracks, which aren't super necessary but are a nice touch). As it is, it's a creative, enjoyable, musically layered experience which rewards repeat listens.

Edited by CloudMountainJuror, 04 February 2016 - 06:52 AM.

[Anthony]

modestep london road

 

10/10