Just re-watched your reaction a year later. So much fun watching you experience Arjen's music for the 1st time. I have also kept up with your music, it is now part of my Spotify mix. Looking forward to more Ayreon reactions, and more pieces from yourself, in 2023
Thank you very much, Robyn! I'm working on a million things, but let's hope I can release some stuff this year 😃🤘 ua-cam.com/play/PL9aPvM3JJsYdTGIDYt8f9Za4TQQBFGBgI.html
Wow.. thanks so much for your kind words, John! So many fans recommended me to watch this. I’m totally honored... this is really good for my ego I have to say :-) Glad you enjoy it so much! This is certainly one of the most interesting reaction videos I’ve seen so far. Very genuine. And you definitely have great musical knowledge, unfortunately you also know where I stole stuff :-) Ask me anything, man. Thanks again and please keep up the good work! Big smile here :-)
Man, I'm the one who is honoured! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment on my channel. People like you have inspired me to continue to make music my whole life. Making reaction videos is something I've only started doing recently for a bit of fun, and also to help expose some of my own original music to more people. Having someone of your stature and prestige in the music industry dropping by to leave me a comment has made my day, my week, my year! Thank you so much, man. And I look forward to hearing more of your amazing work! 😁🤘👍
Keep talking as much as you want! I've heard this song quite a few times now and you mentioned several things I hadn't really noticed before. I really appreciate hearing commentary coming from someone with extensive musical knowledge.
@@JWSoundworks2 just keep doing what you're doing. I thought I knew this song pretty well, I listen to the entire album regularly because for a prog fan like me, it's one of the best releases of the past 5 years. I've also watched tons of reaction videos of it here on UA-cam. You still managed to point out some stuff that I hadn't noticed before, so thanks for that! btw Arjen Lucassen is pretty is pretty active on social media, so don't be surprised if he drops in with a comment once this video gathers some views and likes and gets recommended to a wide audience. Also, if you do more reactions of his music but get copyright strikes on them, try to get in touch with him because he often helps out with those through his label. He really does appreciate the reaction community.
The people who bitch about the person reacting stopping and talking don't seem to grasp that this is a REACTION video. You want to hear it uninterrupted, go watch or listen to the normal copy. Getting someone's reactions, impressions, and thoughts is the entire purpose of videos like this. As he said at the end about people who gave it thumbs-down, "I don't get it". And it's always fair game if you back it up a bit after commenting. Oh noes, we have to listen to part of something we love over again. The horrors.
Arjen Lucassen and Floor Jansen go way back. Arjen was one of the first to recognize the enormous potential of Floor. She and her sister Irene Jansen appeared in several of his projects throughout the years. So many rabbit holes he was (and still is) digging for us.
True for most, I was familiar with most of the bands these singers represent, but definitely need to check more toehider and circa survive(right?) I've seen kahn kamelot, wanna see Tommy tho. Seen symphony x, epica, nightwish(not w floor unfortunately)....
Ayreon has been around since the '90s, initially starting off as a kind of passion project for the tall hippie dude playing guitar, keys and bass, Arjen Anthony Lucassen. He's a compositional genius first and foremost, and generally eschews performing live (with a few exceptions), though he is an accomplished guitarist (and plays several other instruments too...plus he sings on some of his projects). The joy for him is in writing, arranging and producing the best music he can (usually concept albums - he actually reminds me a lot of Daniel Gildenlöw from Pain of Salvation, who also favours concept albums...and actually, he has had Gildenlöw sing on one of his albums, so there is a connection there too). And over the years he's managed to both discover and recruit so many instrumentalists and vocalists for his projects (Ayreon is the main one, but there've been a few others, bands like Star One, The Guilt Machine and Stream of Passion). The list of people he's worked with is a who's who of prog and metal royalty. In addition to the impressive list in this very song (people like Blind Guardian's Hansi Kürsch and Kamelot's Tommy Karevik - both great singers, though I'm not surprised you haven't heard of them, having not really explored power metal), he's had luminaries like Neal Morse, Mikael Åkerfeldt, Devin Townsend, Dee Snider, Marko Hietala (Nightwish's former bassist/singer), Fish (yes, THAT Fish), *Bruce Dickenson* (I know, right) and Ty Tabor (King's X)...and that's just the vocalists (incidentally, since 2004, all of Ayreon's studio albums have been sort of rock opera-type entities, having characters played by individual singers; Arjen always tries to find the right voices for the roles he's written, and he must have some pretty great connections to get the people he gets). As for instrumentalists, on this very album, Paul Gilbert contributes a guitar solo...and so does Marcel Coenen (from the disbanded Dutch prog metal band Sun Caged - check them out if you've not heard of them, they're amazing; Coenen also played lead guitar in one of the very few live productions of Ayreon music)...and in the past, Steve Hackett, Joe Satriani, Derek Sherinian, Jordan Rudess and even KEITH EMERSON (RIP) and RICK WAKEMAN have played solos for him as well. Arjen has a reputation as a consummate professional and perfectionist, and people sign on to his projects because of the crossover appeal (i.e. fans come to it from all sorts of previous fandoms, knowing one or two of the guest musicians, but get EXPOSED to a bunch of artists they've never heard of, playing/singing in a genre they already love) - I only discovered Ayreon because back when I was a massive Dream Theater fan (the Portnoy era), James LaBrie had a major role on the album "The Human Equation" (and I also knew Mikael Åkerfeldt, who had a large role as well, plus Devin Townsend who played a smaller role). But because of "The Human Equation" I discovered Shadow Gallery (since their singer Mike Baker had a small part) and Elfonía (a great Mexican prog/experimental/ambient metal band...they sort of defy description actually, so it's hard to pick a subgenre...but their singer also had a large part on this album). And I started to buy more Ayreon music from before "The Human Equation" and kept up with Arjen as he released more albums. I knew Floor Jansen from Ayreon before I'd ever heard of After Forever or Nightwish (and her sister Irene is on a couple Ayreon albums too). And since I heard "The Source" I have started to listen to bands like Circus Maximus (Michael Erikson - The Diplomat, i.e. the really clean singer after Russell Allen's parts, is their vocalist), Pagan's Mind (whose singer is Nils Per - The Prophet) and most awesomely, Toehider (Michael Mills - TH-1 ftw...that guy is just...jawdroppingly amazing...like a reincarnated Freddie Mercury). Anyway, I was pretty sure you'd LOVE this (when I saw the name of the song you were reacting to, today)...and there's just SO much more to discover from Ayreon. He's definitely one of the greatest prog composers of the 21st century so far, and you get the additional bonus of discovering incredible musicians in Ayreon music, and going on to become fans of them and their bands.
I think John mentioned he didn't want to know all there is to know in the video ;-) Kudos though for the comprehensive post there! Pretty much sums it up. I'd recommend Mr. Wilson reacting to some live performances, particularly Guilt Machine's - Twisted Coil: ua-cam.com/video/gcHn0kCgmAs/v-deo.html Or Ayreon - Welcome To The New Dimension & Isis and Osiris (this one's good for your dad too): ua-cam.com/video/WLD4s51CgL4/v-deo.html
Ayreon is like an amazing assorted box of chocolates. So many talented and incredible musicians collaborating to make something special with each album. I can see that you are an immediate fan, so enjoy this rabbit hole. Arjen is a very special composer/architect of grand themes and ideas while giving enough freedom to the musicians to let them add their own genius to each song. Its great that you didn't recognize most of the singers and musicians because they represent quite a few great bands to explore as well eventually. I can honestly say that I added quite a few excellent bands to my list after first hearing their amazing singer on an Ayreon song. The live performances on YT for the Ayreon Universe show are highly recommended to continue your exploration of them.
I would say to listen to the studio versions before the live performances in most cases, just because a number of the live ones are abridged (significantly in some cases). As you can tell, Arjen's songs tend to have a lot of parts, and not all the parts were able to be adapted to the live performances, despite the incredible talent and production on display in all of them. I will say, though, that "Electric Castle Live" is pretty darned close to album perfect. But still listen to the album first :). Even if you can only do reaction videos for the live shows (not sure if that's true, other people have done studio tracks here and there), listen to the original version first, IMO.
I have heard this over a hundred times mainly in reactions. What a joy it is to watch a reaction by someone who knows what music is all about.. Thank you.
Man, I have seen quite a few Ayreon Reactions. Especially to this song. There were many good and ok ones but you geeking out over it was so much fun. It is fun, seeing vocal coaches reacting to this because, well, 11 singers, lots to talk about. But this one is especially interesting with ppl. who play instruments and/or write songs. Arjen is doing a good job with his annotations and in know them by heart but as I am no musician, some of it goes over my head. Rly nice to get even more insight. I am halfway through the video now and am rly looking forward to the end and the conclusive thoughts.
That may be the best reaction to this song I've ever seen. And I've seen a lot. The fact that you're not so impressed by the outer layer of 11 singers only makes it better. Your music knowledge is very impressive. I'm definitely subscribing.
The singers in order of appearance are: James LaBrie from Dream Theater Tommy Karevik from Kamelot, Seventh Wonder Tommy Rogers from Between the Buried and Me Simone Simons from th most epic Epica Nils K. Rue from Pagan's Mind and Eidolon Tobias Sammet from Edguy and here mentioned Avantasia Hansi Kürsch the „Bard from Walhalla“ from Blind Guardian Mike Mills playing a computer and singing binary from Toehider Russell Allen from Symphony X Michael Eriksen from Circus Maximus and last but not least the incredible Valkyrie Goddess Floor Jansen from Nightwish
Arjen Anthony Lucassen is the "mastermind" behind this project. He did several interviews where he describes how he selects the vocalists and so on. Check it out, it is on YT
Classical pianist listens to Aryeon for the first time and says, “that’s it! I need to have a lie down.” He gets it. Arjen is really an opera composer and he is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. Thanks for the reaction vid!
This is my favorite reaction rewatch. It’s so heartwarming to see you get to know ayreon and quickly fall in love with it. I’d be curious to see you analyse it again for us now you’ve had several years to come back to it; since your first watch seemed to be rather overwhelming :) I’d love to hear what parts have become your favorite and the things that you might pick up now you’ve gotten familiar with more ayreon pieces. Your initial reaction already blew me away with clever insights and fascinating takes, and clearly there’s more where that came from :)
NEVER, EVER apologize for speaking during your reactions! I absolutely love hearing your comments - it is musically educational - which is why I've come to love your reactions. I have learned Sooo much about music listening to your comments. You, dude, know more about music than I have ever known, and I grew up with music. Both my parents were professional musicians, and I'm a multi instrumentalist. I don't know how to play guitar, but if I wanted to learn I would hope to find an instructor like you. At 70, that will never happen, but I WILL learn how to play the violin before I die - it is one of my bucket list items. In this medley/story I have been opened up to Kamelot hearing Tommy Karevik. I am an avid fan of Simone Simons (Epica) and Floor Jansen (Nightwish) - both of which I learned about listening to reactions such as yours.
The fact that you're talking about the music is the reason we are here. If we wanted to listen to the song uninterrupted we would click on the link to the original video
Got some hate early on in these vids from a few people telling me to shut up lol. I really appreciate anyone taking the time to say they enjoy my commentary. Thank you.
@@JWSoundworks2 It doesn't matter what someone does, there will always be someone getting upset because they didn't get exactly what they expected. For some reason for some humans it's easier to say what they don't like instead of what they like, and the more they do it, the more normal it becomes. There's simply too much to explore in one lifetime, and everyone does it from their own perspective. Sharing what we have discovered is one of the super powers that we have. I'd like that tradition to survive the battle with the Ego. Thank you for choosing to spend your time sharing some of your perspective
@@sjeses some very valid points there, and I totally agree. I am a piano teacher by day and so "constructive" criticism is often necessary to help allow people to improve. It's only useful, though, if you can offer advice and suggestions as to how the individual may improve. But nastiness in any form is something I have no time for (I try to just ignore it). Understanding, first-hand, the amount of time and effort people dedicate to their art, it shows a real lack of empathy for someone to just tear it apart for their own strange pleasure. I have come to think that nastiness is a cycle that was probably bestowed upon those individuals who seem to perpetuate it. Fortunately the VAST majority of comments here are indicative of how nice and friendly most people are out there. And most of the professional musicians I've worked with are highly supportive people and not ego-centric.
@@JWSoundworks2 it's hard to understand how much work and perseverance is required to create something that other people see as "talent". How many times someone has been frustrated but kept trying anyway. How many new problems kept popping up when they thought they had finally solved all of them. And how hard it is to after all of that not only to want to create something for other people to enjoy, but to actually do it.
Ayreon is the (main) project of Dutch composer, producer, singer and multi-instrumentalist Arjen Anthony Lucassen. He does scifi concept albums. He has had over 80 different singers on his 9 (double)albums. Most albums are part of the bigger story called the Ayreon Universe. He has not done many live-shows but the ones he did are all killer. The 4 main shows are: 1.) Star One - live on earth (actually starone is a side project, but they did play some Ayreon songs) 2002-dvd2003 2.) The Theater Equation (a playthrough of the cd human equation, this is more a broadway-theater show) 2105-dvd2016 3.) Ayreon Universe (a best of full on prog-rock-metal show) 2017-dvd2018 4.) Ayreon - Electric castle live and other tales (a playtrough of the cd Into the electric castle, and 1 song of each side-project) 2019-dvd2020
The Theater Equation was _technically_ an unofficial production that did not involve Arjen. However, it did have most of the original singers and musicians reprising their roles from the album and it was done with Arjen's blessing, so it might as well have been an official Arjen production.
When it comes to the vocalists, most of these people are either legends or legends in the making. Singers from some of the most prominent metal bands of the past 3 decades. As someone raised on prog rock myself, the closest thing that I can liken Ayreon to is The Alan Parsons Project. Arjen is a bloody genius as evidenced by the calibre of musicians who appear on his work. On a sidenote, that sound of the distorted guitars and Hammond is something straight out of the 70s and will NEVER get old.
As soon as your video started and I heard you playing I thought you had heard them before 😂😂 then when you said you hadn’t I was like he’s going to lose his mind when he hears this 😂😂I’ve seen many reactions to this song. Your insight into all the aspects you actually heard on the first run through it’s top notch compared to others. Don’t ever apologize for your enthusiasm for music and speaking your thoughts. I absolutely love that he typed all his thoughts for us to read as well. The musicians he gets to work with him I feel shows what kind of person he is, because there’s a lot of who’s who going on here. And to organize the live shows must be mind blowing!! I’ve listened to this song so many times and it’s like it’s the first time every time. I still get that charge that reminds me how amazingly talented some people are in this world. Like you said for all of this to come together at this caliber is pretty rare. Arjen seems to be the chillest most humble person too. I actually just bought the limited ed of a live concert/project that he did called into the electric castle in 2019. I can’t wait to watch it. There’s very limited footage on the live shows he puts together because he asks people to put their phones away and enjoy the show, and out of respect they seem to do so. I love music but am not a musician so I always love the insight given by people like you that aren’t just sitting tHere watching a video and saying well that was great at the end. I watch maybe five reaction channels and just added you to the list. Looking forward to hearing more of your own stuff too. 🤘🤘
Really enjoyed this video. Your passion and insight into music shines through. This is probably the song i have listened the most to the last 3-4 years, and I could relate to your reaction. Good watch. Thank you.
I'm jealous of the fact that you have this much music education and experience under your belt and are just now getting into Ayreon and Nightwish. What a journey you're about to go on!
Probably the third or fourth time I've watched your video now. Don't ever worry about talking too much, if we wanted to listen to just the song with no analysis we would do that. You have an amazing ear and knowledge that clued me into things I'd missed. Absolutely brilliant work.
Man, first time watching your channel and absolutely loved you breakdown. Also, I'm pretty confident you will love the Ayreon rabbit hole. This son is just a glance of what Arjen is capable of composing. the Ayreon Universe is huge! You will love every single album, specially if you are intro 70s prog and the newer prog metal. Ayreon is a nice mix of both worlds.
How Arjen recruits musicians: Hey its Arjen. I´m on to make a new Album, here is a sample""..Do u want to be part on it? Musician: Oh hell yes, yes, please...... :D
Superb reaction. All of the ones and zeros in the lyrics are a "Binary Code". Also, the other female singer is Simone Simons from Epica. Both she and Floor Jansen are close friends. Floor is featured on Epica's song Sancta Terra. A must see video.
Ah bliss. I've been hoping you'd provide your commentary on this. So grateful you took the time to do this - even though you didn't know what you were getting yourself into, haha :)
Great video again, i really enjoy knowing your point of view about the music. Don't worry about the people complaining about the pauses or the long comments, that's what made your channel special.
The binary part translates into 'trust TH1'. Great reaction! Congrats on spotting that Arjen is playing guitar, bass and synths. Most reactors miss it. I really liked your comments and perspective. I think Ayreon's first album is from the mid 90's. I reccommend 'Age of shadows', 'Intergalactic space crusader', 'The eye of Ra' and 'The valley of the Queens' if you want to react to more Ayreon songs. You've quite a bit of catching up in front of you! ;)
Great reaction! Thanks! That is a HUGE wall of sound as an intro though.. particularly if you just woke up. Can almost skip my coffee now... But I always really like your reactions! Your on the top side of the spectrum 🙂 Thanks for that!
Thank you sir. Proud Dutchie here. Ofcourse also Floor and Simone, our Dutch Metal Godesses. The other singers are freaking good too wow wow wow. ❤ Ayreon is the name of Arjen's projects (guitar, bass and hammond here). He's a phenominal musiscian and composer and was on stage with Floor a lot. He saw the potential Floor has and worked with her band After Forever.
I've been watching reaction video, one after another because I love hearing the science, speaking from a place of being musically trained as the information of why it sounds as such dances along with the joy of rocking out !! Thank you ❣
What a fabulous reaction. My favorite I must confess. Arjen Lucassen is a true gift and has a wonderful catalog of music that you will enjoy. You are the perfect reactor for this video and the Aryeon is Arjen's musical project that always tells a story and features copious musicians and vocalists. I loved watching a creative musician Like yourself flat out geeking over this work. You are so correct, you can listen to this video multiple times and hear or discover something new. You did that for me in your first reaction to an unknown artist. Thanks for the fun and informative reaction. Whoo!
I'm obsessed with Ayreon, so your videos appears here for me lol. It's really great to see this side more technical and with reference musical for reaction. And happy to see that you liked. Arjen is a truly genius and such good person
Hi something you might like to check out Simone simons band called epica it's a symphonic metal band from Holland 🇳🇱 Epica unleashed live retrospect show (full orchestra on stage with the band) Ps Simone and floor jansen from Nightwish are good friends
Here is a list of the composer and singers in order of appearance: Arjen Lucassen - Composer - Dutch singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist musician and record producer best known for his long-running progressive metal/rock opera project Ayreon. Also FYI he has been in the music biz since 1980, so a lot of the influence that are brought up about his music, he was there before those bands, so anything from the 70s may have influenced him, but later on and he may have been the one influencing. 😀 James Labrie - Lead singer for Dream Theatre. Tommy Karevik - Lead singer of Kamelot and Seventh Wonder. Tommy Rodgers - Lead singer of Between the Buried and Me. Simone Simmons - Lead singer of Epica. Nils K. Rue - Lead singer of Pagan's Mind and also worked with Eidolon. Tobias Sammet - Lead singer of Edguy & Avantasia. Hansi Kürsch - Lead singer of Blind Guardian and Demons & Wizards. Mike Mills - Multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and main songwriter for Toehider. Russell Allen - Lead singer of Symphony X and Allen/Lande. Michael Eriksen - Lead singer of Circus Maximus. Floor Jansen - Lead singer of After Forever, ReVamp & now Nightwish. Next I would suggest reacting to the performances at Ayreon Universe concert, especially the following Intergalactic Space Crusaders, River of Time, Merlin's Will, Valley of the Queens, Ride the Comet, Star of Sirrah, And the Druids Turn to Stone, Age of Shadows & Everybody Dies.
I agree with the recommendations, but Age of Shadows is much much better with the studio version. Amazing song that couldn't be captured in the live setting. Anekke's 0-1 bit is the true precursor to the Mike mills bit in this song, and that's totally missing in the live version (for obvious reasons).
You're very welcome fella. I watched Aryeon off the back of watching Nightwish reactions, Floor's appearance was a bonus but I now have a love for Aryeon but also Blind Guardian (Hansi Kürsch), power metal! 😉
What a great reaction vid. So good that Arjen himself paid you a visit. You have made me hear things I had missed like "March of the Black Queen" although it was sort of there in my mind. My first intro into Ayreon was "Into the Electric Castle" A fantastic album, well worth a listen as are all of the other albums. Thanks again and take care
Arjen is a great and humble (my kind of) guy and appreciates the genuine comments on his projects and I told you to expect to hear from him. He is very busy with a new project which will be "done" and released early 2022 (so he told me).
Probably listened for over a 1000 times, still goosebumps all over. Especially in love with Russel Allen's voice, by far the sexiest ever! Really really enjoyed your reaction!
Loved this reaction! a lot of insightful comments I haven't heard before despite watching dozens of people react to this.. I hope the man himself, Arjen Lucassen, stops by to respond!
John, you've set the reaction bar for me--so high that most others will now disappoint, but you're making us all better for it. Many thanks for your work here, with Rupal Face, and in piano teaching (which is where I'm sure you're having your most important impact!). Keep up the good work!
I love this. First heard it back in May whilst decorating. I put Floor Jansen into Amazon music and let it go, and this was something that came on, and it's brilliant! Check it out live on here plus all the others, they are amazing!
I know I'm very late to the party, but you are the first youtuber I've ever seen who has mentioned the band Bal Sagoth, one of the greatest hidden gems of the metal world. Their album and song titles alone are just a joy :D. I'd leave a like for that particular name drop alone, but the rest of your breakdown was also fantastic. Keep up the great work!
Well it’s late on Thanksgiving night here in the US, & was scrolling through your reactions for something I haven’t seen you do, as I love your reactions, & breakdowns, & love Ayreon, so this was it. I have never seen you like this, it was fun! I am in Texas, & if I had a horse, & t wasn’t almost midnight, I would ride off in the sunset after the bad guy on your energy! 🤘🤠
Great you reacted to Ayreon - so much good music - Arjen Lucassen himself says, he's not a great guitarist, but great at finding great singers and musicians, and have them combine their talents together. Earlier, he had difficulties getting the people he wanted on his albums. Now, it's easier, people know him. He's really humble. Floor Jansen, Floor's sister Irene, Russell Allen, Damian Wilson, Joost van den Broek and Ed Warby have also played with Arjan in another project of his: Star One.
Just keep on nerding out. For someone like me who's not a musician but have been an active music listener since the early 80's it's often very refreshing getting some more insight into the music from someone with your perspective and knowledge. So never mind the length of the videos, just keep it going! And it's quite funny how many of your references I know from my own musical upbringing, even the Amiga reference put a nostalgic smile on my face. So much great music was made on the classic Commodore machines! I see a curiosity in you that I really appreciate, I'm quite the same way as well. But I can't play any instruments. Big bummer on my part :)
Thanks very much for the kind words, man! Some of the Amiga soundtracks are incredible. As a kid, sometimes I used to load up the game just to hear the home screen music! I was inspired so much by that music that my first EP was as a kind of homage to the amiga! therupalface.bandcamp.com/album/pariah-op-1
I feel you dude! I discovered Ayreon few months ago and i had the same reaction like you. It blew my mind and i couldn't believe I never came across this until now. I do remember hearing about him while in college about 15 years ago but for whatever damn reason i didnt check him out. Better late then never i guess
This was the best, wholesome brain melt I’ve seen for an Ayreon first listen. Great stuff! I’m glad you took up this suggestion (kudos to those to suggested it) and even more glad that you discovered new music that you can passionately relate to.
@@JWSoundworks2 It just means that you won't have to wait years to get into a new album. Plus, the experience is quite the ride no matter when you start the journey into this universe. I'm excited for all the discoveries up ahead. There are so many layers that each listen unveils new ones, and you have already picked up on many of them that I hadn't so I'm excited for both you and your audience here. Thank you for your insights
Finally! Someone who knows what NWOBHM means!! I usted to believe it was something in the lines of "Not Worthy Of Being (something, somerthing)" LOL! Also kudos for being one of the very few reactors I've seen who know about Camel!
This was great! I thoroughly enjoyed the video. I had already heard the song and watched its video and I knew you'd like it. This was the first one I watched from you and I immediately subscribed. I checked out your music. I clicked on few of the links and ended up on Soundcloud. I used to go there often to check out some music. I followed you of course and clicked like to a couple of your tracks. The last thing I listened to was "Apertures". You don't often hear such high quality music! This was a very positive surprise. If there's someone who's reading this and likes Ayreon. Check out the song Apertures, which I mentioned before. I think you might like it. I'm very passionate about music and I could write for hours... I definitely know what you mean when you mentioned The March of the Black Queen. I love the whole Queen II album. I also noticed your Novation X-Station synthesizer, which I have as well. I really like Novation synths, especially my Supernova II. Well, I just wanted to quickly write something. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your videos and hearing more of your music. Take care and have a fantastic day. evening or night.
Thank you for the comments, dude. Sounds like we could chat for hours, indeed! Queen, synths etc. Nice! If you liked Apertures I have a playthrough video of it here on youtube. Thanks for checking out my music and taking the time to comment. Appreciate it! 😊 ua-cam.com/video/ze8jMsKZmeg/v-deo.html
Oh, oh, you're set for Wintersun and their Sonic Pump studios live rehearsal (3 videos), they are even more stuffed with things and solidly difficult to analyze ;-) I suggest this order - "Sons off winter and stars, "Time", "Land of snow and sorrow". BTW, even though Arjen didn't think a lot of his music would be possible live, they did an "Ayreon Universe" live, stellar! Should check some of them, like "Everybody Dies", "Star of Sirrah" or "Age of Shadows".
I must have been living under a stone to have missed this. i thought i could mention every class act out there.I am like you john. this stuff is pure therapy for the soul. who needs medicine. this is the best pick me up you could find.
21:15 The Queen cover by Toehider / Michael Mills is worth checking out, too: QUEEN COVER - The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke (from "Queen II") ua-cam.com/video/Ch494KUV0O0/v-deo.html
Haha knew you would love this one. I also wonder how I missed some of these bands, but then it’s exciting listening to something for the first time. Also don’t worry about pausing, you can’t please all the people all the time and I’m sure most people watch your reactions as you have worthwhile comments. Also good to get a genuine reaction rather than you already know about it.
Yay, you did it! Such an amazing song, i can't recommend it enough 😁 first song on a concept album. I had a feeling you might like this one. And, i must add, i liked your intro-music on this one 👍👍 I guess you get tons of requests for reactions, but i'll throw a suggestion in anyways; Ne Obliviscaris - and plague flowers the caleidoscope. Another one where a lot happens 😁 album version is awesome, but there is also a good live version from 2016 out there ( but personally i think the live video distracts from the music a bit). Cheers, have a great weekend!
I've listened to this song soooo many times, and I've watched several reactions. Yours is on another level, the amount of insight you brought to this piece of music is outstanding. Please keep it up! PS: You look like Jimmy Broadbent's Belfast-based (hope I got the accent right, I'm Norwegian) prog music brother and I'm here for it!
Nice and profound reaction! Until now I considered the reaction of “the Charismatic Voice” on this as the best (she seeked help from Sean Daniel for the instrumental part), but your knowledge on the instrumentals is amazing, you noticed even the Jimy Hendrix part. There are a lot of connections between the performers: Floor and pianist Joost van den Broek were both Member of Floor’s first band After Forever and he is producer of the band Epica where Simone Simons is the singer.
@@JWSoundworks2 As you seem to have high regards for the classical composers, you may want to check out a performance from the Epica 10 year retrospective. Since they have a full classical orchestra on stage anyway, Simone Simons took the opportunity to sing one of her favourite classical pieces together with her former room mate and best friend Floor Jansen: Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater Dolorosa" (1736). ua-cam.com/video/nhtOORYTGx8/v-deo.html
Oh, and the binary translates to "trustTH1" - trust Michael Mill's character - the meaning of which will be revealed during the concept album. Speaking about lots of little details.... If you haven't already, please listen to the entire album with a good glass of whiskey. So worth it.
I'm glad you loved it! Yes, the way you mixed the synths with the guitar was the link I made with this song, and it is a concept album. Again, loved the insights you give on the song, very informative as usual! Have a good day
![ROADIE REACTIONS | "Ayreon - The Day That The World Breaks Down" | [FIRST TIME EVER LISTENING]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/qPVe-EzZ_fM/mqdefault.jpg)
Just re-watched your reaction a year later. So much fun watching you experience Arjen's music for the 1st time. I have also kept up with your music, it is now part of my Spotify mix. Looking forward to more Ayreon reactions, and more pieces from yourself, in 2023
Thank you very much, Robyn! I'm working on a million things, but let's hope I can release some stuff this year 😃🤘
ua-cam.com/play/PL9aPvM3JJsYdTGIDYt8f9Za4TQQBFGBgI.html
Wow.. thanks so much for your kind words, John! So many fans recommended me to watch this. I’m totally honored... this is really good for my ego I have to say :-) Glad you enjoy it so much! This is certainly one of the most interesting reaction videos I’ve seen so far. Very genuine. And you definitely have great musical knowledge, unfortunately you also know where I stole stuff :-) Ask me anything, man. Thanks again and please keep up the good work! Big smile here :-)
Man, I'm the one who is honoured! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment on my channel. People like you have inspired me to continue to make music my whole life. Making reaction videos is something I've only started doing recently for a bit of fun, and also to help expose some of my own original music to more people. Having someone of your stature and prestige in the music industry dropping by to leave me a comment has made my day, my week, my year! Thank you so much, man. And I look forward to hearing more of your amazing work! 😁🤘👍
Thx a lot for your awesome masterpiece! Loved your explanations and comments! Introduces me to many new vocalists and their bands! Stay well! 💕
You guys should meet each other !!!
@@leeblack3335 This ^^
wow, the master in person 😮
Keep talking as much as you want! I've heard this song quite a few times now and you mentioned several things I hadn't really noticed before. I really appreciate hearing commentary coming from someone with extensive musical knowledge.
Appreciate that, man. Thanks very much! 👍🤘
@@JWSoundworks2 just keep doing what you're doing. I thought I knew this song pretty well, I listen to the entire album regularly because for a prog fan like me, it's one of the best releases of the past 5 years. I've also watched tons of reaction videos of it here on UA-cam. You still managed to point out some stuff that I hadn't noticed before, so thanks for that!
btw Arjen Lucassen is pretty is pretty active on social media, so don't be surprised if he drops in with a comment once this video gathers some views and likes and gets recommended to a wide audience. Also, if you do more reactions of his music but get copyright strikes on them, try to get in touch with him because he often helps out with those through his label. He really does appreciate the reaction community.
@@RudyBleeker that's awesome to hear, man. He sounds like one seriously cool dude! 🤘😊
Totally agree, best reaction on this song sofar, Arjen sure will appreciate it too!
The people who bitch about the person reacting stopping and talking don't seem to grasp that this is a REACTION video. You want to hear it uninterrupted, go watch or listen to the normal copy. Getting someone's reactions, impressions, and thoughts is the entire purpose of videos like this.
As he said at the end about people who gave it thumbs-down, "I don't get it".
And it's always fair game if you back it up a bit after commenting. Oh noes, we have to listen to part of something we love over again. The horrors.
Wouldn't surprise me if Arjen shows up to comment. He's a great dude.
Are you a prophet 5 analog fortuneteller? :-)
Arjen Lucassen and Floor Jansen go way back. Arjen was one of the first to recognize the enormous potential of Floor. She and her sister Irene Jansen appeared in several of his projects throughout the years. So many rabbit holes he was (and still is) digging for us.
Ayreon is the ultimate rabbit hole for discovering new music. Arjen Lucassen is pure genius. Anything he produces is GOLD.
True for most, I was familiar with most of the bands these singers represent, but definitely need to check more toehider and circa survive(right?) I've seen kahn kamelot, wanna see Tommy tho. Seen symphony x, epica, nightwish(not w floor unfortunately)....
@@jamestalkington6306 (Tommy) Kamelot isn't that special - go for Seventh Wonder. I recommend "The Great Escape" (2010) and "Mercy Falls" (2008)
welcome to the wonderful musical world of the genius, Arjen Lucassen
Thanks Marco!
Ayreon has been around since the '90s, initially starting off as a kind of passion project for the tall hippie dude playing guitar, keys and bass, Arjen Anthony Lucassen. He's a compositional genius first and foremost, and generally eschews performing live (with a few exceptions), though he is an accomplished guitarist (and plays several other instruments too...plus he sings on some of his projects). The joy for him is in writing, arranging and producing the best music he can (usually concept albums - he actually reminds me a lot of Daniel Gildenlöw from Pain of Salvation, who also favours concept albums...and actually, he has had Gildenlöw sing on one of his albums, so there is a connection there too). And over the years he's managed to both discover and recruit so many instrumentalists and vocalists for his projects (Ayreon is the main one, but there've been a few others, bands like Star One, The Guilt Machine and Stream of Passion). The list of people he's worked with is a who's who of prog and metal royalty. In addition to the impressive list in this very song (people like Blind Guardian's Hansi Kürsch and Kamelot's Tommy Karevik - both great singers, though I'm not surprised you haven't heard of them, having not really explored power metal), he's had luminaries like Neal Morse, Mikael Åkerfeldt, Devin Townsend, Dee Snider, Marko Hietala (Nightwish's former bassist/singer), Fish (yes, THAT Fish), *Bruce Dickenson* (I know, right) and Ty Tabor (King's X)...and that's just the vocalists (incidentally, since 2004, all of Ayreon's studio albums have been sort of rock opera-type entities, having characters played by individual singers; Arjen always tries to find the right voices for the roles he's written, and he must have some pretty great connections to get the people he gets). As for instrumentalists, on this very album, Paul Gilbert contributes a guitar solo...and so does Marcel Coenen (from the disbanded Dutch prog metal band Sun Caged - check them out if you've not heard of them, they're amazing; Coenen also played lead guitar in one of the very few live productions of Ayreon music)...and in the past, Steve Hackett, Joe Satriani, Derek Sherinian, Jordan Rudess and even KEITH EMERSON (RIP) and RICK WAKEMAN have played solos for him as well.
Arjen has a reputation as a consummate professional and perfectionist, and people sign on to his projects because of the crossover appeal (i.e. fans come to it from all sorts of previous fandoms, knowing one or two of the guest musicians, but get EXPOSED to a bunch of artists they've never heard of, playing/singing in a genre they already love) - I only discovered Ayreon because back when I was a massive Dream Theater fan (the Portnoy era), James LaBrie had a major role on the album "The Human Equation" (and I also knew Mikael Åkerfeldt, who had a large role as well, plus Devin Townsend who played a smaller role). But because of "The Human Equation" I discovered Shadow Gallery (since their singer Mike Baker had a small part) and Elfonía (a great Mexican prog/experimental/ambient metal band...they sort of defy description actually, so it's hard to pick a subgenre...but their singer also had a large part on this album). And I started to buy more Ayreon music from before "The Human Equation" and kept up with Arjen as he released more albums. I knew Floor Jansen from Ayreon before I'd ever heard of After Forever or Nightwish (and her sister Irene is on a couple Ayreon albums too). And since I heard "The Source" I have started to listen to bands like Circus Maximus (Michael Erikson - The Diplomat, i.e. the really clean singer after Russell Allen's parts, is their vocalist), Pagan's Mind (whose singer is Nils Per - The Prophet) and most awesomely, Toehider (Michael Mills - TH-1 ftw...that guy is just...jawdroppingly amazing...like a reincarnated Freddie Mercury).
Anyway, I was pretty sure you'd LOVE this (when I saw the name of the song you were reacting to, today)...and there's just SO much more to discover from Ayreon. He's definitely one of the greatest prog composers of the 21st century so far, and you get the additional bonus of discovering incredible musicians in Ayreon music, and going on to become fans of them and their bands.
Great info there. Thanks very much! You were correct, indeed. This blew me away! 🤘👍
I think John mentioned he didn't want to know all there is to know in the video ;-) Kudos though for the comprehensive post there! Pretty much sums it up.
I'd recommend Mr. Wilson reacting to some live performances, particularly Guilt Machine's - Twisted Coil: ua-cam.com/video/gcHn0kCgmAs/v-deo.html
Or Ayreon - Welcome To The New Dimension & Isis and Osiris (this one's good for your dad too):
ua-cam.com/video/WLD4s51CgL4/v-deo.html
Ayreon is like an amazing assorted box of chocolates. So many talented and incredible musicians collaborating to make something special with each album. I can see that you are an immediate fan, so enjoy this rabbit hole. Arjen is a very special composer/architect of grand themes and ideas while giving enough freedom to the musicians to let them add their own genius to each song. Its great that you didn't recognize most of the singers and musicians because they represent quite a few great bands to explore as well eventually. I can honestly say that I added quite a few excellent bands to my list after first hearing their amazing singer on an Ayreon song. The live performances on YT for the Ayreon Universe show are highly recommended to continue your exploration of them.
Excellent points. One door opens another door, and another, and so on... Loved this!!
Same by me!👍😀
I would say to listen to the studio versions before the live performances in most cases, just because a number of the live ones are abridged (significantly in some cases). As you can tell, Arjen's songs tend to have a lot of parts, and not all the parts were able to be adapted to the live performances, despite the incredible talent and production on display in all of them. I will say, though, that "Electric Castle Live" is pretty darned close to album perfect. But still listen to the album first :). Even if you can only do reaction videos for the live shows (not sure if that's true, other people have done studio tracks here and there), listen to the original version first, IMO.
I have heard this over a hundred times mainly in reactions. What a joy it is to watch a reaction by someone who knows what music is all about.. Thank you.
Thanks for the kind words, Born! 😊🤘👍
Man, I have seen quite a few Ayreon Reactions. Especially to this song. There were many good and ok ones but you geeking out over it was so much fun. It is fun, seeing vocal coaches reacting to this because, well, 11 singers, lots to talk about. But this one is especially interesting with ppl. who play instruments and/or write songs. Arjen is doing a good job with his annotations and in know them by heart but as I am no musician, some of it goes over my head. Rly nice to get even more insight. I am halfway through the video now and am rly looking forward to the end and the conclusive thoughts.
That may be the best reaction to this song I've ever seen. And I've seen a lot. The fact that you're not so impressed by the outer layer of 11 singers only makes it better. Your music knowledge is very impressive. I'm definitely subscribing.
Thank you, Juan. Glad you enjoyed it, man! 🤘👍
The singers in order of appearance are:
James LaBrie from Dream Theater
Tommy Karevik from Kamelot, Seventh Wonder
Tommy Rogers from Between the Buried and Me
Simone Simons from th most epic Epica
Nils K. Rue from Pagan's Mind and Eidolon
Tobias Sammet from Edguy and here mentioned Avantasia
Hansi Kürsch the „Bard from Walhalla“ from Blind Guardian
Mike Mills playing a computer and singing binary from Toehider
Russell Allen from Symphony X
Michael Eriksen from Circus Maximus
and last but not least the incredible Valkyrie Goddess Floor Jansen from Nightwish
This is a good guide for other listening/reaction videos. Any number of music from the above artists.. Will likely be right up your alley too buddy.
Arjen Anthony Lucassen is the "mastermind" behind this project. He did several interviews where he describes how he selects the vocalists and so on. Check it out, it is on YT
Good shout. Must do that, cheers!
Next Ayreon: Everybody Dies Live!
For sure... the live version is awesome!
Classical pianist listens to Aryeon for the first time and says, “that’s it! I need to have a lie down.” He gets it. Arjen is really an opera composer and he is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. Thanks for the reaction vid!
This is my favorite reaction rewatch. It’s so heartwarming to see you get to know ayreon and quickly fall in love with it. I’d be curious to see you analyse it again for us now you’ve had several years to come back to it; since your first watch seemed to be rather overwhelming :) I’d love to hear what parts have become your favorite and the things that you might pick up now you’ve gotten familiar with more ayreon pieces. Your initial reaction already blew me away with clever insights and fascinating takes, and clearly there’s more where that came from :)
NEVER, EVER apologize for speaking during your reactions! I absolutely love hearing your comments - it is musically educational - which is why I've come to love your reactions. I have learned Sooo much about music listening to your comments. You, dude, know more about music than I have ever known, and I grew up with music. Both my parents were professional musicians, and I'm a multi instrumentalist. I don't know how to play guitar, but if I wanted to learn I would hope to find an instructor like you. At 70, that will never happen, but I WILL learn how to play the violin before I die - it is one of my bucket list items. In this medley/story I have been opened up to Kamelot hearing Tommy Karevik. I am an avid fan of Simone Simons (Epica) and Floor Jansen (Nightwish) - both of which I learned about listening to reactions such as yours.
The fact that you're talking about the music is the reason we are here. If we wanted to listen to the song uninterrupted we would click on the link to the original video
Got some hate early on in these vids from a few people telling me to shut up lol. I really appreciate anyone taking the time to say they enjoy my commentary. Thank you.
@@JWSoundworks2 It doesn't matter what someone does, there will always be someone getting upset because they didn't get exactly what they expected.
For some reason for some humans it's easier to say what they don't like instead of what they like, and the more they do it, the more normal it becomes.
There's simply too much to explore in one lifetime, and everyone does it from their own perspective. Sharing what we have discovered is one of the super powers that we have. I'd like that tradition to survive the battle with the Ego.
Thank you for choosing to spend your time sharing some of your perspective
@@sjeses some very valid points there, and I totally agree. I am a piano teacher by day and so "constructive" criticism is often necessary to help allow people to improve. It's only useful, though, if you can offer advice and suggestions as to how the individual may improve. But nastiness in any form is something I have no time for (I try to just ignore it). Understanding, first-hand, the amount of time and effort people dedicate to their art, it shows a real lack of empathy for someone to just tear it apart for their own strange pleasure. I have come to think that nastiness is a cycle that was probably bestowed upon those individuals who seem to perpetuate it. Fortunately the VAST majority of comments here are indicative of how nice and friendly most people are out there. And most of the professional musicians I've worked with are highly supportive people and not ego-centric.
@@JWSoundworks2 it's hard to understand how much work and perseverance is required to create something that other people see as "talent". How many times someone has been frustrated but kept trying anyway. How many new problems kept popping up when they thought they had finally solved all of them. And how hard it is to after all of that not only to want to create something for other people to enjoy, but to actually do it.
Arjen is a genius and he has always so fantastic musicians around him
Ayreon is the (main) project of Dutch composer, producer, singer and multi-instrumentalist Arjen Anthony Lucassen. He does scifi concept albums. He has had over 80 different singers on his 9 (double)albums. Most albums are part of the bigger story called the Ayreon Universe.
He has not done many live-shows but the ones he did are all killer. The 4 main shows are: 1.) Star One - live on earth (actually starone is a side project, but they did play some Ayreon songs) 2002-dvd2003
2.) The Theater Equation (a playthrough of the cd human equation, this is more a broadway-theater show) 2105-dvd2016
3.) Ayreon Universe (a best of full on prog-rock-metal show) 2017-dvd2018
4.) Ayreon - Electric castle live and other tales (a playtrough of the cd Into the electric castle, and 1 song of each side-project) 2019-dvd2020
The Theater Equation was _technically_ an unofficial production that did not involve Arjen. However, it did have most of the original singers and musicians reprising their roles from the album and it was done with Arjen's blessing, so it might as well have been an official Arjen production.
Great reaction. I have seen a lot of reactions about this song and you are the first to mention the Jimi Hendrix riff.
When it comes to the vocalists, most of these people are either legends or legends in the making. Singers from some of the most prominent metal bands of the past 3 decades. As someone raised on prog rock myself, the closest thing that I can liken Ayreon to is The Alan Parsons Project. Arjen is a bloody genius as evidenced by the calibre of musicians who appear on his work.
On a sidenote, that sound of the distorted guitars and Hammond is something straight out of the 70s and will NEVER get old.
Vulture Culture is one of my favourite albums from the 80s. Something about that album just ticks so many boxes for me.
As soon as your video started and I heard you playing I thought you had heard them before 😂😂 then when you said you hadn’t I was like he’s going to lose his mind when he hears this 😂😂I’ve seen many reactions to this song. Your insight into all the aspects you actually heard on the first run through it’s top notch compared to others. Don’t ever apologize for your enthusiasm for music and speaking your thoughts. I absolutely love that he typed all his thoughts for us to read as well. The musicians he gets to work with him I feel shows what kind of person he is, because there’s a lot of who’s who going on here. And to organize the live shows must be mind blowing!! I’ve listened to this song so many times and it’s like it’s the first time every time. I still get that charge that reminds me how amazingly talented some people are in this world. Like you said for all of this to come together at this caliber is pretty rare. Arjen seems to be the chillest most humble person too. I actually just bought the limited ed of a live concert/project that he did called into the electric castle in 2019. I can’t wait to watch it. There’s very limited footage on the live shows he puts together because he asks people to put their phones away and enjoy the show, and out of respect they seem to do so. I love music but am not a musician so I always love the insight given by people like you that aren’t just sitting tHere watching a video and saying well that was great at the end. I watch maybe five reaction channels and just added you to the list. Looking forward to hearing more of your own stuff too. 🤘🤘
Finally - a prog-rock reaction i watched until the end. Great job... i will be back again. BTW. the guitar player is Marcel Coenen..bad ass
Really enjoyed this video. Your passion and insight into music shines through. This is probably the song i have listened the most to the last 3-4 years, and I could relate to your reaction. Good watch. Thank you.
I'm jealous of the fact that you have this much music education and experience under your belt and are just now getting into Ayreon and Nightwish. What a journey you're about to go on!
Probably the third or fourth time I've watched your video now. Don't ever worry about talking too much, if we wanted to listen to just the song with no analysis we would do that. You have an amazing ear and knowledge that clued me into things I'd missed. Absolutely brilliant work.
Really appreciate that, dude. Thank you!
Man, first time watching your channel and absolutely loved you breakdown. Also, I'm pretty confident you will love the Ayreon rabbit hole. This son is just a glance of what Arjen is capable of composing. the Ayreon Universe is huge! You will love every single album, specially if you are intro 70s prog and the newer prog metal. Ayreon is a nice mix of both worlds.
Yeah, got to th part you say you cant believe you missed this... that was my first thought...how could this guy miss Ayreon if he likes prog!
Thank you, I will definitely be checking out more from him! 👍🤘
How Arjen recruits musicians: Hey its Arjen. I´m on to make a new Album, here is a sample""..Do u want to be part on it? Musician: Oh hell yes, yes, please...... :D
Superb reaction. All of the ones and zeros in the lyrics are a "Binary Code". Also, the other female singer is Simone Simons from Epica. Both she and Floor Jansen are close friends. Floor is featured on Epica's song Sancta Terra. A must see video.
Ah bliss. I've been hoping you'd provide your commentary on this. So grateful you took the time to do this - even though you didn't know what you were getting yourself into, haha :)
Great video again, i really enjoy knowing your point of view about the music. Don't worry about the people complaining about the pauses or the long comments, that's what made your channel special.
Appreciate that! Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it! 👍🤘
The binary part translates into 'trust TH1'. Great reaction! Congrats on spotting that Arjen is playing guitar, bass and synths. Most reactors miss it. I really liked your comments and perspective. I think Ayreon's first album is from the mid 90's. I reccommend 'Age of shadows', 'Intergalactic space crusader', 'The eye of Ra' and 'The valley of the Queens' if you want to react to more Ayreon songs. You've quite a bit of catching up in front of you! ;)
Great reaction! Thanks! That is a HUGE wall of sound as an intro though.. particularly if you just woke up. Can almost skip my coffee now... But I always really like your reactions! Your on the top side of the spectrum 🙂 Thanks for that!
Thank you sir. Proud Dutchie here. Ofcourse also Floor and Simone, our Dutch Metal Godesses. The other singers are freaking good too wow wow wow. ❤
Ayreon is the name of Arjen's projects (guitar, bass and hammond here). He's a phenominal musiscian and composer and was on stage with Floor a lot. He saw the potential Floor has and worked with her band After Forever.
I've been watching reaction video, one after another because I love hearing the science, speaking from a place of being musically trained as the information of why it sounds as such dances along with the joy of rocking out !! Thank you ❣
Great video! It would be also interesting to hear your analysis of this song after you listened it a few times.
What a fabulous reaction. My favorite I must confess. Arjen Lucassen is a true gift and has a wonderful catalog of music that you will enjoy. You are the perfect reactor for this video and the Aryeon is Arjen's musical project that always tells a story and features copious musicians and vocalists. I loved watching a creative musician Like yourself flat out geeking over this work. You are so correct, you can listen to this video multiple times and hear or discover something new. You did that for me in your first reaction to an unknown artist. Thanks for the fun and informative reaction. Whoo!
Thanks for the kind words, Rodney. Glad to hear that you enjoyed my thoughts! I must definitely do more Ayreon!
I'm obsessed with Ayreon, so your videos appears here for me lol. It's really great to see this side more technical and with reference musical for reaction. And happy to see that you liked. Arjen is a truly genius and such good person
Thank you, Bree. 🤘😊
Best reaction to this epic piece of music I have seen so far!
Thank you, Armin. Appreciate that!
Great reaction video from you John 🤟😊
Hi something you might like to check out Simone simons band called epica it's a symphonic metal band from Holland 🇳🇱
Epica unleashed live retrospect show (full orchestra on stage with the band)
Ps Simone and floor jansen from Nightwish are good friends
I'm new to your channel. Love your thoughts! Need to check out your music
Thanks Brendo. Thanks for saying hello! :)
Here is a list of the composer and singers in order of appearance:
Arjen Lucassen - Composer - Dutch singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist musician and record producer best known for his long-running progressive metal/rock opera project Ayreon. Also FYI he has been in the music biz since 1980, so a lot of the influence that are brought up about his music, he was there before those bands, so anything from the 70s may have influenced him, but later on and he may have been the one influencing. 😀
James Labrie - Lead singer for Dream Theatre.
Tommy Karevik - Lead singer of Kamelot and Seventh Wonder.
Tommy Rodgers - Lead singer of Between the Buried and Me.
Simone Simmons - Lead singer of Epica.
Nils K. Rue - Lead singer of Pagan's Mind and also worked with Eidolon.
Tobias Sammet - Lead singer of Edguy & Avantasia.
Hansi Kürsch - Lead singer of Blind Guardian and Demons & Wizards.
Mike Mills - Multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and main songwriter for Toehider.
Russell Allen - Lead singer of Symphony X and Allen/Lande.
Michael Eriksen - Lead singer of Circus Maximus.
Floor Jansen - Lead singer of After Forever, ReVamp & now Nightwish.
Next I would suggest reacting to the performances at Ayreon Universe concert, especially the following Intergalactic Space Crusaders, River of Time, Merlin's Will, Valley of the Queens, Ride the Comet, Star of Sirrah, And the Druids Turn to Stone, Age of Shadows & Everybody Dies.
I agree with the recommendations, but Age of Shadows is much much better with the studio version. Amazing song that couldn't be captured in the live setting. Anekke's 0-1 bit is the true precursor to the Mike mills bit in this song, and that's totally missing in the live version (for obvious reasons).
Arjen was also part of the rockband Vengeance
So glad you decided to move this up your list of reactions. Great reaction and analysis. Stay safe 🤘✌
Thank you, Brian. Loved it!
I've watched a lot of reactions to this vid, this is the best. Great work, great insight. 🤘
Wow, dude. That's nice of you to say so. Thanks a lot! 😊👍🤘
You're very welcome fella. I watched Aryeon off the back of watching Nightwish reactions, Floor's appearance was a bonus but I now have a love for Aryeon but also Blind Guardian (Hansi Kürsch), power metal! 😉
What a great reaction vid. So good that Arjen himself paid you a visit. You have made me hear things I had missed like "March of the Black Queen" although it was sort of there in my mind. My first intro into Ayreon was "Into the Electric Castle" A fantastic album, well worth a listen as are all of the other albums. Thanks again and take care
Thanks for the comment, Lee!
I knew you would love this as soon as I saw you were reacting to it.
I hope it inspires you and lifts your day!
Thanks, you were correct! 👍😊
Arjen is a great and humble (my kind of) guy and appreciates the genuine comments on his projects and I told you to expect to hear from him. He is very busy with a new project which will be "done" and released early 2022 (so he told me).
Best reaction ever with the best comments ever!!
Perfect song for this channel, good thing there is so much Ayreon out there :D
Will most certainly be doing more from this man! Genius!
Probably listened for over a 1000 times, still goosebumps all over. Especially in love with Russel Allen's voice, by far the sexiest ever! Really really enjoyed your reaction!
Thank you, Martine! 😊🤘
Hey I think i suggested that. Nice. I guessed you would like it. Great reaction. Didnt disappoint (understatement)!
Thanks Ron! Superb choice!
Very Nice reaction, whitin the Prog-family 👍🏻
Loved this reaction!
a lot of insightful comments I haven't heard before despite watching dozens of people react to this..
I hope the man himself, Arjen Lucassen, stops by to respond!
Thank you! :)
John, you've set the reaction bar for me--so high that most others will now disappoint, but you're making us all better for it. Many thanks for your work here, with Rupal Face, and in piano teaching (which is where I'm sure you're having your most important impact!). Keep up the good work!
What a lovely comment to receive. Thank you very much, Brian. I appreciate that!
I love this. First heard it back in May whilst decorating. I put Floor Jansen into Amazon music and let it go, and this was something that came on, and it's brilliant! Check it out live on here plus all the others, they are amazing!
great reaction, subbed!
This song just keeps getting better every time
Best reaction video ever! Congratulations!
Thank you! 😊🤘
I know I'm very late to the party, but you are the first youtuber I've ever seen who has mentioned the band Bal Sagoth, one of the greatest hidden gems of the metal world. Their album and song titles alone are just a joy :D. I'd leave a like for that particular name drop alone, but the rest of your breakdown was also fantastic. Keep up the great work!
Welcome to the magical rabbit hole... so many great songs, vocalists and groups to explore.
Well it’s late on Thanksgiving night here in the US, & was scrolling through your reactions for something I haven’t seen you do, as I love your reactions, & breakdowns, & love Ayreon, so this was it. I have never seen you like this, it was fun! I am in Texas, & if I had a horse, & t wasn’t almost midnight, I would ride off in the sunset after the bad guy on your energy! 🤘🤠
Maybe the coffee was kicking in on this one, I can't remember! 😂☕ Thanks for the kind words! 😊🤘
Great you reacted to Ayreon - so much good music - Arjen Lucassen himself says, he's not a great guitarist, but great at finding great singers and musicians, and have them combine their talents together. Earlier, he had difficulties getting the people he wanted on his albums. Now, it's easier, people know him. He's really humble. Floor Jansen, Floor's sister Irene, Russell Allen, Damian Wilson, Joost van den Broek and Ed Warby have also played with Arjan in another project of his: Star One.
36 minutes of my life gone. Now...I have to listen to it again. Best reaction I have seen of this song so far.
😂🤣 You had me there for a moment. Cheers, mate! Glad you enjoyed it. 🤘
Enjoyed your reaction- - great job. Love the Sabbath shirt.
Thank you, sir!
@@JWSoundworks2 You're welcome
Came here for the reaction, subbed by the end of the personalized intro to the video. Good stuff.
Appreciate that, Joey. Thank you.
Just keep on nerding out. For someone like me who's not a musician but have been an active music listener since the early 80's it's often very refreshing getting some more insight into the music from someone with your perspective and knowledge. So never mind the length of the videos, just keep it going!
And it's quite funny how many of your references I know from my own musical upbringing, even the Amiga reference put a nostalgic smile on my face. So much great music was made on the classic Commodore machines! I see a curiosity in you that I really appreciate, I'm quite the same way as well. But I can't play any instruments. Big bummer on my part :)
Thanks very much for the kind words, man! Some of the Amiga soundtracks are incredible. As a kid, sometimes I used to load up the game just to hear the home screen music! I was inspired so much by that music that my first EP was as a kind of homage to the amiga!
therupalface.bandcamp.com/album/pariah-op-1
Keep up the good work. And yes, talk/explain things whenever you hear something interesting. Keep that going!
Thank you, Steve!
@@JWSoundworks2 :)
Like this reaction. Subscribed!
Wow, you've got decades of amazing albums to look forward to from Arjen an his projects; Ayreon, Star One, Ambeon, and plenty of others. Dig in!
I feel you dude! I discovered Ayreon few months ago and i had the same reaction like you. It blew my mind and i couldn't believe I never came across this until now. I do remember hearing about him while in college about 15 years ago but for whatever damn reason i didnt check him out. Better late then never i guess
Tell me your into this without telling me….. JW “ drops Elbow to knee”… fingers over mouth. The “ Thinkers “ pose. I love it!
Dang, I love that intro!
Thank you! :)
🎵🎸One-man-band prog? 👇
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So, now you have to do so much more Ayreon!!!!!!! This is will be a great prog journey!
it's always such a pleasure watching someone else fall in love with ayreon.
**chanting** one-of-us one-of-us
More Ayreon, great video!!!
Dude....seen your channel a few times but....your homemade intro is fire....kinda reminds me a bit of old Savatage when Chris was still alive.
Thanks bro. I’ve heard of Savatage but never listened before, must check them out!
thank you for your genuine, expertly and passionate reaction and analysis of this masterpiece. enjoyed it very much. hope for more ayreon reactions.
Thank you! I'll definitely be doing more Ayreon reactions. 😊👍🤘
This was the best, wholesome brain melt I’ve seen for an Ayreon first listen. Great stuff! I’m glad you took up this suggestion (kudos to those to suggested it) and even more glad that you discovered new music that you can passionately relate to.
Thanks Nick! I live for this kind of music. Can't believe I'm so late to the party with Ayreon. Looking forward to more!
@@JWSoundworks2 It just means that you won't have to wait years to get into a new album. Plus, the experience is quite the ride no matter when you start the journey into this universe. I'm excited for all the discoveries up ahead. There are so many layers that each listen unveils new ones, and you have already picked up on many of them that I hadn't so I'm excited for both you and your audience here. Thank you for your insights
Top notch reaction, mate. Great stuff. There’s plenty to enjoy with Ayreon.
Finally! Someone who knows what NWOBHM means!! I usted to believe it was something in the lines of "Not Worthy Of Being (something, somerthing)" LOL! Also kudos for being one of the very few reactors I've seen who know about Camel!
Lol as a kid I never knew what it meant either when I seen it in magazines. Took a while before I got it too, haha.
This was great! I thoroughly enjoyed the video. I had already heard the song and watched its video and I knew you'd like it. This was the first one I watched from you and I immediately subscribed.
I checked out your music. I clicked on few of the links and ended up on Soundcloud. I used to go there often to check out some music. I followed you of course and clicked like to a couple of your tracks. The last thing I listened to was "Apertures". You don't often hear such high quality music! This was a very positive surprise.
If there's someone who's reading this and likes Ayreon. Check out the song Apertures, which I mentioned before. I think you might like it.
I'm very passionate about music and I could write for hours... I definitely know what you mean when you mentioned The March of the Black Queen. I love the whole Queen II album. I also noticed your Novation X-Station synthesizer, which I have as well. I really like Novation synths, especially my Supernova II.
Well, I just wanted to quickly write something. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your videos and hearing more of your music. Take care and have a fantastic day. evening or night.
Thank you for the comments, dude. Sounds like we could chat for hours, indeed! Queen, synths etc. Nice! If you liked Apertures I have a playthrough video of it here on youtube. Thanks for checking out my music and taking the time to comment. Appreciate it! 😊
ua-cam.com/video/ze8jMsKZmeg/v-deo.html
@@JWSoundworks2 You're very welcome. I definitely enjoyed the video as well.
Oh, oh, you're set for Wintersun and their Sonic Pump studios live rehearsal (3 videos), they are even more stuffed with things and solidly difficult to analyze ;-) I suggest this order - "Sons off winter and stars, "Time", "Land of snow and sorrow".
BTW, even though Arjen didn't think a lot of his music would be possible live, they did an "Ayreon Universe" live, stellar! Should check some of them, like "Everybody Dies", "Star of Sirrah" or "Age of Shadows".
I must have been living under a stone to have missed this. i thought i could mention every class act out there.I am like you john. this stuff is pure therapy for the soul. who needs medicine. this is the best pick me up you could find.
100% As Friedrich Nietsche once said - "without music, life would be a mistake".
"... and all 11 main singers are featured"
*later* "I did not think there would be so many singers"
Sleeping 4 hours a night for 2 years will do that to you.
@@JWSoundworks2 Yeah this is true. ... ask me how I know.
21:15 The Queen cover by Toehider / Michael Mills is worth checking out, too:
QUEEN COVER - The Fairy Feller's Master-Stroke (from "Queen II")
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So glad you heard that "Jimmy Hendricks" part. You're the first one I've seen to mention that. I knew because my father was a Jimmy Hendricks fan ;)
He has many albums so welcome to a rabbit hole ;) and he has some famous vocalist in those albums.
Man, this is gonna be an absolute god send. Cannot wait to get my teeth into more of his work!
Haha knew you would love this one. I also wonder how I missed some of these bands, but then it’s exciting listening to something for the first time.
Also don’t worry about pausing, you can’t please all the people all the time and I’m sure most people watch your reactions as you have worthwhile comments. Also good to get a genuine reaction rather than you already know about it.
Appreciate that, thank you!
Yay, you did it! Such an amazing song, i can't recommend it enough 😁 first song on a concept album. I had a feeling you might like this one.
And, i must add, i liked your intro-music on this one 👍👍
I guess you get tons of requests for reactions, but i'll throw a suggestion in anyways; Ne Obliviscaris - and plague flowers the caleidoscope. Another one where a lot happens 😁 album version is awesome, but there is also a good live version from 2016 out there ( but personally i think the live video distracts from the music a bit).
Cheers, have a great weekend!
Thanks very much! 😊 I've listened to some of their music before and loved it. Can't rememeber if that was one I've heard already, though.
@@JWSoundworks2 "too much" good music out there, hard to remember the name of every artist and/or song 🙈
I've listened to this song soooo many times, and I've watched several reactions. Yours is on another level, the amount of insight you brought to this piece of music is outstanding. Please keep it up!
PS: You look like Jimmy Broadbent's Belfast-based (hope I got the accent right, I'm Norwegian) prog music brother and I'm here for it!
Haha, yes Daniel I'm not far from Belfast! Well detected 😁.
Glad you enjoyed the video, I appreciate that ! Thank you. 🤘👍
Nice and profound reaction! Until now I considered the reaction of “the Charismatic Voice” on this as the best (she seeked help from Sean Daniel for the instrumental part), but your knowledge on the instrumentals is amazing, you noticed even the Jimy Hendrix part.
There are a lot of connections between the performers: Floor and pianist Joost van den Broek were both Member of Floor’s first band After Forever and he is producer of the band Epica where Simone Simons is the singer.
There are so many new bands and artists that spawn out from just this single video! Gonna be hard to keep up lol. But looking forward to more!
@@JWSoundworks2 As you seem to have high regards for the classical composers, you may want to check out a performance from the Epica 10 year retrospective. Since they have a full classical orchestra on stage anyway, Simone Simons took the opportunity to sing one of her favourite classical pieces together with her former room mate and best friend Floor Jansen: Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater Dolorosa" (1736).
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You've only missed 20 years of fabulous Ayreon music ;-) Welcome to the rabbit hole, good man
Oh, and the binary translates to "trustTH1" - trust Michael Mill's character - the meaning of which will be revealed during the concept album. Speaking about lots of little details.... If you haven't already, please listen to the entire album with a good glass of whiskey. So worth it.
I'm glad you loved it! Yes, the way you mixed the synths with the guitar was the link I made with this song, and it is a concept album. Again, loved the insights you give on the song, very informative as usual! Have a good day
Thanks Fabian. Excellent recommendation, sir. This was right up my street. Loved it! 😊🤘👍
Hansi Kursh is vocalist of Blind Guardian, one of my favorites bands.
First time hearing this band..
Awesome
great reaction, suspected you might like it :D loved another world on the amiga, was frigging hard tho
Cheers man. One of my favourite games as a kid! That last gun battle after crashing into the swimming pool was nails!