The Final Experiment - Ayreon

Ayreon's debut project, The Final Experiment gave birth to a futuristic concept in which telepathy could be used to warn the past of an apocalyptic future in order for it to be avoided. This message is picked up in the dark ages by the blind minstrel Ayreon whose destiny it becomes to warn mankind of this threat. However when he ventures to Camelot and gains Arthur's attention Merlin becomes jealous, accuses Ayreon of lying and curses him. The shear grandeur and sophistication of the record knows no end and the plethora of talent on show combines perfectly to create a high quality concept rock opera. The music reflects the period in which the ...  Read the complete review

Originally a solo album credited to Arjen Anthony Lucassen, 'The Final Experiment' is the first album of his prestigious Ayreon line (how ironic is that?), and is quite different from all of his later, more accomplished releases. A rock opera with multiple singers and the same sort of bizarre, trippy sci-fi/fantasy concept as his later works 'Into the Electric Castle' and 'Universal Migrator,' it's also the only point in the Ayreon discography that greater importance seems to be placed on the concept and lyrics than the music itself. That's not to say it isn't enjoyable or skilled, but much of the music ends up as overly repetitive or atmospheric backing for the singers ...  Read the complete review