Ayreon - Transitus (Music Theories Recordings)
We find ourselves in 1884, in a world of inequality and moral decay, with the divide between the rich and the poor along with the various social and racial issues becoming more and more intense. There, Daniel and Abby, two young people from the two opposite ends of this world, fall in love and dream about their life together, until fate intervenes ...
This gothic romance is the concept of Ayreon's brand new album, with Arjen Lucassen himself stating that "Transitus" was one of his most demanding and time consuming works, absorbing three years of his life! The cast of characters is impressive, with Tommy Karevik (Kamelot, Seventh Wonder) and Cammie Gilbert (of Oceans Of Slumber) as the main protagonists, along with Dee Snider (as Daniel's father), Paul Manzi (ex-Arena, as Henry, Daniel's brother), Simone Simons (as the Angel of Death) and Michael Mills (The Statue).
In general, Arjen Lucassen's presence is a guarantee of quality, with his latest output being no exception to the rule. Transitus is an album, whose material seems to have been created to function only as a whole, within the broader context of the story told through its lyrics, with actor Tom Baker in the introductory narrative of each "chapter" of the plot.
Nevertheless, the album does require a set of special listening conditions, as it requires undivided attention, but also multiple replays, to fully unfold. Of course, listening to it while reading its lyrics really helps to get into the mood more easily and quickly, something that will clearly be achieved to the fullest extent by flipping through the 28 pages of comic book that comes with it. Despite that there are moments that do stand out, like "Get out! Now!", with the formidable Dee Snider stealing the show and "Dumb Piece of Rock" with the impressive vocal breadth of the amazing Michael Mills.
"Transitus" can only stand out for what it is, being another exceptional albeit slightly different Ayreon album that will satisfy thoroughly those who delve into it to the extent it deserves.
97.4/100
Below are the music videos for "Daniel's Descent into Transitus", "Get out Now" and "Talk of the Town"
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