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Star One - Victims Of The Modern Age

Label: InsideOut
Format: CD download
Released: 2010
Reviewed By: Mark Gromen
Rating: 8/ 10


The follow-up to ’02 "Space Metal" debut, Star One is the alter-ego of Ayreon mastermind/guitarist Arjen Lucassen (also responsible for the Hammond organ heard throughout), he of the vertical lift (well over 2m tall!). Eight tracks, after the 1:20 introductory instrumental ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’, but most eclipse six minutes, although a two-disc, bonus edition features five additional songs.

 

Once again, Russell Allen (Symphony X), Floor Jansen (ReVamp, ex-After Forever) and Dan Swanö provide vocals and drums are handled by Ed Warby (ex-Gorefest). On the bonus cuts, Tony Martin (ex-Black Sabbath) joins the cast. Not a concept album, per say, each tune is based around a sci-fi movie that affected Lucassen. Anyone familiar with the original Planet Of The Apes will recognize ‘Human See Human Do’, just in case, Charlton Heston’s quote (although not his voice, for legal reasons), "Take your stinking paws off me, you damn dirty ape," starts the song. ‘24 Hours’ seems inspired by Escape From New York, while elsewhere there are references to The Matrix, The Cassandra Crossing and Clockwork Orange. ‘Digital Rain’ is heavier than most of the Dutchman’s efforts. Initial disc ends with gargantuan (9:46) ‘It All Ends Here’.

Overall, his most thoroughly enjoyable rock/metal album since Ayreon’s "Flight Of The Migrator". Check it out.

 
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