When Arjen Lucassen’s name is involved in a project, the work is always serious. No matter whether we talk about Ian Parry, Star One, Stream of Passion or Freak Neil Inc. - the maestro is on the line with his professional qualities and charismatic appearance. In spite of all the bands he helps out, his attention was always been focused on Ayreon, which, without any doubt, is the band of his life and it was proven many times now. The new album of Lucassen and his gang is called “01011001” and everyone who knows even a small part of the Dutchman’s creations will not be surprised of this title. Arjen was always writing about the era we live in, about the technologies and their place in our lives, the scientific theories about the creation of the universe and everything else… “01011001” is a concept album subordinate again to a part of these themes. The story behind the songs is complex and full of different links. From the lyrics we can only guess what is happening in the world of the maestro, while on the top just small parts of the main thematic motifs can be detached. “Age of Shadows” is a phenomenal beginning, a first song that makes your skin goosey and your senses become susceptible to every sound. In this song and in the whole album, in general, every note counts. The main perpetrators of this are not only the perfect chosen vocalists and guest musicians (view some of their names below), but also the original approach to every song, lined with a brilliant instrumental job. Ayreon is a super project and in every attempt his creator exceeds the bravest expectations about it. I don’t know how he’s doing this, but it is a fact. “01011001” is a magical album, an emotional fairytale which should be learned by every fan of music. Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian) Daniel Gildenlow (Pain of Salvation) Thomas Englund (Evergrey) Jonas Renkse (Katatonia) Jorn Lande (ex-Masterplan, Ark) Anneke van Giersbergen (Agua de Annique, ex-The Gathering) Steve Lee (Gotthard) Bob Catley (Magnum) Simone Simons (Epica) Ty Tabor (King's X) Ed Warby (Gorefest) Derek Sherinian (ex-Dream Theater) Thomas Bodin (The Flower Kings) Michael Romeo (Symphony X)