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 Arjen Lucassen, also known as Ayreon, has released a series of rock operas over the years and he has a hot new band called Stream Of Passion that is making some noise on an international level. SOP features intense instrumentation with the alluring gothic vocals of Marcela Bovio, who hails from Mexico and has a progressive-rock-fusion band of her own called Elfonia.
I have made it a personal mission to devote as much coverage to Lucassen and his outstanding efforts and achievements as much as possible. The reason I feel this way? I do not think he is recognized appropriately. He is a true innovator of our time. The word genius may be used a bit too much in the media and termed loosely at times, however...in my estimation, Lucassen is a musical genius-a creative soul that is constantly renewing and revitalizing his craft with each successive recording.
Recently SOP released a DVD and CD set documenting a live performance in Arjen's homeland of Holland at the venue Lucky & Co in Rijssen 0n 2/17/06. The DVD preserves a spectacular live set that captures the essence of the band both visually and aurally. The double CD version of the event does the job for the ears quite well too. Songs from the Embrace The Storm album and various Aryeon songs are covered during the performance, giving the listener a glimpse at the scope and breadth of the Luccassen magic found on several recordings over the years.
I have had the pleasure of enjoying various versions of the SOP studio album Embrace The Storm. I started with the promo copy from the Inside Out label, then received a special edition from Arjen, who has been very responsive to my inquiries and requests for music over the last few years. I recently purchased the dual disc, which is a pricey import but worth it. Listening to this music in 5.1 surround sound is a real treat for the ears. Arjen also sent me one of the three versions of the Ayreon release Human Equation that is available through Inside Out. This particular version comes in a fold out cardboard box with a lengthy DVD covering the sessions and an real inside look at the making of the album piece by piece.
 Arjen Lucassen is continually breathing new life and excitement into the world of music. And by doing so, he gives the progressive rock community hope that the genre will grow and find a new respect and admiration from those seeking music that is constantly changing and growing. The internet has a veracious appetite for indie music and people like Lucassen have their own breeding ground in place with detailed websites that include discographies, downloads, song samples, discussion groups, and more. This ambition and independent spirit makes the internet flourish and artists like Lucassen embody that by keeping the passion and creative fires burning, setting an example for others to admire and emulate.
© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck, July 14, 2006
MuzikReviews.com
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