AYREON The Human Equation (2004-2010) CD

Arjen Anthony Lucassen is either a genius or a man with a serious problem saying no to collaborators, and after twenty-plus years of evidence, those two things might be the same thing.

The Human Equation is widely considered the peak of the Ayreon project, a sprawling progressive metal concept album built around warring emotional characters played by a cast that includes James LaBrie, Devin Townsend, and a small nation's worth of guest vocalists. Originally released in 2004, this edition covers the 2010 reissue run. The storytelling is dense, the arrangements are orchestral and relentless, and the whole thing rewards the kind of listener who still reads liner notes. Dutch progressive and power metal at its most ambitious, which is saying something for a scene that does not do things quietly.

Double CD. Track listing across both discs follows the album's day-by-day narrative structure, lyrics by Lucassen except where noted, all composition by Lucassen. Fans of: Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, Blind Guardian, Symphony X.