01011001: Live Beneath the Waves

As stated in previous reviews, progressive rock and metal project Ayreon doesn't play many shows but when it does, it's always worth genre fans' attention, recognition and respect. 01011001: Live Beneath the Waves is particularly intriguing to me because it honours what I still believe to be Ayreon's greatest studio record to date, even though the last two efforts Transitus and The Source have come quite close in terms of quality. The excellent news is that one song from each of these two records is being played as an outstanding encore while the final song of the trio comes from the outstanding recent Star One effort Revel in Time. Simply stated, Ayreon's 01011001: Live Beneath the Waves offers the greatest of the best from Ayreon and Star One and is a very serious candidate for both live album of the year and record of the year as well.

While a digital version is easy to access and the generous triple vinyl release is certainly worth every cent of its price, my strong suggestion would be to purchase the double CD and DVD version that offers both the aural pleasure to listen to this masterpiece and the visual component honouring excellent stage settings, wonderful lighting techniques and an impressive number of talented guest musicians and singers.

One outstanding element about this release is its flawless production that is filled with authenticity, elegance, grit, honesty and passion from start to finish. Every single instrument is audible, every single singer delivers the goods and then some and the enthusiastic crowd adds healthy doses of energy throughout.

The different guests impress without any single exception. My personal favourite musicians are Jeroen Goossens on flutes, intense violinist and regular collaborator Ben Mathot, diversified acoustic and electric guitarist Timo Somers, versatile keyboard wizard and long-time collaborator Joost van den Broek and gifted cellist Jurriaan Westerveld.

Among the most outstanding singers, I would praise powerful Canadian front woman Brittney Hayes, Floor Jansen's talented younger sister Irene Jansen, power, speed and symphonic metal performer Hansi Kürsch, underrated female rock vocalist Magali Luyten and progressive metal mastermind Damian Wilson.

As for specific song selections, I would recommend captivating, epic and gloomy opener "Age of Shadows" that sets the tone for an excellent concert right from the start, dreamy, hypnotizing and otherworldly deep cut "Comatose", catchy, energetic and melodious "Ride the Comet", concise, energizing and uplifting "This Human Equation" and diversified, imaginative and powerful closer "The Day That the World Breaks Down" that is the longest song on this outstanding output.

At the end of the day, let's just keep things simple and let me tell you again to purchase the double CD and DVD version of Ayreon's 01011001: Live Beneath the Waves since this masterpiece is a delight for progressive rock and progressive metal fans of all backgrounds and ages for now and in the future.