Release Date: Jan 29, 2008
Label: Inside/Out
Genres: Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal, Neo-Prog
Number Of Tracks: 15
'01011001' is an album with a scope and storyline most other bands could only dream of conjuring up.
01011001Featured review by: UG Team, on february 01, 2008 5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Sound: “01011001” has been in the making for quite some time and sonically speaking, there's little to pick on. The level of producing records has gotten so high that on occasion I feel that this section is almost unnecessary. But, for what it's worth, it's an immaculate production, and that is no small feat given the numerous elements involved. Industrial sampling, choirs, multi-layered harmonized vocals, soft sections, heavy sections... you name it, and this album probably has it. It's a slick, modern production and it isn't overly aggressive, but nor is it overly soft. I hate to say it sometimes, but it's pretty much what you could expect from a production in this day and age. Multi-instrumentalist and mastermind Arjen Lucassen has succesfully managed to craft a sound that leaves nothing to be desired. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: I'll do my best to keep this somewhat short. “01011001” is the fourth album in a series of albums dealing with a continuous storyline. I'll leave out the previous three, and focus only on this album. On the Planet “Y”, which is also the name of the first disc (and for the geeks among us, “01011001” is the binary for the number 89, which in ASCII becomes the letter Y), a race has lost touch with their emotions and have become completely dependent on machines. They of course think this stinks, so they hop on a comet and fly to earth, where they crash onto the planet, killing all the dinosaurs, and thus we have mankind. However, things don't work out as smoothly as these beings had hoped, 'cause also us humans end up being dependent on machines eventually, losing touch with our morals and that stuff.
In the end, I guess we can shorten it down to being a sci-fi story that mixes in a good dose of social criticism. Lyrically, it's good. Hell, writing such a long album and not ending up with any vomit-inducing lines is a feat worthy of 7/10... but! I am always one for rewarding the daring souls in the industry who dare go beyond the standards of the genres. This album features several different characters, all with well-written lines and when dialogue occurs, it succeeds and surpasses attempts by most others in the genre. Lyrically and thematically, it's a very convincing case. // 8
Impression: To start it off -- the most striking feature of this album is without a doubt the number of guests. 17 different vocalists and almost 10 different instrumentalists. Notables include guitarist Michael Romeo of Symphony X, Derek Sherinian, Simone Simons of Epica, Tom Englund from Evergrey, and perhaps the guy who gets the biggest chunk of the vocals, Hansi Kursch of Blind Guardian. Vocally and instrumentally, it's very, very well done. The majority of the album probably leans towards the softer side of the spectrum, warranting the progressive tag, but there should be enough heavy sections to please most fans of this type of music. There's a truckload of captivating melodies on this album, and Arjen works the main themes very well, adding subtle flavors and layers to them when they return. For lack of a better phrase, it's almost subliminal at times.
Secondly -- it's long. 102 minutes, to be precise. For those quick in maths, that means 2 CDs. The first disc, which is called “Y” focuses on the race who hop on the comet and crash on to earth, while the second disc is fittingly dubbed “Earth”, and focuses on... yeah, you get it. Sadly for Arjen and his project, when you get to the part about the length of it, is when it gets a bit sticky. As much as I wish it would, “01011001” doesn't hold up the entire way. I can't help but lose interest time after time when the album rolls past the 60-ish minute mark. The opening however, with Hansi pulling most of the workload is, well, awesome. The shining moment one could say comes a bit too soon, with the soothingly beautiful “Comatose”. It's far from being a fast downhill after that, but the material afterwards isn't nearly as captivating as the opening half-hour or so.
Still -- it's a good progressive album, and it should get good points just for the vocal performances and the scope of the album. There's plenty of good material to be found on these two CDs, but when push comes to shove, one can't help but feel “01011001” outstays it's welcome by 20-or-so minutes. // 6
01011001
Reviewed by:
kranoscorp, on january 12, 2009 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: This album is the newest offering from the Norwegian genius, Arjen Lucassen. For those of you new to Ayreon, the Arjen basically does a "Steely Dan" by masterminding the entire album, and then utilising various friends and session musicians to create the album. Arjen generally plays parts like guitar, bass, etc. but enlists the session musicians for alternative vocals, strings and folk instruments, and soloes. The cool thing about the album is that it is one gigantic Rock Opera, with each song being a chapter in an overall story.
Arjen creates an extremely varied album. It is very hard to label, with songs ranging from folk metal (River of Time, Newborn Race) to progressive metal (E=MC^2, Ride the Comet) to electronica (Comatose). Although songlength usually averages out at 8 minutes with 15 songs total, the songs still maintain momentum without feeling drawn out. Every song is good in it's own right, but what really makes the album shine are the standout vocals and soloes. All the vocalists paint Arjen's story with sweeping choruses and opera-like singing. The vocals really make the album what it is, and the soloes (a favorite of mine being Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo's from E=MC^2) really bring the songs to the next level. The soloes are tasteful while being fairly skilled. The only issue I can think of as to the sound is that the bass guitar and acoustic guitar are often drowned out in the recording, but with around 6 other instruments and an equal amount of vocalist on any given song, that is to be expected. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: This is the most important area for the album, and boy does it excell. The story describes how an alien race tries to survive, I will leave it at that as I do not wish to spoil it for you guys. The lyrics discuss controversial issues such as evolution and abortion cleverly in the story, such as in Newborn Race, "Do we have the right to play gods? / I strongly feel I have to make a stance". Thankfully, this insinuations are fairly well hidden, so Arjen avoids the pitfall that many bands encounter by not coming off as preachy. Of course, since this is a Sci-fi story, there are certain lyrics--such as "He's the last man alive. / (Searching for the answer)" in The Sixth Extinction--which subjectively come off as cheesy, but again that is to be expected, and Ayreon does not make a habit of it. // 9
Impression: Although this album is not better or worse than Ayreon's previous offerings, Arjen's musical genius shows clearly in this album. The entrancing story telling, phenominal vocals, and immpressive soloes clearly push this album above and beyond what is expected from a standard release from an artist. Standout songs such as River of Time, E=MC^2, and The Sixth Extinction give a good view of what this album is like, but all of the songs need a listen considering how diverse they are. All of the issues I have listed are either minor or unsurprising; this album s truly great. A must listen for fans of Rock Operas and musicians going through a lyrical slump, this album is inspiring and a great addition to any repertoire. // 10
01011001
Reviewed by:
mqsand2112, on august 21, 2009 0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: Freakin awesome band! Very unique style of music, almost a really vocal techno metal. The keyboards sound really, really nice. Especially in songs like Age of Shadows/We Are Forever and Comatose. The band is very coordinated, and it is a very smooth sound throughout both albums Y and Earth. The chorus for Liquid Eternity sounds great, and Unnartural Selection has some vocal lines intertwining. The solo on E=mc2 is pretty good too. Insane sound coming from this band, almost revolutionary. Favourite song soundwise is Age of Shadows/We Are Forever. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are pretty mind boggling and hard to grasp, which is usually a good thing. There seems to be major connections in between songs on both albums, but it is still hard to say. The vcalists are outstanding in this band, fantastic harmonization and synchronization, very well done. The lyrics and the instruments go hand in hand, not one time where they felt out of place. Ayreon definitely knows what they are doing when it comes to songwriting and storytelling. Favourite song lyrically is Liquid Eternity. // 9
Impression: I can't compare this band, it is really quite unique. I have to say that I liked the Y album a bit more than the Earth alum. Both are great, but I'm not to fond of River of Time. The whole ideology behind this band is pretty sweet though. This album is great go and buy it because it is awesome. It is something new, I'm glad I stumbled upon it. Hands down best song on the album is Comatose! // 9
I saw an interview with Arjen on a dutch tv-show just a few days ago, im not really a fan of the genre but im gonna check this album out, i might like it
I honestly didn't like this album at all, though I suppose it can be suspected since I'm no big fan of prog-rock (King Crimson, OSI, Porcupine Tree and Chroma Key are exceptions). Generally there is little hold to it that in essence delivers any emotion to the listener; All it seems to be is shiny production and epic musicianship. However, I'm not -feeling- anything from it, so to speak, and seeing as it can't carry its workload on making you give a shit for the characters, it just doesn't quite work like you'd think a band should. King Crimson? Epitaph was a beautiful song that made you feel all forms of emotion. Unfortunately, Ayreon has no Epitaph.
Wow I'm actually suprised to even see a review of an Ayreon album on here due to what appears to be the pure lack of fans hanging around UG...but anyway being a biy Ayreon fan meself I was eagily awaiting this album since I first heard it was to be released, but in teh end i think its a very good album. The Human Equation is still my favourite but this is still very good has some awesome moments on it but then some just good moments too. I think it is 1 of those albums that may take a few listens before you truly apprecaite it
[quote=Raphael Faunus]I honestly didn't like this album at all, though I suppose it can be suspected since I'm no big fan of prog-rock (King Crimson, OSI, Porcupine Tree and Chroma Key are exceptions). Generally there is little hold to it that in essence delivers any emotion to the listener; All it seems to be is shiny production and epic musicianship. However, I'm not -feeling- anything from it, so to speak, and seeing as it can't carry its workload on making you give a shit for the characters, it just doesn't quite work like you'd think a band should. King Crimson? Epitaph was a beautiful song that made you feel all forms of emotion. Unfortunately, Ayreon has no Epitaph.[/quote]
I would say you need to check out 'The Human Equation'. The emotion in that masterpiece just blows me away. Definitely one of the best pieces of music I've ever heard.
I actually like Disc 2 a lot more. It brings out some of the folkish style that Arjen has used in past releases. As for as a HE compariso, I'd say its pretty close. Both albums have neat stories and the guests really make for a diverse sound on everything Arjen puts out. I'd say its a worthwhile listen for any fan of progressive music.
A friend of mine has been playing this album nonstop for a few weeks now (thank you, bit torrent). As far as pure musicianship goes, Arjen can't be touched. The vocals suffer a bit but aren't horrible. This isn't quite as good as the Universal Migrator but it's a very strong release. Now could somebody please tab the riff from "The shooting company of Capt. Frans B. Cock" I'd be eternally greatful.
I've always loved Arjen for the fact that to me he's the exact opposite of what Raphael Faunus described. Electric Castle and Equation are two of the most emotionally striking records I've heard, and despite being "prog" it never gets weird for the sake of being weird. To me he's one of the biggest musical geniouses on the planet, because he can write catchy songs without the slightest hint of musical clichées.
Good review, but I disagree pretty strongly with the comment about it dragging on. There are just so many good songs on this album and so many awesome performances that I never found it overlong.
Yah its pry good but its almost like he used horrible lyrics as a literary device in some spots...no need to cook babe i picked up fast food on the way...its finger licken good...and sometimes when that chic sings i shut the tape player off completely and wonder if i did that as a metaphor
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I'm gonna get this now
I didn't even know that they were putting out a new album