Review | Ayreon – 01011001 Live Beneath The Waves

Mascot Label Group

On 15, 16 and 17 September of last year Ayreon sold out the ‘013’ in Tilburg, The Netherlands playing the amazing album ‘01011001’, originally released in 2008, in its entirety. Now, for those of who you – as yours truly – who have been to this impressive Ayreon experience it is an absolute must to get this package (CD and DVD) as soon as possible. Those of you who have sadly missed out on the Ayreon show in Tilburg last year also should absolutely obtain this album as quickly as possible.

MARVELLOUS DUET

The musicians and the singers featured here are truly awesome and the absolute best vocal performances – at least that is my humble opinion – are from Damian Wilson, Anneke van Giersbergen and Tom Englund. The band, featuring Ed Warby (drums), Marcel Coenen (guitars), Joost Van den Broek (keyboards), Timo Somers (guitars) and Johan van Stratum (bass guitar) is second to none and especially guitar picker Coenen shines in a couple of tracks. Mister Ayreon, Arjen Lucassen, who is normally not very fond on performing on stage even sings two tracks here and he does it with style! Just check out the song ,,The Truth Is In Here”, a marvellous duet with Liselotte Hegt (Lilo) and it is clear that Arjen can really sing……

MUSICAL HIGHLIGHT

The sound of the CD and DVD is formidable and the unique stage, the show, the fireworks and of course the audience add even more atmosphere and grandeur to this prog metal experience of the year 2023. Musical highlights are without a shadow of a doubt: ,,Age Of Shadows” (a superb opener of the evening), ,,Comatose”, ,,The Fifth Extinction” and the last track of this classic Ayreon album ,,The Sixth Extinction”.

AYREON – THE CONCLUSION

Of course, we are also treated to a couple of encores, namely: ,,This Human Equation”, ,,Fate Of Man” and last but not least ,,The Day That The World Breaks Down”. Can it get any better than this? I beg to differ; ‘01011001 Live Beneath The Waves’ is a 100% prog power masterpiece; a very impressive and epic show. Get it asap and play it LOUD of course!!

Release date: 17 May 2024