It’s been over three years since Dutch progressive metal virtuoso Arjen Anthony Lucassen unleashed his last Ayreon opus, The Source. Nevertheless, he’s one of the most prolific, striving, and amicable artists within the genre, so fans knew that it wouldn’t be long before he returned with another conceptual behemoth full of hypnotic melodies, music, and musings. Fortunately, that time is quickly approaching, as his latest Ayreon saga, Transitus, will be released on September 25th via Music Theories Recordings. To help mitigate the wait, he’s giving devotees a taste of what to expect via the brand-new music video for the anthemic and ballsy “Get Out! Now!” Like the rest of Transitus, it’s intense, gripping, and quite emotional, featuring some of the biggest and best guest players he’s ever had.
As most fans know, The Source was a prequel to 2008’s 01011001, as well as the latest entry in the “Forever/Planet Y” storyline that houses virtual every Ayreon album. Rather than add more fuel to that fire, though, Transitus merely contains “some subtle links” to it as it prioritizes a fresh chronicle. As Lucassen describes: “The sci-fi theme makes way for a gothic ghost story set (partly) in the 19th century, with elements of horror and the supernatural. It’s on a dark thunderous night where our story of Abby and Daniel begins.” The LP is inspired by supernatural films like The Changeling, Ghost, and The Others; soundtrack composers such as Jerry Goldsmith, Ennio Morricone, and John Carpenter; and rock operas like The Who’s Tommy, Pink Floyd’s The Wall, and Webber and Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar.
Furthermore—and in an interesting change of pace—most of the material features narration by Tom Baker (Doctor Who), who gives a dignified yet playful British air of authority to the journey. Joining him are standout singers and instrumentalists—both new blood and former collaborators—such as Tommy Karevik (Kamelot), Simone Simons (Epica), Marty Friedman, Joe Satriani, Marcela Bovio (MaYan), Amanda Somerville (Avantasia), and Cammie Gilbert (Oceans of Slumber). Curiously, it also features drummer Juan van Emmerloot instead of Ed Warby (who’s played on every previous Ayreon record except 2000’s Universal Migrator Part 1: The Dream Sequencer). The reason for this is simply that Lucassen didn’t initially intend for Transitus to be an Ayreon album.
As for “Get Out! Now!” itself, it’s led by one of the most recognizable performers in the Ayreon universe: Dee Snider of Twisted Sister. Lucassen expounds:
The track . . . is a straightforward and energetic rock track with powerful drums, bass, guitars and Hammond organ. It features the illustrious Dee Snider . . . and Tommy Karevik on vocals, and none other than the legendary Joe Satriani plays a blistering guitar solo. In this story, Daniel’s intolerant father (Dee) banishes Daniel (Tommy) from his estate for having a forbidden affair with their servant, Abby.
Expectedly, it’s a dense and complex—but also relatively straightforward and hard-hitting— juggernaut that makes great use of Snider’s trademark scornful gusto. Like the whole album, its matter-of-fact lyricism and operatic indulgences evoke 2013’s superb The Theory of Everything, so it’s equally compelling in terms of its plot progression and all-encompassing performances. As for the video, it taps into the graphic novel gimmick of the LP by showing virtually all of the contributors recording their parts as a comic book style font reveals the words. Lucassen has always had a humble, tongue-in-cheek attitude about his work (just look at the video for “The Day that the World Breaks Down”), so this approach is familiar and fitting.
Whether you’re an established aficionado or a newcomer, “Get Out! Now!” is sure to satisfy and build anticipation for Transitus. Fortunately, there are many different versions of the record that you can pre-order. In particular, it’ll be available as a standard 2-CD package, as well as a 2-LP (gatefold red transparent) vinyl and a 48-page Earbook that includes 5 discs: the 2-CD album, a bonus CD of instrumental versions, a bonus CD of guide vocals, and a DVD with bonus footage (a behind the scenes video, a videoclip, a trailer, and a 5.1 audio and hi-def stereo mix of the album). As if that weren’t exciting enough, the Earbook and 2-LP vinyl versions will also be complemented by a 28-page graphic novel. You can check out all of that here.
Please let us know what you think of “Get Out! Now!” and/or Transitus in the comments below!
