I have so many memories attached to this album. Memories of love, memories of death, memories of friends that arent anymore.... Such a wonderful piece of art
Mr. L., you don't know how grateful I am for you and your music. I have been a fan of Ayreon for more than 2 decades, and this album changed my family's life. In 2012 my only son was born, and around the time this album came out (2013) my son was diagnosed with suspected autism. He was only 1 year and 7 months old at the time. They were very hard years, of very bitter sadness due to the uncertainty of his future. This album was my support, my escape, my hope in the face of adversity. After 5 years of much effort, therapies and sacrifice, my son was finally able to overcome the diagnosis. Today he is a happy, kind, empathetic child, very intelligent and mature. He's a great reader of fantastic literature and a beautiful human being who is too good for this world, and of which we feel very proud. Without the support I received with this album we would never have achieved it. You are part of this miracle and this enormous achievement. I am glad to have the opportunity to thank you eternally for everything. Thank you, thank you very much. Receive a big hug from Chile!
kind of late here, but as an Autistic, myself, I want to thank you for your understanding and resilience in the face of this type of diagnosis. I am sure he loves you very, very much. I must've caused so much heartache for my family in my formative years, but am now atoning every day by living and building a peaceful, simple kind of life described within the proverbial "theory of everything," one that provides to the function of my family, forwards and backwards. life is the solution to the theory, The genetic statement that perpetuates itself within the convergence and unification of all planes of existence, making it all come true. I hope he can hear this album when he can understand. Thank you for sharing.
'Underrated' can mean that something doesn't get enough attention, as well. It's possible that is what was meant when you have heard this album referred to that way! Cheers 😊
My favorite album still to this day, I have been waiting for a reissue ever since I got into vinyl records. This has been top of my hunt list for almost 5 years now 😂
I remember when people complained about this album having too many subdivisions and I was: "What does it matter? Ayreon albums are listened to in their entirety every time"
First Ayreon album I ever listened to and still my favorite! Also got me into Ancient Bards thanks to Sara Squadrani's beautiful voice. Masterpiece from start to finish!
Some of the most beautiful riffs and harmonies I’ve ever heard. Still my no.1 when I need a pick me up music opera and storytelling by music. Talent beyond measure!
I had a friend who was incredibly into this band and owned a bunch of their CDs, for some reason he decided to not talk to me or anyone we knew anymore. Hope all is well with you Charlie, I miss you and this music rocks.
Criminally underrated masterpiece! That album is still in my car nowadays, playing each notes at its paroxysm... I'm generally not fond of prog, neither concept albm. But Good Heavens!!! This one is like Bohemian Rhapsody of QUEEN! Each musician is fully implicated, and the songs are soooo good! Thank you Arjen for your music!
The greatest album released in my lifetie (born 30 November 1995)! I FINALLY got an earbook version a few months ago, after regretting not getting it for the last 10 years lol! This 4-act "modern symphony" with synth, guitars, flutes and strings instead of a traditional orchestra is just SO innovative and good, and I hope we'll get one more Arjen album with a similar unorthodox approach to song- and album structures :) Just listen to Fluctuation-Transformation, The Lighthouse-Argument 2-The Parting, Quantum Chaos or Mirror of Dreams and tell me that isn't peak music!
This album was introduced to me by my best friend a couple of years ago (around 2014-2015?) when we were studying together in college, and I've loved this concept ever since then! Thanks for this majestic creation :)
The first album that came out after I became a fan, and it's still my GOAT. So ambitious, and so beautiful. The soundscape (synth, strings & clean guitar especially) and melodies are just the best on TTOE :)
