[Oh Lordy The Talent] Ayreon - Day The World Breaks Down Reaction 

Ayreon is literally the Avengers of Musical superheroes!

Yes, Floor leads to Ayreon The holy grail has been found

Everybody Dies as well! Don't miss that one!!! Ayreon have surprise at the end ! :D

One fun addition to the other Ayreon live songs: "Intergalactic Space Crusaders", which features Maggie Luyten, a Belgian female singer that has a voice like a sandpapered chainsaw (in a good way).

i think him and Tuomas are the same in that they think outside the box and actually visualise what kind of voice and/or instrument they can hear as they are writing. way above us common plebs, absolutely appreciated. Dave south africa

FYI: The 11 guest singers are: [James LaBrie (Dream Theater), Tommy Karevik (Kamelot, Seventh Wonder), Tommy Rogers (Between the Buried and Me) , Simone Simons (Epica), Nils K. Rue (Pagan's Mind), Tobias Sammet (Edguy, Avantasia), Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian), Mike Mills (Toehider), Russell Allen (Symphony X), Michael Eriksen (Circus Maximus), Floor Jansen (Nightwish)]

The cool thing about Ayreon is that all the albums sort of tie into the same story. 'The Source' (the album which this song is from) is technically the start of the story. It's about a race of humans that give control of their planet to a computer (the 'frame) to help solve an environmental catastrophe, but the computer determines that the best course of action is to eliminate the humans. Ten humans and the robot TH-1 escape the planet on the only interstellar ship they have (the 'Starblade') along with the ships crew and head to an ocean planet. The chemist creates a drug ('The Source', aka 'Liquid Eternity') that allows them to evolve into an 'aquatic race'. The drug also makes them basically immortal and allows them to communicate telepathically. The album ends with the survivors (ten plus the ships small crew) living on their new planet ('Planet Y') in relative peace, but in the final track we learn that TH-1 is becoming a new version of the 'frame deep in the ocean. The next album in the timeline, 01011001 ('Y') tells us how machines have now taken over this new planet, and the humans have basically merged with the machines are losing their emotions and sense of time. They now call themselves 'The Forever', since they are essentially ageless drones at this point. We also learn about how they seeded a comet with DNA and sent it to Earth, where it creates human life on our planet. The Forever believe they can live through us telepathically and that they may regain their emotions by doing so. Some of The Forever believe that we need to advance more quickly, and use their telepathy to give us medicine/technology, but this results in us advancing quicker than our morality can cope with. Eventually The Forever realize humanity is doomed and has to decide if they will give them the technology to reverse their past mistakes. Somewhere in the timeline sits the album 'The Electric Castle'From a summary by Arjen: "At the end of the journey those that successfully dealt with their personal demons find out that the voice belongs to an alien named 'Forever of the Stars', a member of an alien race living in a distant galaxy. These aliens created planet Earth and its people as an experiment so they could study, and hopefully one day experience emotions, as they themselves lost feelings eons ago." That's only three albums (less than half!) but I believe those three give you a solid foundation for how the story plays out. Also, I highly recommend any of the Electric Castle Live videos; They are just so fun to watch, plus John de Lancie ('Q' from Star Trek) plays the 'Forever of the Stars' character, which Arjen said he originally based on Q.

Next Ayreon: Everybody Dies Live!

Yesss ayreon!!!

So glad you did a Ayreon reaction! Nightwish rabbit hole is deep, this one is deeper. Because the musicians Arjen works with also have great music to listen to. This album The Source has some amazing tracks and all the characters tell the story in those songs. Arjen is a master of mixing and matching voices to sing in duet, harmony, etc. This story btw is part of a larger scope of stories, Ayreon Universe. Amazingly Arjen Lucassen, with the help of Joost van den Broek (you saw him on grand piano, he is a magician on keyboards, played in AfterForever, Floor’s first band), they managed 3 live shows (the first one is considered a test to see if they could pull it off). The live shows “Electric Castle and other tales” and “Ayreon Universe” were video taped. Amazing footage and audio! The music is top notch! React to: Everybody Dies live Intergalatic Space Crusaders live Songs Of The Ocean live Age Of Shadows live Star Of Sirrah live Twisted Coil live Valley Of The Queens live Eye Of Ra live There is much more to enjoy from the live shows, but I will also direct your attention to Arjen’s other projects, besides Ayreon. The Star One albums (Space Metal and Victim Of The Modern Age), which contain songs based on scifi tv shows and movies. Specific projects like The Gentle Storm, The Theory Of Everything, Guilt Machine, etc. Last published album Transitus, a horror rock musical. At this moment Arjen is busy with his third Star One project. Awesome music. Can’t wait to hear it. I hope I have given you enough info and food for thought. Keep m coming! Thanks for your patience!

Bet you’re glad you clicked on that first Nightwish video now aren’t you 🤘🤗❤️🇬🇧

Bring the Mrs. It’s too good to watch alone! 🤯🤯🤯🤯

Floor and Arjen have been close friends since 2002 and she is featured in many of his rock operas. Joost, on piano is Floor's former After Forever bandmate, and he currently provides the keys on the covers that she has been doing. Early in her career Floor went on tour with Russell Allen who was a big influence and was looked upon as a mentor.

Ayreon Yesssssss...... I love Arjans projects. You are going to be surprised 😁 Sarah would like this very much I think. Enjoy!! 😜

Everybody Dies next please. Look for Floor's sister. 😉

You finaly did it. No more nagging from my side (about this song I mean). Be prepared to hear more from me for other great Ayreon projects. So gather Sarah, your kids, friends and neighbours and enjoy this unique clip (seeing your thumbnail you didn't ...... bummer). Btw. _Big chance Arjen will notice your reaction and will probably write a comment_ .

Great reaction, thnx for this one, I see everybody tells you to check out “everybody dies” but I think “the eye of Ra” is showing you the greatest singers in European metal..

Unfortunately, we here in the US have been musically starved. Sarah may enjoy Aryeon, Valley of the Queens. Heck, she'll like all of them.

Epic! I find myself singing the diplomat’s part randomly throughout the day 😂 It just pops in my head out of nowhere.

Another one who falls into the endless spiral of great music. Welcome aboard!

Hope Sarah will be there to watch it with you. Trust me, she will like it big time!!!

I don't regret for spending 40 mins here 😌. Amazing!

Ayreon is always such a treat. Every album is a story and every singer is a character of the story being told. If you’re going to hit up on a Dream Theater song, I’d suggest A Change of Seasons… be ready for a 24 minute experience in incredible musicianship and singing.

The song actually IS longer than an hour... it's an album called "The Source" ;)

Don't apologise for stopping the video , never , it's a reaction channel & is why we watch - hopefully watch again with your wife to see her reaction 😀 , some of the live ayreon songs are amazing , another rabbit hole - Enjoy !!! , ps would love to see you react to nightwish I want my tears back from the wacken concert ( Troy is to the fore & is just so talented ) , I dare you to stop dancing 🕺 , all the best Garry.

"This is so many different styles and it's so unique!" - Welcome to the wonderful world of prog rock. ;) As for the singers: James LaBrie is in Dream Theater Tommy Karevik is/was in Seventh Wonder and Kamelot Tommy Rogers is in Between The Buried And Me Simone Simons (as you know) is in Epica Nils K. Rue is in Pagan's Mind (I implore you to check them out) Tobias Sammet is Edguy and for many years has been the head of Avantasia, which is a project much like Ayreon (concept albums with numerous famous singers - check them out as well) Michael Mills is in Toehider (which is basically a one-man band - and great) Hansi Kürsch is the lead singer of German metal legends Blind Guardian Russell Allen is in Symphony X Michael Eriksen is in Circus Maximus And Floor Jansen is, of course, in Nightwish

That Blad Runner remark made me laugh out loud. Arjen (tall hippie dude) made 2 albums all based on classical sci-fi, and Blade Runner is amongst those ( Matrix, Planet of the Apes, Clockwork and so on) His favorite movie is Blade Runner!. He even did an entire album with Rutger Hauer ( r.i.p.) Look for Star One, 2 albums, 3rd coming up. 2nd album, victims of the modern age, features mentioned movies, and yes, Floor plays key role One of the best albums i ever heard

Great reaction to great music ... more for you to discover, love watching your journey

I get the feeling that after symphonic metal, prog might be your new love. It's a genre that loves it's 20 minute epics, and anything goes. It can be very experimental and goes in any direction.

I suggest checking out Everybody Dies live at Ayreon Universe next!

I know Ayreon for about two years now and they very quickly became my third favorite band after Pink Floyd and Nightwish. There are two epic live concerts: Ayreon Universe live The electric castle live and other tales And the albums of course.

The joys of prog rock/metal is all these different flavors and styles in just one song sometimes! A lot of normal popular songs you hear are like chewing gum. You get one flavor and it's gone pretty quickly. Prog is like a new flavor burst in your face every minute or two!

Arjen / Ayreon's magic is that of time warping, where people go through a 13 minute song and go "Wait, what? Over already?"

Just wait til you watch the entire live concerts... Ayreon Universe and The Electric Castle Live - will blow your mind!

Arjen's whole personality is the reason everyone jumps on board his projects. His catalog could be used as a whos who of metal from the 90s to today! In the world of Musical Space Metal Operas he has no peers :D the Album is 1 1/2hrs long so there is a lot to enjoy of it and then there are 7 others to enjoy that all form part of the story arc.

Don’t be surprised if Arjen doesn’t thank you in the comments for reacting to his song. He has done it a couple times before. I really enjoyed watching this with you.

Love that reaction Tom🤘 The whole album is amazing, watch the version on RU-vid with lyrics as it tells the whole story and its mind-blowing.

Arjen composes all the music. Also sings on some albums.

Wow!! One hundred and eleventeen advertisement breaks in 40 minutes AND I am still here. We knew it would be a long reaction before you did. You have a tendency to drift but it lets us know a little more about you and that's cool...cause you always drift back and rewind!!

I cant wait 19 hours! 😀

If you react to every artist who has worked on an Ayreon album, you're going to be busy for a looooooooooong time. There have been around 100 (or more) artists involved over their 11 studio albums and live albums/videos. I'll watch them all if you do! A great, great "collective" of talent they are. Cheers!

the joke about the "tall hippy" and the style of the solo is a homenage to one of the great influences of arjen: mike oldfield

Got my new studio quality headphones today and my The Source 44 page book with 4 CDs and DVD yesterday. I was in full nerd mode the book is absolutely gorgeous as well.

Great stuff Tom. Enjoying how good natured as well as enthusiastic your reactions are and that makes them enjoyable.

There is so much talent packed on here it is overwhelming. We have been brainwashed and limited in North america with the music industry. So many awesome innovative and creative people out there.

Everybody dies, Intergalactic space crusaders, Eye of Ra, Valley of the queens, and This human equation, are a few more Ayreon songs you just might like.

Wow!! i did see this song title somewhere before, and wanted to listen to it, but i didnt even realize all the talent in this one, and then also Floor and Simone!! i just feel like each guy in this video is one to check out more about seriously..

Check out some of the concert Universe and meet the Ayreon Angels.

I have seen Arjen reacting on several of these reaction video's, I hope you are one of the lucky one's, you deserve it. Well done Tom.

Welcome to the family :-) Or as we are sometimes called "Ayreonauts" . There is so much for you to discover ! I wish you an unforgettable journey in the Dutch Prog/Symphonic scene.

Love that you get to experience something else then the radiomusic that is played in your part of the country! Much Love

Songs of the Ocean from another Ayreon live show is a great one too!

Looking forward for more reaction from ayeron and his others band :D

The best, honest Ayreon reaction video out there. Thank you. I enjoyed it. 😊

What an experience, with people from many different bands, all having tremendous fun! Simone, Epica. Michael Mills, 01110100, etc, eight bit, eight letters, someone has translated it... Just noticed the range of his voice, from high, to low, with image for each one. Many "Easter Eggs" to find. Saving the best until last! Turn it up to 11. 36K +1

This is the best review I’ve seen for this song yet!

Oh boy, you're turning into an Ayreonaut really fast....😄 You will love every second of Ayreon Universe. Google that. The Netherlands holds many good treasures. 🇱🇺👋

Yes, you should show this to Sarah and do the next reaction with her or have her react to this one and then keep on. I already wrote to you about Joost van der Broek, the guy playing the grand piano here, but also playing the grand piano on Floor's cover of "Alone" by Heart, and the producer of the last 3 Epica's album. Here are some more fun facts for you: 1. Floor Jansen and Mark Jansen (no family relation) were co-members in their first band “After Forever” 2. Mark Jansen left “After Forever” and founded “Sahara Dust” and asked, then 17 years old girlfriend, Simone Simons to be the front woman and lead singer of the band 3. Simone Simons became interested in Symphonic Metal and Classical style singing after listening to Nightwish’s Oceanborn. 4. Mark Jansen changed the name of his band “Sahara Dust” to “Epica” that is the name of one of “Kamelot”’s album, a band they were touring with. 5. Simone Simons has been featured on more “Kamelot” songs - recommendation for a good live version of “The Haunting”: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RsMXxxDMFYY.html 6. Simone Simons is the long-time partner of the Kamelot’s keyboard player: Oliver Palotal - they have a son together 7. During their US tour in 2012, Nightwish asked Floor Jansen to join the band as a replacement vocalist after Anette Olzon’s exit. This was the result of the so-called Denver Debacle where Nightwish had the difficult task of choosing between cancelling the gig and going ahead with support band Kamelot’s backing vocalists Elize Ryd (now Amaranthe) and Alissa White-Gluz (The Agonist, now Arch Enemy) in Olzon’s place. With the audience’s blessing they chose the latter, resulting an unforgettable and historic show. Elize, Alissa and Nightwish were applauded for their efforts by seemingly everyone except Olzon, who made her rather ungrateful opinions known the next day via an online post. A few days later - October 1st, 2012 - Olzon was officially given the boot and the tour continued with ReVamp / ex-After Forever singer Floor Jansen fronting the band. 8. Elisa Ryd and Alissa White-Gluz are still appearing now and then in Kamelot live performance or albums. Here is a recommendation: Sacrimony ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1WvWbUgCcJw.html 9. Kamelot’s current lead singer: Tommy Karevik and Simone Simons both have prominent parts in Arjen Anthony Lucassen project, Ayreon. Many great musicians and vocalist participate to this project. As an introduction to Ayreon, check “The Day That The World Breaks Down” ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oFuMKdrzPqU.html 10. Floor Jansen is married to Sabaton drummer, Hannes Van Dahl. As an introduction to Sabaton, check Ghost Division (the drummer in this video is NOT Hannes van Dahl - but it’s a great intro anyway): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9FkYxnm70vg.html 11. Sabaton has been touring with Amaranthe (Eliza Ryd) last year. Amaranthe has made a cover in homage for their touring partner, 82nd all the way ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-56MaYg-LNXM.html - they perform it together live here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-56MaYg-LNXM.html 12. Intro to Arch Enemy and Alissa White-Gluz - Nemesis live @Wacken: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UNPKGyYzPCo.html

So many artists sign on to Arjen's projects, not just because it's a lot of fun, and they get to help produce an incredible work of art (Arjen is one of the top 2 or 3 greatest prog rock/metal composers of the 21st century, so he writes EXCEPTIONAL music, without fail), but because of the crossover appeal. For example, when I saw that James LaBrie, the lead singer of Dream Theater (who were at the time, my favorite band) was going to have a major part in Ayreon's 2004 album _The Human Equation_ ( _The Source_ is his second appearance on an Ayreon studio album - Arjen used to have a sort of policy, wherein he tried to avoid utilizing the same vocalist more than once, but he has since relented*) I went out and bought the album (the week it was released!). But in the process of discovering Arjen's compositional genius (and enjoying James' performance), I became a fan of like, 3 other bands JUST BECAUSE I heard their singers on that album. And on this album, Nightwish fans might buy this album because Floor sings on it, and end up discovering Toehider, or Symphony X fans might come to discover Pagan's Mind or Avantasia because they listened to "The Day that the World Breaks Down" on RU-vid. So massive collabs are nearly always win-win projects, no matter who you are or what your role is in their production (and the fans, whoa...we can't get enough of them!). *And a good thing too. Some singers just...work super well with the kind of music Arjen writes. _Incidentally, I know you sometimes read these comment threads Arjen, so let me just suggest to you now that Devin Townsend, Mikael Åkerfeldt and Daniel Gildenlöw all NEED to make another appearance singing on an Ayreon album. I know how much work you put into matching characters with vocalists, so hopefully, if the right roles show up (and given their extremely distinctive voices, this might not happen), they'll be available!_

Thank you for the best reaction of TDTTWBD I've heard!! For the rest of the Alphan's story you can find The Source lyric album here as well. Then for a bit of Ayreon history, head over to the Ayreon Universe (live) on here too. It will get you more into prog rock than you can imagine. I'm still on my Ayreon journey...hope it never ends.

Nice reaction Tom ! :-)

Oh, finally, the greatest show.........on the channel (?) 😂

There is no “singer” for Ayreon. All Ayreon albums are concept albums that tell a story. Arjen casts top-notch singers from all over the world to sing the parts of the various characters in the story. Floor is a frequent participant…as is her sister Irene. Arjen writes the music/story and plays guitar, bass and keyboards. Considering that Arjen has done quite a few Ayreon albums, all with multiple vocalists, you can imagine a live performance is difficult. They are VERY few and far between. Luckily the few that have been done have been released on DVD. Also, Ayreon is only one of Arjen’s many projects…he also has Star One, Guilt Machine, Ambeon, The Gentle Storm, and even a solo album.

It is a piece of art…

I have a big smile on my face from seeing your joy and your enthusiasm and your love for real music. If I could I would push that like- and the subscribe button a 1000 times but I can't. There should be a super-like button or something, LOL 🤘🤘🤘

Mike Mills is the android TH1, first singing " Starblade (not "star fate" as the Charismatic voice was hearing) the space ship they should use to escape the planet Apha. Then he is saying in binary code: " trust TH1" (to lead them). So if you wonder if Floor is from another planet: yes, from planet Alpha :-)

Oh boy have you found a rabbit hole to move forward with... great reaction and follow the advice of the reactors below, you're definitely going to enjoy the ride!

All his albums are awesome - you can't go wrong with any of them - my personal favorites are "Lost in the New Real" and "The Theory of Everything" (which features Tommy Karevik and your buddy Marko). Tommy is the singer of Kamelot by the way.

This is the opening track of the album and it introduces all the singers.

Great reaction. Yes, Ayreon brings something special to the table!

It's quite a journey to discover the Metal Music Scene of The Netherlands ... Right ...???

Welcome to the Ayreon family!

this is a masterpiece ,and when you hear the complete Album The source close your eyes and look this amazing Movie in your head

Wait until you hear some live performances from this amazing bunch of musicians. Arjen plays guitar, bass, and keyboards. Yes, that is Arjen. Good chance he will see this and comment on your reaction. he is a wonderful and humble man (Genius). He is also 6'7" tall. Arjen's specialty is progressive rock/metal. It is not your typical verse chorus format. Michael Mills is playing the role of TH-1 the computer. Toehider means something like "Listener" in Dutch. When asked where this name came from, Mike responded. "It comes from the imagination of my daughter who was about four years old at the time and she would talk about this creature that would stare in through the windows and it would look from side to side (without moving its head), but she wasn’t scared of it. To me that was the thing, it was like some combination of bogey man with an imaginary friend. Even now I talk to her about it from time to time and she barely remembers, but that was his name - the Toehider. So then I wrote the song ‘Toehider’ and when it came time to put the band together and name the band, it just seemed a natural thing." Arjen has many different projects he puts together over the years. Much of it it based around what is referred to as the Ayreon Universe. His creations are done in a science fiction story board format. The vocalists he choses are portraying characters within the story. This makes his music feel like a progressive metal opera or Broadway Musical stage show. You must check out some of the live performances. Arjen is a bit of a recluse and does not always perform in his live shows. He sometimes prefers to actively produce these shows instead of participating musically. If you look up information on this record "The Source" you will better understand the concept of this recording as well as the story it tells. I would suggest you react to a song from this same record called "Star of Sirrah" It is live from a show called "Ayreon Universe". Let me just say, "There are some surprises"? See link. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3dEHQNAZsIo.html - Star of Sirrah - live from Ayreon Universe - turn on the CC/subtitles to see the lyrics.

you are realy great .....you are so Charmed by the music ......my favorit song from this project is The Eye of RA

Arjen often checks reaction videos so he might answer you! The whole ‘Universe ‘ concert is epic. Just go from start to finish, you’ll not be disappointed. The Floor bomb at the end always works 😄

Man people need to stop spilling the beans about Floor being in here... Part of what makes it awesome is the reactors react when Floor appears and the had no clue... Like a kid open up a Christmas present that they did expect

Ayreon - The Garden Of Emotions (Live Video).

Totally enjoyed your reaction! Next maybe: Everybody dies, (ed:add) the Druids turn to Stone, Valley of the Queens, and the Eye of Ra... :😊

Get Sarah too. 1 + 1 = 3 for you reactions.

Thanks for your excellent video, Tom, good to see you enjoy it so much! To answer your question: it’s the best feeling ever, nothing trumps this. It’s the reason why I do this, because of reactions like yours. But it’s not easy… it takes a full year of brainstorming and planning. Yeah… it basically means having no social life whatsoever, haha! Thanks again and please keep up the good work 😊

I've watched this 10 times and I still like it. You should reactvto the eye of Ra there is a surprise u will like. Joost was in After Forever with Floor and is helping Floor on her first solo album. She said tonight the it was slow going because of Covid and her operation and practicing for the virtual show. You should react to her side project Northward it is Rock

On a major side note to this reaction to the fantastic Ayreon: Some of the more general comments you made gave me the impression that you will be somewhat blown away by "DIMMU BORGIR - Gateways (LIVE - FORCES OF THE NORTHERN NIGHT)" if you ever take the time to give it a go. Very much different from Ayreon though ;-)

"I don't hear anything like this in radio." You don't say? Even here in Finland - where Nightwish is mainstream - you don't hear Ayreon in radio.

If you look carefully, you find Irene Jansen in the chorus!! Looks like Floor - but taller... and similar powerful voice 👍

Arjen is such a cool dude! I am lucky to live close by and have the honour to visit him once in a while, I do some computer stuff for him and Lori. :-)

Going to enjoy this one 😁😁😊

Ayreon is another great rabbit hole to dive in. Don't miss that chance )

Please react to Floors side project with Norwegian guitarist Jørn Viggo Lofstad, NORTHWARD and their song While Love Died (official video).

Hi Tom, in case you wonder: NWOBHM = New Wave Of British Heavy Metal And the binary means: trustth1 Thanks for this reaction… walking and experiencing the same path (Nightwish, Floor Jansen, Beste Zangers, Epica, Ayreon, et cetera, et cetera) like me and so many others, perfect! I like your reactions every time. Thanks!

awesome reaction wow

If you would like to see another Ayreon song with Marko Hietala (Nightwish) doing the lead vocals (and also Floor Jansen joining the stage half time) please do "Age of Shadows, Live at Tilburg 2017". Here the link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DGv1RwhpvZY.html

Where's Sarah, this is definitely a song for her listening to.

You should defenetly watch the live-album "Universe". It will take you a few hours, but it is hours of fun. With Floor Jansen and her sister Irene, Marco Hietala, Anneke van Giersbergen, Maggy Luyten, Marcela Bovio, and many others. It really is a feast. Enjoy!!!!!!

So good you have reconist music🥰

So enjoyable 👌💥💎

Floor is a also member of Arjen's supergroup Star One

I've been waiting for you to see this....

In the beginning when you said: I'm ready! 😂 I wish I could have told that you where not!

Always great to see someone's first reaction to this one. Makes youtube reacters look like kids on Xmas morning. Please also check out 'Everybody dies' and 'Valley of the Queens'. Both live(!) Both will knock your socks off for different reasons. Just trust me.