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Arjen Lucassen's latest release for his new band Guilt
Machine is On This Perfect Day. This release is a departure
from the complex Ayreon projects that included a multitude
of musicians and vocalists. Instead he favors one small
consistent lineup made up of his partner, manager and lyricist
Lori Linstruth (lead guitar) who was also with him in Stream
of Passion, Jasper Steverlinck (lead vocalist) from Belgian
alternative rock band Arid and ex- Porcupine Tree member
Chris Matiland (drums) while Ben Mathot (violin) and David
Faber (cello) contribute their fair share of well placed
and appropriate parts and of course Arjen showing the way
playing guitars, mandolin, bass, keyboards and providing
some vocals. The album was recorded at Arjen's Electric
Castle in the Netherlands.***
This release is more interesting and unique because
of the contributions of several people from all over the
world speaking in their own language on life, regret, death,
guilt, and human nature. Although you will not be able to
understand what they are saying (well most of us won't)
it lends a different atmosphere and kind of "get the chills"
feel to the tracks. Lucassen has always had an ability to
give each of his projects their own stamp of uniqueness
and this one is no exception. I had no idea what to expect
because I have always had some sort of insight prior to
each release because of the ongoing story with Ayreon and
the well known configuration of supergroups he would assemble
for every project. I knew I would not be disappointed with
On This Perfect Day, in fact it was a nice surprise and
it turned out to be an excellent album.***
There are six tracks on this CD; there is also a two
disc special edition available with bonus tracks and videos.
Not one of the tracks is less than six minutes with the
longest being the lead off track "Twisted Coil" clocking
in at 11:43. The lead singer Jasper Steverlinck sounds like
he would have been a great for Arjen's previous projects
but he does make his own distinct mark here. Also Lori is
no slouch on lead guitar. I already respected her for the
previous work I have heard but this output is exceptional.
Arjen contributes immeasurable amounts of across the board
talent as usual on guitars both acoustic and electric amongst
other things. Chris is excellent with all the drum parts,
driving the Guilt Machine along a steady course that seems
to falter. If Jaspar sounds familiar it's because he was
a guest vocalist on the third CD of Timeline on an unreleased
song, called "Epilogue: The Memory Remains".***
This is a fine collection of progressive rock tracks
complete with the usual thought provoking album art and
the bonus of the lyrics included with the CD booklet, which
guarantees a reflective listen by anyone's estimation.***
I think prog rock fans and avid Arjen fans will find
complete satisfaction with this recording. I found no weaknesses
to mention. At times you are reminded of the old Ayreon
with some of the musical displays however that is quickly
dispelled with the Guilt Machine stamp that sounds fresh
and full of energy.***
Arjen mentioned in an interview in Classic
Rock magazine that he feels like there is a black hole in
his life if there is no project to be working on, which
explains his continuous flow of music every year. Listeners
benefit from the workhorse methods of this great artist.
I cannot help but wonder what could be next! This is a great
way to usher in the new decade of prog rock.***
5/5 Stars. Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck.
©MuzikReviews.com
Keith
(Muzikman) Hannaleck
http://www.muzikreviews.com
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