This is classic Ayreon: space-sounding musical themes, homages to prog of the 60s and 70s, a nod to more modern metal, outstanding production, and fucking out of this world terrible lyrics ("I call upon the seer, MERLIN THE SORCERER"). While the story is hokey as always, the vocal performances (including Arjen himself) are quite good, and the music is generally awesome. At over 100 minutes long, it is, as all Ayreon albums, a bit too long... but still comes together somehow.

3.5/5 - A worthy beginning to the epic saga of Forever.