This album is a re-release (and largely a re-recording) of Ayreon's second album, Actual Fantasy. I'm obsessed with Ayreon special edition releases (the DVD's are usually pretty classic, since Arjen Lucanson is just waaaaaaay too nerdy and awkward), so I of course had to own this, even though I had never listened to the original (which apparently had terrible sound quality and programmed drums). This is an interesting album. It's definitely the most electronica-inspired album, but still firmly in space metal territory. Only a couple of singers. Only a loose theme instead of an album long narrative. I've listened to it a couple of time, and while it's not a bad album, the invariable mid-tempo, synth and sample songs just get a bit boring after a while. A couple of songs have certainly grown with a few listens, but overall, I think this is one of Ayreon's weaker offerings.

3.0/5 - Good album. The original release would have scored worse, but the new sound quality is impeccable.