Ayreon "The Day That The World Breaks Down" ANALYSIS & REACTION by Vocal Coach/Opera Singer + more

[@ArjenALucassen]

And once again this is an excellent video, thanks Elizabeth and Sean! Informative and funny. Binary Pavarotti... haha! I told Mike, he loved it. And yes... 'Hey Joe' and Fender indeed, Sean, well heard. Thanks for the kind words, both. And sorry about the hair :-)

[@roblaw4554]

Just suggested to our nerdy friend Elizabeth some reacts to both studio and live performances of your work. So, I sincerely expect more fun rides. From both of you! (also, really digging on Transitus. Thanks man!)

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Thanks, Arjen! Love your work. Also love that you related Binary Pavarotti to Mike too (wow, he's amazing!). Your hair is brilliant - clearly the external expression of music genius. Thanks again for your help with these videos!! And congrats on Transitus!

[@roblaw4554]

@@TheCharismaticVoice So how cool is it that the Hippie creative genius is out here? I'm totally unsurprised he was respnsive and helpful in sorting YT "issues". Certainly seems to be the epitome of Universe, no? Cool, gifted, connected...no question why you two vibe!

[@robertcraane7910]

Hi Arjen, if you looking for a Dutch baritone rock voice, I am available!

[@arjemtesla8495]

El mismisimoooo!!!

[@raitoxote]

I swear, if I see Elizabeth in Arjen's next album, I'm gonna cry

[@JacobMinger]

After actually hearing her sing I would honestly love it.

[@NiteAngyl]

@@JacobMingerArjen watches a lot of Ayreon reaction vids. So yeah, who knows?

[@mmklassen]

Oh my!! Now you planted something that MUST happen.

[@Rackalzz]

This has to happen!

[@leliel12th43]

He could compose one short album just with the vocal coach who does reacting. It would be fun

[@tmsampaio]

Ayreon is one of the best things that happened in music on the last 20 years. Greetings from Brazil!

[@corneliusantonius3108]

I concur from The Netherlands and Arjan goes even further back in The Netherlands to Floor Jansen's first days in 1995/1996

[@caligo7918]

The Astronomer - Hansi Kürsch is the singer of "Blind Guardian", one of the defining bands of the powermetal genre. To get an impression of their range, you can listen to "The Bard's Song (in the Forest)", "Valhalla" and "Mirror Mirror" If you watch the live Versions from Wacken, you will also have to judge the crowd, as they do sing all the songs and not just the chorus.

[@leeana6394]

Kürsch is one of my most favourite voices in metal. He has a one of a kind type of voice.

[@QueenJamie]

The Last Candle live is something I'd love to see reviewed

[@music2seeconcertphotograph457]

Absolutely agree 🤘

[@revylokesh1783]

Also _"The Eldar"_ from _Nightfall in Middle-Earth_ is an awesome showcase of his vocal range. Highly recommended!

[@GeekMick]

Totally agree, was loging to post the same thing.

[@carolusbillius6726]

Hopefully somewhere in the future: “Hey Elizabeth, Arjen here. I’ve written a song which needs 3 opera singers. I’ve already got Floor and Simone here, want to be our third?”. And any plans of you just doing the Michael Mills part as a cover video?

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Thanks so much, Carolus Billius. This is such a sweet comment! I'm blushing.

[@Bonkers1980]

That would be Epic!

[@Rackalzz]

Elizabeth singing one of Arjen´s charakters would be beyond Amazing! :D

[@edgarvandijk7595]

Elizabeth....just do it

[@talaniel]

I think we should start asking Arjen to invite Elizabeth :-)

[@KyleS.1987]

Tommy Karevik has brought me close to crying tears of joy, too. Amazing voice. Kamelot's had two top-notch vocalists in Tommy now and Roy Khan before him. They're SO worth checking out!

[@crabuki1273]

Please, Oh PLEASE, do Ayreon "Everybody Dies!" Live from Arjen's YT channel. You get to see Michael Mills, dressed as the TH1 complete with lasers attached to his head, singing the craziest high notes. Beyond that, it's also an awesome all around performance from a lot of these singers performing live. It's Fabulously entertaining, and will not disappoint.

[@mrwomby5007]

. . . and Floor is in it too!

[@someonesusingmyname]

Yes!!!! Please, Elizabeth. This song is epic.

[@Hydrangea1971]

I second that!!!

[@Friedensp4nzer]

Just yes!

[@CoffeeCupandXul]

agreed! leaving a reply to bump the comment higher :p

[@jessicakoster2543]

I would really like to see Elizabeth en Arjen react to Ayreon together. Elizabeth making observations and Arjen elaborating on them. Also, this must have been the best reaction to Ayreon I have ever seen! Thank you for this!

[@newpairodimes]

I totally got it when she thought Valley of the Queens was too short. Everybody does. But like me, her disappointment at this 13 minute track ending "too early" just speaks to me so much. When you hear talented artists doing new things, it always ends too quickly.

[@nok22m]

This was the most fun reaction I've seen in a long time. The two of you should collaborate more often, if possible.

[@DjTiesticles]

Absolutely. So nice to see the both of them having a great time listening to music

[@juliettemcgee9055]

Epic collab, guys! Elizabeth + Sean = Dream Team ✊

[@Maximum357]

That is why they have to check Dream Theater 😁

[@bales]

I JUST became a patron specifically to request this song. Glad my mind was read! Shout out to Michael Mills falsetto!

[@zoltanhorvath9682]

I was wondering to do the same for weeks to request this song. You win! :)

[@Roland1984]

Mike's amazing here! Oh well, he always is... Toehider should really get more attention and consideration, really deserves it!

[@wickywoowoo]

Yes. Toehider needs more air time on these reaction things. He is the allegedly great Dimash who actually writes all his songs too but Mills is ignored. Frustrating.

[@Roland1984]

@@wickywoowoo Agree! Dimash is amazing, indeed! But so is Mike!

[@wickywoowoo]

@@Roland1984 Is Dimash? I'd need to hear several albums of original material to compare. That and Mills does more range, in my opinion. Has Dimash went as low as Mills does on Under the Future, We Bury the Past? He covers the entire vocal range there, lol

[@shuriken4852]

Here is a list of the singers in order of appearance: Arjen Lucassen - Dutch singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist musician and record producer best known for his long-running progressive metal/rock opera project Ayreon. James Labrie - Lead singer for Dream Theatre. Tommy Karevik - Lead singer of Kamelot. Tommy Rodgers - Lead singer of Between the Buried and Me. Simone Simmons - Lead singer of Epica. Nils K. Rue - Lead singer of Pagan's Mind and also worked with Eidolon. Tobias Sammet - Lead singer of Avantasia. Hansi Kürsch - Lead singer of Blind Guardian. Mike Mills - Multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and main songwriter for Toehider. Russell Allen - Lead singer of Symphony X. Michael Eriksen - Lead singer of Circus Maximus. Floor Jansen - Lead singer of After Forever, ReVamp & now Nightwish. Also Ed Warby is currently the drummer for Anneke van Giersbergen's latest band VUUR.

[@Aranes68]

Not currently... Anneke has disbanded VUUR

[@johnkoen6966]

Tommy is also the lead singer of Seventh Wonder, Tobias is also in his band Edguy, Russell from Adrenaline Mob

[@Deilwynna]

dont forget support singer zaheer zorgati of myrath (tunisian metal band), he doesnt do any singing in this song but he does the arabic part of this album

[@_vinterthorn]

Well, you can add "Demons & Wizards" to Hansi's oevre. And loads of guest appearances. :)

[@Easy_Skanking]

This channel now needs to have some Symphony X, Pagan's Mind and Circus Maximus. They are all killer vocalists but all band members are crazy talented. PROG!!!

[@michaelpohlgeers3214]

Just discovered Ayreon recently and really looking forward to this. Also hoping for a reaction to the live version of Everybody Dies soon.

[@RudyBleeker]

If this channel is going to check out more Ayreon, the Ayreon Universe Live version of Everybody dies should definitely be high on that list! Also consider Twisted Coil from the Electric Castle and Other Tales concert.

[@eere3343]

I can’t believe no one has done it yet.

[@kindred5765]

Check out Ayreon the fifth extinction

[@randomstuffzofdoom]

Tommy Karevik is one of my favorite singers at the moment, he´s amazing in seventh wonder, kamelot and all the ayreon albums he´s been on.

[@swabia1554]

Since this has Mr Sammet in it who created Avantasia you have to check them out, too!

[@brottis23]

Or Edguy

[@sebastianlee3821]

For sure. Raven Child, maybe? Get a bit more Hansi Kursch and an introduction to Jorn Lande!

[@sylvainbedard5214]

yes ..the scarecrow live FLying opera version!!!!!!!

[@bitter_peace]

@@sebastianlee3821 Or "Scarecrow" for awesome live performance.

[@swabia1554]

In my opinion it is also about seeing how he makes those songs fit those other voices. Sometimes it feels as it could be from that band the singer is originally from.

[@Easyflux]

Tommy Karevik just puts that extra mphff in this, for sure. Such an amazing voice!

[@marianneskaf5417]

Ohh the day has finally come !!!! This is going to be amazing !!!

[@nvcn86]

The Day That The World Breaks Down?

[@lauscho]

I believe the lyric in the first Michael Mills part is "Starblade", the name of the spaceship in the story. :)

[@talaniel]

Yes, you are correct

[@killuazoldyck6452]

@@talaniel yes you are correct

[@davguev]

Why do we have to wait for so long? 😭 This is going to be great!

[@jeremytassin7978]

To me, Michael Eriksen steals the show. His part gives me chills every time. Such a pure voice.

[@88winsn08]

Love love love his voice!!!!

[@Evil_Peter]

I loved this reaction. One of the best I've ever seen. This is a fantastic song and it really showcases a bunch of singers that are worth checking out. I'd throw Michael Mills name in the hat as he's very interesting with his band Toehider. He is a fantastic singer with fantastic range, but also highly talented in playing all the instruments. It's a very interesting and diverse progressive metal project that deserves more attention.

[@dedexter88]

wow lovet it

[@Sarcasticron]

I've loved Tommy Karevik since I first heard him on the latest Ayreon album, Transitus. There's a video for "Daniel's Descent into Transitus," featuring him and Simone Simons. It's like a vocal duel between the two prettiest people in metal, and it’s quite funny, too!

[@thebluriam]

Please PLEASE react to the whole album! I can't believe Ayreon is getting reacted to now. This is crazy

[@mercyvictoria670]

You are going to have an absolute blast with this can of worms that you have cracked open, Elizabeth xD I'm so here for everything. All the singers featured here are incredible and very much worth following up on. Congrats on 100k subs! Happy to be one!

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Thanks, Mercy Grimm!

[@ralenldupuis1814]

Sounds like we need to get some Kamelot on the roster. I’m thinking Sacrimony first, since you were digging Tommy’s voice so much.

[@GeorgeVCT]

Sacrimony Live from the resent release

[@srswriter1165]

That, Phantom Divine, or Under Grey Skies. They released live performances of each of them several months ago.

[@alejandromorales116]

For great Tommy range, Kamelot is not the answer, the answer is Seventh Wonder

[@Mrtheunnameable]

It's a different singer, but you don't think Elizabeth should cover.... Elizabeth?

[@accessdefined]

She's gotta do something recent from the Kamelot live videos mentioned, but she's also gotta go back and get some Roy Khan in there as well. :)

[@Zhgarr]

Was a great video. You and Sean had great chemistry, loved every minute of you guys geeking out over Arjen's amazing work. Michael Mills is definitely my favorite in this song. He just singlehandedly pulled a Bohemian Rhapsody all by himself with just some binary code. Shortest 45min video ever, thanks guys!

[@theclow614]

You are entering the belly of the Prog/Power/Melodic metal beast. I'm SO here for it!

[@johannes6075]

Congratulations to 100k! And... it couldn't have been better by celebrating this with Ayreon! I think I told you before you would discover a whole new world (of singers) by listening to Arjens music. The reaction of both of you has been awesome. Really really amazing. But Sean... you just made my day. Binary Pavarotti! I love it! Brilliant! I am running out of superlatives. I just loved your reaction. I WANT MORE! Thank you and keep up your excellent work! :-)

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Thank you Jo hannes! It means a lot to me that you like the video and enjoying the channel!

[@treintje1001]

The binary code that Mike Mills is singing translates to: “Trust TH-1”. Btw TH1 is not the computer, he is an android who is helping the humans.

[@phillee2814]

As an ex-IT consultant, I can correct the accuracy of that translation to actually "trustTH1" - even without translation you can see that there are only 8 groups of 8 bits, and that the first and fifth are identical, so there are insufficient characters to have the - and the "trust" is entirely lower case. It is actually binary coded extended (8 bit - original version being 7 bit) ASCII. These days you can just search for an ascii table online or even a translator which allows you to type it in and get the result appear in another form field, but when I was at college we had to do it the old long-hand way for loading characters into 8 bit registers in 8086 assembler, for example. I used to be able to read it either to a hexadecimal translation or straight to ascii as easily as plain English, but that skill has rusted away with lack of use.

[@treintje1001]

@@phillee2814 Haha, Actually I am an IT architect and have been a consultant and a developer in the past, so I know my way around binary and ASCII pretty well. However I didn't bother to actually check the amount of characters and the case, I did not even bother translating it myself, so sorry for my mistake. It's common knowledge that it says trustTH1 and since I have a habit of automatically writing grammatically and linguistically as correct as I can, I automatically started upper case and added the dash and the space without thinking. But you are completely right, so sorry for my mistake and thank you for the correction.

[@QazwerDave]

You would know Mr. 1001

[@phillee2814]

@@treintje1001 Oops - that went through the edit-compile-build-run-crash-reboot cycle a bit then :-) I'm afraid my autistic notice of detail and lack of diplomacy may have both been noticeable there, so sorry if I trod on you a bit hard, and thank you for being so gracious about my rather inelegant correction. I'm afraid tact is not a skill easily acquired by those of us on the spectrum. Of course, in anything but direct translation of this type, linguistic and grammatical style are to be applauded. You seem to be in a pretty much identical profession to my own before disability hit, but in the UK, despite it being common practice elsewhere, the description "architect" is the exclusive legal preserve of those working with buildings and ships, and it is actually an offence to claim the title in other occupations, and even in those two without the blessing of their respective professional bodies. So here, we top out at consultant in the IT world. I've designed some pretty large systems, up to intercontinental in scale and some in which security was paramount, although I can't say who for - even though it's probably obsolete by now (along with most of my skillset, sadly).

[@normanvannorden]

TH stands for Toe Hider I believe. The band founded by Michael Mills.

[@geoffreyvandeven4282]

this is one of the best responsive videos i have seen continue with ayreon pleace i have been listening to ayreon for 22 years it never gets boring

[@SGTPandaOfficial]

I absolutely loved your reaction to Michael Mill’s section 😂 It’s just so powerful and captivating! Not the type of intricate vocal composition you get to experience often!🤘🏼

[@Snake1257]

I have found this channel today and I must say: This is THE reaction channel! You deserve all the subscribers on KZbin. You have the perfect personality for Metal and Rock. Passionate, Emotional and Nerdy. You are an absolute blast to watch!

[@erwinamesz7642]

Do I really have to wait for another day?!!!!! Elizabeth, you are killing me..... (love you 😘)

[@craigcolduck2077]

This was probably the most entertaining reaction video I have ever seen. Elizabeth, your sweetness and almost child-like glee at the cornucopia of musical treats served up by Arjen was a perfect compliment to Sean's dry wit and playful irony. His laconic manner was a perfect foil for your exuberance. Arjen's easy-going naration in the footnotes was another feature that fit both of your personalities well. It was amazing to watch you both switch effortlessly between your joy of discovery and the deep, insightful knowledge that you both provided when your analytical sides kicked in. Sean's expertise shone through when he slipped into instructional mode for a while, and he communicated his explanations clearly and simply, so it was a great idea on your part to drag him along into this reaction. You, of course, were your usual perceptive and delightful self. Thank you for another great reaction.

[@Bloodyria]

Oh yeess! This is one of my fave songs ever and I have the day off tomorow, perfect! :) Please keep doing Ayreon, you'll find tons of amazing vocalists and musicians ♥

[@jacquelinevanbierk]

WOW. This is absolutely incredible. I just heard this for the first time and I'm blown away by the talent, musicianship and story. Congrats!!!!

[@dgantzbass]

Commanding voice for The President ? There's a reason he's called "Sir" Russell Allen!!

[@crabuki1273]

And it's because he's the baddest voice around. Man he's good.

[@safarfsaf]

@Just Had A Floorgasm If you haven't heard of him before this, he's the singer for "Symphony X". 'divine wings of tragedy' is my favorite album by them. pretty much every song is a straight banger. Pharoah is insane, and the aptly named song divine wings of tragedy is possibly the best prog metal song ever made.

[@nathanberry4849]

It's actually because he worked at a Medieval Times restaurant franchise as a jouster... I actually thought he acted as a king, not as a knight, so I learned something while double checking too.

[@BedMau]

I see there's an appreciation post for Russell Allen. I'd like to see him and Symphony X more among the reactors here on youtube, the man is a vocal beast. The Odyssey is a 24 minute track that feels like 24 seconds.

[@matthewharper8933]

Russell also has an AMAZINGLY good, soaring clean tone, reminiscent of Steve Walsh of Kansas in his glory days. He uses his grit a bit too much in some of the more recent material, IMO, thought the last album was a good return to form in many ways.

[@aidanumpherson]

I have been listening to Ayreon for a long time and it's such a pleasure watching an honest reaction video that exposes more people to this beautiful music. Thanks so much.

[@bramjanssen-ros4858]

Great to watch this. Loved it. Been a huge Ayreon fan for a long time but this song is so special. Loved the emotion when Micheal Mills did his 01001 bit. I had tears in my eyes the first time I heard it... glad to see I am not the only one.

[@roblaw4554]

Ah yes, the amazing Michael. After watching the full video a couple times this week I had a bit of an episode... I was 70-something horrific minutes into a supposedly 30 min group video meeting. Couldn't help myself, did an appropriate little video effect, and shouted in my best falsetto... STARBLADE! Only my client's boss got it, and couldn't stop giggling. We expanded the contract. I absolutely blame Mike Mills.

[@bramjanssen-ros4858]

@@roblaw4554 great story. Thx for sharing.

[@robynturnham2706]

You guys were so much fun to watch. I love Ayreon, and yours is the best reaction I have ever seen - so cool.

[@elmo2you]

Oh boy ... this is going to be such a blast. Facial expression in the preview is already priceless xD I don't remember if I ever looked forward with such joy and anticipation to any KZbin video. I sincerely doubt I ever did. I remember feeling the rather inevitability of Elizabeth listening to Ayreon, the day I witnessed her first "Floorgasm". Sometimes it feels like Arjen is a little known secret among lovers of a niche genre (rock operas). Let that not fool anyone, for he is brilliant. On top of that, his kindness, thoughtfulness and maybe above all his humbleness, make him one of the most beautiful souls I ever had the pleasure encountering. When Nightwish came along, I was really excited (I love the band for decades). Now that Ayreon no doubt gets exposed to a larger/wider/different audience, I sincerely feel blessed on a whole new level .. for the privilege of first hoping this might (and probably would) happen, and now actually seeing it happen. Elizabeth, thank you so much for this!

[@spencerbutterbaugh6104]

This review is priceless! You have to do it again. Wake Sean up again if you have to. You are the best Elizabeth Thank You!!!!!!!

[@26cheatahuk]

The drummer.... "I'm sure he has amazing hair somewhere" I can't imagine what you were thinking.

[@jaega4247]

That just did not come out right, and I think Elizabeth realised the same moment as she said it. : )

[@michaelhoilman6897]

That was hilarious!

[@arjenanthonylucassen7668]

Just a shame it's not on his head, haha!

[@26cheatahuk]

@@arjenanthonylucassen7668 Loving the new Album "Transitus" btw

[@janhromas7276]

Thank you so much for this reaction video, Elizabeth. I really liked it. Many great musicians and singers in this project. Keep up the great work, Elizabeth :-).

[@TopVersnelling]

I usually hate reaction videos but this... You guys know what you're talking about and I'm learning stuff too. I respect the knowledge and love the banter between you two. Please do more in depth stuff like this, it's a joy to watch. Thank you very much!

[@2727rogers]

This may be my favorite reaction to this masterpiece. I just loved it. When Arjen asks for people to appear on his albums everyone pitches in to help. The best part of the Metal community is they help and support each other. When this goes to a live setting if one of the singers can't make due to a scheduling problem there is always someone ready to take their place.

[@iamaliability1954]

As you seemed to enjoy Tommy Karevik's voice, give the song "Break the Silence" by "Seventh Wonder" a go. It'll blow your mind. He also performed that song on his live DVD from an Atlanta show. The entire song is amazing, but the bassist is out of this world. Bring your friend along.

[@wjadragon6782]

That was the happiest 45 mins I have had in a long time, thanks :)

[@sjeses]

Strap in, everyone! We are about to embark on a journey like no other. A conscious mind ponders: "Future, past, space, the human mind, where shall I explore?" Arjen: "Welcome. Take my hand, close your eyes, and let's take a tour of some of my favorite landscapes so far"

[@PeTTs0n88]

Listen well, for it concerns you.

[@jirom71]

Whenever I am having a bad day I rewatch this reaction and I can’t help but smile. Thanks Elizabeth and Sean

[@SengokuTheGouda]

Finally some love for Tommy Karevik! His main band, Seventh Wonder, is my favorite band of all time, and Tommy is a huge reason. Definitely look into his work with them.

[@joewestford313]

I absolutely love her raw and deep enjoyment of all this amazing singers and musicians. The best part of all her videos! Also very nice analysis about all the things together with Sean (and Arjen in text form xxD )!

[@TRPLD]

45 Minutes of amazing content? Hell yeah!

[@kimfabritiusdetengnagel2038]

I am so glad that Arjen asked you to react to this one. Phenomenal song and really great to watch you being more and more blown away. A big thanks to Arjen and you Elizabeth 👍🤘🤘

[@justdave9610]

I can't wait until tomorrow for the Day you break this song down

[@Z_TPI]

I see what you did there 🧐

[@wendelldsouza6913]

@@Z_TPI hehe so did i

[@agustinmanyari]

😱

[@p5gBand]

Congratulations on the 100k. I was happy to be able to join the celebration for an hour, while I was on lunch break. Wow, you got Arjen to pick a song.

[@zzaradina]

Not sure if someone has already mentioned this here, but Tommy Karevik used to be a firefighter, that's why he's so jacked ;)

[@mtaffer]

He still is

[@CrazyKoenie]

Hey Elizabeth, I want to say thank you for introducing me to Ayreon and Toehider. I’m a seasoned metalhead but I’m always eager to discover new brilliant music. Been a Devin Townsend fan since early 2000 and I found your channel after KZbin noticed that I watched a lot of reaction videos on Devin etc. I really appreciate the insight you bring. You are my favourite by far. Love your style and thanks again ;-) greetings from Belgium

[@mikediana5374]

A whole new world is opening for Elizabeth. She composes for video games and should feel right at home here. Ayreon Universe (The Best of Ayreon Live) is a great place to go after experiencing this.

[@thomassantangelo8082]

This is by far my favorite video you have done. Love this song so much. I was laughing the whole time!

[@Abaddon6666666]

Just loved Hansi Kursch's voice. I love him in Blind Guardian and in Demons and Wizards with Jon Schaffer from Iced Earth. Both groups of which I highly recommend for future reactions, they both have a lot of Epic/story themed albums

[@oskarstrom4034]

I think this is the best reaction video on youtube. I love both of you. And Arjen ofc.

[@angieand89]

Ahhh you discovered Tommy Karevik! I would love if you can react to Kamelot or Seventh Wonder! (he is the lead vocalist on both bands!) In Kamelot his voice is more theatrical and in Seventh Wonder you can appreciate more of his agility! From Kamelot you can start with Sacrimony (Angel of Afterlife). This song has an MV and a live version! And from Seventh Wonder can be "Alley Cat" a very catchy song with vocal agilities :) Also if you want to hear more of the EPIC Michael Mills, go to Ayreon's live video "Everybody Dies" :D Amazing and fun analysis and reaction!

[@KaiElken]

This was so much fun to watch! Never laughed so hard at a musician/vocal coach reaction video :) Thank you and congrats on your channel growth!

[@deannaelliott6272]

Hi Elizabeth! So glad you finally got to this video, the reaction was great! As for singers: Tommy Karevik is the current lead singer of symphonic metal band Kamelot. Check out their live performance of “Sacrimony” with Eliza Ryd from Amaranth and Alissa White-Gluz from Archenemy. Great example of all of their talents, and great onstage chemistry. Tommy also plays the main character in the brand new Ayreon album Transitus, and Simone Simons has a big part as well. (Also, if you happen to like Doctor Who, Tom Baker narrates.) Russel Allen (The President) is the lead singer of Symphony X, if you wanna hear more of his voice. Michael Mills is the lead singer of Toehider, but he’s also become an Ayreon staple in the last several years. Not only does he play TH-1 on this album, he played a main character in the album The Theory of Everything. (Fun fact: the binary he’s singing translates to “Trust TH1”, as he is only piece of technology the Alphans make use of after the Mainframe takes over.) The Ayreon Universe concert is one of the only times these songs have been performed live! You can hear MM and Marcela Bovio from “Valley of the Queens” duet on the song “The Theory of Everything”. The group also performs “Everybody Dies” from the album TDTTWBD is from (The Source), with MM, TK, and Floor featuring. They all pop up in various songs from other albums as well. AND! Floor’s sister Irene does a lot of backing vocals during the concert. She and Floor feature pretty prominent in albums from Arjun’s other rock opera project Star One. Hope this helps! Keep being awesome!

[@Easy_Skanking]

This is great! I love that folks are showing Arjen some love. I've been a fan for a long time and gives me hope for humanity that his music is getting recognition. 😁 👍

[@TheVeryRisky]

I'm looking forward to this. There is a lot of Ayreon worth covering, especially the Ayreon Universe concerts from which you covered Valley of the Queens already.

[@JordanSmith-qi3eq]

Oooh! I was one of the people to suggest Ayreon in the past. Thanks so much for doing this!

[@moira4707]

God, I thought Human Equation would remain my fave Ayreon album forever, but this one is shaping up to be so effing good. Ugh

[@branlopgar]

So far, Human Equation is still my favorite from Ayreon, but The Source is a worthy runner-up. Flight of the Migrator would be 3rd and I still haven't heard Transitus yet.

[@jedinxf7]

similar feelings

[@benbermusics]

Great chemistry and interaction Elizabeth. Truly a treat to watch you both enjoying Ayreon, having fun and finding lots of interesting stuff to share with us! More please!

[@SyncJr]

When your mind was blown by Tommy Karevik I was like “Yeah, I know! I get that feeling daily when I hear his voice.”

[@erchl54]

this was my introduction to Ayreon... thank you so very much... it is mind-blowing... Thank you!

[@TheOvermaster]

Funny you should wear the "Occupy Mars" t-shirt when there's a vote to get "My House on Mars" from Ayreon to be the first song that's played from Mars when we get there.

[@swjackson2112]

Oh my gosh! Both of you did the most amazing job breaking down this song! Yes, Arjen Lucassen is the absolute most amazing mastermind of prog. And he always brings together the most amazingly talented musicians for his projects. His projects have introduced me to so many other cool artists and bands. Again - you both did such a great job on this song. Best reaction video ever! And congratulations on hitting 100,000. In fact, looks like you've hit 130,000. You go girl!

[@MikeEnRegalia]

Kudos to Sean for spotting the Hey Joe reference!

[@andikleve2972]

This must be the best "Analysis & Reaction video" I've seen ever, done by anyone, so much fun to watch you both and see you react. Thank you!

[@BrandonQuam-kj5fo]

the binary that Michael Mills sings translates to "Trust TH-1"

[@jimrentz]

Elizabeth, I always love your reactions and this was no exception. You seem to get so very much emotionally invested in those really good pieces of music and as well as in those that bring that music to life. Though I've heard only a limited number of pieces by Arjen, I've been just totally blown away by everything I've heard. And I might say, which of all the people that produce reaction videos would take the time and dig deeper and try to make the writer, or producer or performer of the piece being reacted to, a part of the reaction? Well, that would be you, Elizabeth, and thank you for going the extra mile. Now, Sean is a HOOT! Binary Pavarotti is a gem. You should invite him some more to be a part of these types of reactions. All in all great job as usual. Keep it up and keep having fun because you make it fun for us.

[@felipecampos3045]

ayreon is aways welcome, listen to into the black hole live or garden of emotions live, both amazing as well also, the president is Sir russel allen, and he is the best vocalist you have seen in this video. if you doubt me check out symphony x - the sacrifice

[@bloodysmurf]

Garden of Emotions would be a great choice. ITEC live was a great showcase for the singers and musicians.

[@BadGirlFan]

I'd like to hear comments on Into the black hole, the backup singers have a really interesting part. First time I heard it I could have sworn I had heard somewhere before that black holes makes a sound similar to that, but now I can't find anything to back that up :/

[@TorIverWilhelmsen]

Just keep in mind that some guest singers are there just for one song occasionally, like Bruce Dickinson or Dee Snider. So best to react to the songs that have "story characters" and no one-offs - or their live versions. (Bruce Dickinson sings on "Into the Black Hole" on the "01011001" (i.e. "Y") album, Dee Snider plays the king/father on "Get Out! Now!" on the new "Transitus" album - which also has Doctor Who's Tom Baker as the narrator.)

[@saschakamm9416]

Oh yeah! I LOVE the sacrifice Russell really is the best

[@oskarstrom4034]

I'm 12 minutes in and let me say this is one of the best reaction videos I have ever seen. I LOVE your style (s). Thank you both for doing this.

[@arbitrarymadness]

I've been waiting for someone to react to this one. Glad it's you. Bring it on. And please do Star of Sirrah as well.

[@tsho6131]

I’ve seen at least 10 reaction/reviews of this song and this is by far my favorite. You guys are such nerds! (I hope you take that as the compliment it was intended as). The joy and excitement were palpable!

[@hpnk-ek8dr]

Have not seen many mentioned this, but joost is so underated as a producer, he has his hand in so many things, and he Is always tight

[@ruaine83]

I love your channel. Not simply the fact that you're positively gorgeous, but your expressions make you a living emoji in my eyes

[@jamestalkington6306]

Russell Allen, symphony x, LOVE his voice.

[@kirbys1370]

Hi Elizabeth! I LOVED this performance and I LOVED both Yours and Sean's reactions! I also LOVE your New, "SpaceX," T-Shirt! This is the perfect Pre-Show/Pre-Gala reception-video for the 100K Party!! Arjen is a Genius and Master Story Teller as he brought together All those Amazing Instrumentalists and (11) Singers who collaborated to bring us this Fantastic and Epic Journey!! This Truly was an Absolute Masterpiece!!! And Thank You, Elizabeth, for All the Effort, Passion and Energy that is required to pull off these Impressive feats you manage to perform on a regular basis!!! Elizabeth, You Are The BEST!!!!

[@GlennZink]

Fantastic reaction, as always! I look forward to seeing some reactions to the Ayreon Universe Live performance, live "Everybody Dies" or "Star of Sirrah"!

[@sethcollins893]

What a great time I had listening to you guys comment on the finnest prog metal artists on earth!! Be blessed !!

[@Xiatar]

One more vote for a Kamelot - Tommy Karevik video. Would love to see that, this guy is amazing!!!

[@jeffwooliscroft6600]

Big thanks to Sean for helping you make such an enjoyable reaction. It's good of you to feed my recent Ayreon addiction! And hearty congratulations on the subscriptions!

[@Boudhewein]

I was at the first ever concert of Ayreon in 013 in Tilburg, my hometown. It was the most epic and awesome experience I ever had.

[@mrwomby5007]

You lucky person! I need Anneke’s strange machine to take me back to that time so I can watch it too. I’ll have to make do with the dvd until then.

[@Gwunhar]

I was there last year for Electric Castle Live! Tilburg is a wonderful little city. I loved everything about it. Also, Ayreon played, and that was pretty great, too.

[@mikaellindberg8675]

Thank you so much for sharing this incredible musical masterpiece combined with your personal comments regarding musical/vocal participation! I absolutelly love Ayreon and I have had so much fun watching this video (do not know exactly how many times I have seen it). The album has become one of my all time favourites! So, once again, thank you!

[@benbermusics]

Well that's great! A whole portfolio of great voices presented in one song. I hope you have enjoyed this one Elizabeth!

[@davidguinn3614]

Thank you, Elizabeth and Sean. Great perspectives, and I learned a lot. I only recently discovered "Prog Rock," and I'm enjoying it a lot. Ayreon is nothing less than layers upon layers of genius, talent and energy. But I have to admit, I struggle to define any clear boundaries between prog, folk and symphonic rock/metal.

[@Esmeagolly]

I highly recommend you listen to this entire album it’s sooooooo damn good and there are some beautiful duets/harmonies between Floor and Simone on there that can make you melt

[@exscape]

Well, this was a nice birthday gift! I'm glad you liked it, and yes, there are so many amazing vocalists in this one. As a mostly-metal fan, a ton of my favorite vocalists are in this one! There wasn't one of these 11 I didn't know about prior, so first hearing this album/song was mind blowing. By the way, I wouldn't mind seeing more videos with Sean! You work really well together like this :-)

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Happy Birthday exscape! Thank you! Yes, I would like reacting with Sean more often too!

[@pietrog12]

You should hear Tommy Karevik on his band Seventh Wonder! The Great Escape would be an awesome ride! Cant recommend it highly enough.

[@mtaffer]

That might be my favorite Seventh Wonder song or maybe it ties with the entirely of Mercy Fallls...

[@CaffeineNightOwl]

thank you two for this great and long reaction. totally worth it. awesome masterpiece from arjen.. and the sound of that dingwall bass. wow!

[@ZoltarDeathNnja]

Hansi Kürsch (The Astronomer) is an incredible singer from the band Blind Guardian. I highly recommend them.

[@guimich2478]

Mirror mirror! Demons and Wizards-The Gunslinger Wacken!

[@oskarstrom4034]

This guest man makes this one of your best videos yet. What a great guest star!