REACTING to AYREON (Valley Of The Queens) 👸👸👸

[@fabrizio_prina]

A musical genius, an acoustic guitar, a cello, a flute and three wonderful and angelic voices .... that's all you need for a magical song ♥

[@TimoArula]

The Lovely singers are Floor Jansen, who you know. Anneke van Giersbergen is THE mother of (female fronted) symphonic metal in Europe. She and her band "The Gathering" predated Nightwish and Tarja, and she was the inspiration for many of the later more well known singers such as Floor, Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation), Simone Simons (Epica), Charlotte Wessels (ex Delain), etc, etc. Marcela Bovio (Star One, MaYaN, ex-Stream of Passion, ex-Elfonía), an Ayreon regular and Talent from Mexico. The song is off 'The Electric Castle' Album. This reaction was what I needed today !!!!! Thank You Chase !!!! NWSU/Ayreonaut/FloorFan 🤘😎🤘.

[@GEDrake]

Anneke is the most passionate performer I have seen live.

[@peterkeijsers489]

Anneke is the GODmother of symphonic metal, not just the mother 😉

[@TimoArula]

@@peterkeijsers489 👌I will correct my mistake in the future!!!

[@maciejzettt]

And this song was originally written for Anneke

[@ilkkak3065]

Except Gathering isn't symphonic metal, but yeah

[@MikeandGinger]

Your face, when all 3 gals harmonize… priceless. - G

[@ChaseCarneson]

Very special moment 👌

[@antivanti]

"I see people standing in the wings" Yeah this epic show had like 30+ vocalists or something (including Arjen himself). In the final number they all come out to form a formidable choir 😊

[@tjitsekoster9379]

Those final notes always get to me. The slight rise in intensity is like when you take one big breath because the emotions are overwhelming. It fills my heart everytime I hear it. Also, Anneke has, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful and gentle singing voices. I love her vibrato, giving me shivers.

[@Jacqueline.1964]

Yes!!!! More of Mr Lucassen's magical music ❤. I'm really priviliged to be able to visit one of his very rare live shows later this year 🤗

[@peterkeijsers489]

You lucky bastard! I'm filled with envy! Enjoy!

[@Jacqueline.1964]

@@peterkeijsers489 Thanks!

[@johndreessen7335]

Got a ticket too.

[@jeffhall2411]

i also will be there on Friday! i cannot wait. First time in Europe for me, what a way to make it my first!

[@Jacqueline.1964]

@@jeffhall2411 Where do you live? And what a nice bonus on your first visit!

[@theopinson3851]

I had the absolute pleasure to see Anneke perform this live with just her and a guitar and it was incredible.

[@hackman8909]

Anneke is now solo. She has done a lot but mainly was the singer in a band called The Gathering. She left but made her appearance again when they did their 25 year anniversary show. This live version of the song Travel, is a great, great example of what she can do: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2WZfZmqlKeNrtE

[@impugnu7852]

I concur

[@northof4912]

I also concur

[@northof4912]

Holy shit! I can’t believe you hadn’t done this yet! Well, that is just awesome that we still get to see this!!

[@jpsother1183]

Julia is Great! Also, Floor is being joined by Anneke for her EU club tour for her solo album. Marcela has a very lovely voice too. I love her stuff on her YT channel.

[@MrMalchir]

If you want to listen to Anneke pick Travel from her old band, The Gathering (25th anniversary at Doornroosje). She appears also on Devin Townsend albums and she did dozens of collaborations (Amorphis, with the singer of Anathema). Het band Vuur is also great. Just like Floor she appeared on the Beste Zangers (Best Singers) show and those songs she performed there are on KZbin. Marcella has quite a track record also not only in Ayreon but also Stream of Passion, Dark Horse / White Horse or solo. I’d say start with Stream of Passion.

[@frank1963]

Or if you you like symphonic death Metal, check out Marcela in MaYaN. A side project from Mark Jansen from EPICA.

[@marcovtjev]

Travel and On Most Surfaces from the 25th anniversary concert (TG25)

[@shoemaker688]

Great Chase. Another Ayreon reaction. I was hoping for that and their you are! Everybody dies is a great choice too. Go get them buddy!

[@jeffk1482]

“…but my God, am I grateful for the opportunity!” That, right there, has been obvious to me from day one - and why I will likely *always* be subscribed to your channel. The utter love for music and joy at being able to do this shows each and every time.

[@crabuki1273]

Thumbs up for Chase! And also Arjen! I learned a new word! Chase the vocab coach! :)

[@arturama8581]

Chase, you really should do 'The Eye of Ra' too! It's live and magic!

[@Raven-fh2yy]

Welcome back Chase!!! Great to have you and your insights back.

[@joeparker9516]

Your reference to Julia Nilon is SPOT ON! I love her wide range of knowledge and that she is willing to admit when she's out of her element. That she's gorgeous is just icing on the cake. Thanks, Chase, you are also one in a million.

[@gwaptiva]

you'll be so glad to have this reaction behind you; now you can be like me and play it over and over and over again

[@roblaw4554]

Very nice. Lovely to see you again, and a damn fine choice. So many self-style as a "queen". This performance showcases the no-shit objective reality of who is and isn't. (yay Arjen, master author and ringmaster/conductor!) In answer - ANYTHING from Universe is worth your attention! Cheers rl 🤘👹🤘

[@clivematthews5296]

Nice to see you return to some of the amazing Dutch talent again.

[@zvolencan1]

I´m SO looking forward to that Everybody Dies analysis. That´s one heck of a complex song, and one of the most interesting I have ever heard.

[@northof4912]

I can’t wait for you to watch Everybody Dies! You have no idea how much there will be to unpack!!

[@Yorghan]

Was there in that concert, one of the first rows. It was absolutely magical and I wasn't the only one with tears in my eyes during this song!

[@mykindamakeup]

Floor has worked with Dev too, all awesome collaborations!

[@alexandersomers21]

Hey Chase, 73 old hippy from the Netherlands (Floor/Anneke & Arjan country) reporting in: For Anneke I suggest, as a lot of others already did, TRAVEL from the 25TH anniversary show in Tilburg ... You'll be "all over the place" !!! ...

[@lilithrose8048]

Get in!!! Can't wait, hopefully I'll be home for the premiere ❤

[@annar6781]

This song and the lyrics make me emotional. Sad but beautiful lyrics

[@JochenBoy]

Always good to see you! Whether you realize it or not, you’ve actually reacted to Anneke van Giersbergen before - she’s the guest vocalist on Amorphis‘ „Amongst Stars“.

[@levis918]

Please, more Ayreon. Thanks.

[@JariJuslin]

Very informative and entertaining. Just the right amount of stops, babble and technical details.

[@johndreessen7335]

Good reaction. Beautiful song but to short. Did watch Julia’s reaction and more of her reactions. Go to see Ayreon live in September. Thank you for this reaction.

[@MikkoRantalainen]

This song is interesting because it's hard to tell who has the best performance. The flute player (Jeroen Goossens if I've understood correctly) is obviously super talented, as well as the three ladies.

[@Alejo519]

Saludos from.Chile, se le extrañaba por acá! Buen review!

[@gerrycornelissen6529]

Hi Chase, Thnx for this great reaction. And si good you explained a bit about your excellent listening qualities. The tracs: makes sense

[@NeilOosthuizen]

Bloody hell... haven't been recommended or seen a Chase video for more than a year. And your doing Ayreon... Let the rabbit whole commence.

[@randy13boston]

This entire concert was exceptional! There are so many great performances through the whole show. The talent Arjen puts together in one place is amazing!

[@alexandrabarrenbrugge4585]

Good evening Chase 😄, isn't it magic how beautiful a song can be that is dealing with betrayal, despair, hopelessness and death? Thank you for your reaction. Greetings from Germany and parkinson's sucks and EMPPU RULES 🤗 alex

[@boblethbridge6292]

Hi Chase, great to have you back! This is one of my favourite metal songs :p ... Julia N is great, and a fellow Aussie, so watch out, mate! I do find your intense grasp of composition both unique and of great interest, so don't be changing... Aeryon is just Aeryon; compositional brilliance, no matter what Arjen is focussed on at the time.

[@marianogonzalez1977]

Yes!! I've been waiting for this!!! Cheers from Buenos Aires my friend!!!!

[@wilfredhietkamp]

Anneke van Giersbergen joins Floor Jansen on Tour in GSA! The two Dutch singers will go through Germany, Switzerland and Austria together.

[@ThaVinci]

Thanks Chase for another one of your amazing reaction videos. Its a breeze to see them

[@jamesm6377]

Thanks Chase... wow, can't believe you have not heard this one before!!

[@dtruleall]

Thank you for being here again, Chase!

[@JuanSan66]

I absolutely love this project. So underrated. Thank you!

[@Jacqueline.1964]

Oooooh, suggestions.... too many! ;-) One of my favorites: 'Amazing Flight live', bluesy, very groovy, two versions that I can't choose between: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGfGeIOpepZpbsU with Arjen himself on guitar, conquering his stage fright and having só much fun, and kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGasmqele72Wbac with Arjen as a genuine hippie and dutch legend Thijs van Leer on flute. But with all Ayreon/Arjen Lucassen projects, you're in for a treat anyhow!

[@robynturnham2706]

I do prefer the Universe Live version best

[@michellejackson7969]

Such a beautiful song.

[@impugnu7852]

The one critique I have on this song is that it is way too short ;) But may I suggest a song with Anneke van Giersbergen: The Gathering - Travel (TG25 version). One of my favorites, amazing song.

[@damianstark5362]

It may have been said before, but Anneke is actually one of Floor's favorite singers; a vocal hero to her, if you will. So imagine how she felt performing with one of her idols. Marcella, who I discovered through Ayreon, is now one of my favorite singers. She was in Stream of Passion and I think currently with MaYaN. Ridiculously, almost frustratingly talented.

[@justlittleoldme]

That is one of the most beautiful things ever, I never tire of hearing it. ❤

[@ikkeschopkont]

Can't wait to see Ayreon live 😊

[@michaelhoilman6897]

Missed ya buddy! Great reaction as usual.

[@egontania-wp5dn]

For those masters to work so effortlessly together without ego, all for us, is so remarkable 😊 absolutely gorgeous

[@trinadawn4166]

one of the ladies was one of Floor's idols ! the one in the centre.

[@AnnekeOosterink]

Everybody dies is a very good one, personally I like the eye of ra and intergallactic space crusaders. Not so much because they are such amazing songs (I do like them, let's be clear) but mostly because of the fun of them. You can tell that the singers on stage are having so much fun, the live versions from this concert are just great. So if you are continuing your Ayreon journey these would probably be fun. Everybody dies is also fun btw, you can just tell that all the artists are loving being there. I love this one, for its relative simplicity, I love folk as a genre, so this one is right up my alley at the intersection of lots of good things. :)

[@tcish4708]

This video is taken from the BluRay/DVD Ayreon Universe, released in 2018 as a greatest hits concert video. My question to you, Chase, is this: How long do you deny yourself the pleasure of simply listening to the whole concert? How many individual tracks do you require yourself to endure before you finally give in and take in the entire masterpiece? Get on with it, sir!

[@TheMateriaalkunde]

Actually, all songs from "Electric Castle Live and other Tales" recorded 2019 are of unparallelled class. Valley of the Queens marks the demise of the Egyptian candidate, played and sung by Anneke. It is a survival contest, which she failed because she hangs too much to the Egypt Gods, who do not appear. The introduction to the contest you find in "Isis and Osiris" where five of eight candidates from randomly selected aeras form the candidates for survval ain a world-like creation. In the next song, "Amazing Flight", two more appear... A hippie is one of them, played by Arjen himself... In this song, the rhythm becomes complex, very much like the 70s Dutch band called Focus. And guess the guest flute player.. Thijs van Leer, an original member of Focus... Enjoy the introductions, spoken by John de Lacie. Floor only apprears in this song. But Simone Simons has a character as well.. Enjoy.

[@normora5857]

Yay, back to Ayreon. I suggest Into the Black Hole feat. Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden and Lost Children of the Universe from Arjen's side project Star One. The songs there are all inspired by different sci-fi movies/shows. Please go further down this amazing rabbit hole.

[@jennienoppers210]

Well…. hello again Chase! you have a lot to react to😂😂😂🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@carolusbillius6726]

Another great project of Arjen Lucassen is The Gentle Storm, where he tells a story about the letters sent between husband and wife during the golden age of the Netherlands. And unlike Ayreon albums, it only has Anneke on vocals. The great thing is that you get 2 versions: the Gentle version and the Storm version, so that you can choose between which version of each song you like most. I can recommend THE GENTLE STORM - The Storm (OFFICIAL LIVE VIDEO) and THE GENTLE STORM - Endless Sea (Lyric Video - Storm Version). That last song is my absolute favourite of the album, and if you can convince Julia to react to that one, then it’ll be double fun for you and us :-)

[@grungegrumpy3585]

For Endless Sea, I highly recommend this version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJzFfmSMn9mJac0 Stunning vocals. Yet so typically Anneke. Also note that the lyrics and vocal melodies for The Gentle Storm were Anneke's input. That project is definitely to be considered a collab between Anneke and Arjen and not just an Arjen project imo.

[@Woody_Hart]

FYI, he is playing the Tin Whistle and they are non-chromatic. They are made in multiple keys. Nice reaction to a great piece.

[@bazkeen]

Great choice 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@RudyBleeker]

This Anneke's song. On the album Into the Electric Castle, and also during it's live performance in 2019, she plays the role of the Egyptian who is about to go into the Valley of the Queens and never come back, in other words, she's about to die. But she's accepting her faith for reasons that will become clear if you listen to the album. Anyway, I believe I heard or read somewhere that it was her idea to include more singers on the song, perhaps because a solo performance accompanied by just flute, acoustic guitar and cello might have been a bit too intimate during a rock concert like Ayreon Universe. So Arjen did some re-arranging of the song and they made it happen. And yes, Julia is definitely the most awesome ginger ozzie that I know, and very knowledgeable with it comes to vocals.

[@AntonNidhoggr]

Annekeeee!!! ❤🎉

[@jerrylegion]

Did you know Arjen sends this song to female singers to get to know their voice. That's how he met Marcela Bovio

[@LDBHX]

It's been definitely too long 😜 But finally 👍 This is just pure epicness on the stage Nothing more 🔥🔥🔥 Thanks for reaction man 🙏👍

[@jurgengierkink4322]

Anneke van Giersbergen is Floors inspiration and role model. Her solo career is great to listen to, but also her former band The Gathering. Very very much worth it!

[@anoukvaniersel5593]

I just have to say this once 😅 , seeing you getting all excited and happy listening to a song puts a big smile on my face every time I watch one of your videos 😊 . Also a thank you for learning me another way to listening to a song.

[@ChaseCarneson]

Aaah thank you so much for the kind words 🙏

[@stricklywicked1112]

These 3 ladies are pro’s at the highest lvl and Ayren is a master at arranging music and know how to use there talent.

[@robynturnham2706]

You really need to do more Ayreon. There are 2 Live Concerts currently available, and a 3rd Live performance in September, that will be available next year to view.

[@Paul_C]

There are three concerts available: The Theatre Equation, Nieuwe de la Mar Theatre, Rotterdam 2015, Universe, Tilburg 2017, Electric Castle and other tales, Tilburg 2019. Oh, and the new one in 2023 hopefully released before Christmas.

[@GlennZink]

Well done, most enjoyable reaction! So many possibilities for more Ayreon to look at, too. How about a different singer - Damian Wilson. The live performance performance of Ayreon's Twisted Coil is magnificent! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZSrn2OheMygd9U

[@robynturnham2706]

I concur

[@antivanti]

My best guess for how many flutes he has is... all of them 😊 It's kinda his thing

[@neecedarquewulf]

Songs of The Ocean Electric Castle and Other Tales Live Out In The Real World Electric Castle and Other Tales Live. Marcela with some of her band Stream of Passion who are reuniting in September.

[@brianalmeida1964]

Nice reaction. I'm already subscribed to Julia's Channel and seen her analysis of this song, but when Chase is reacting, I'm a definite viewer! By the way, Chase, Sleep Token have just dropped yet another song last night! The 6th one this year entitled DYWTYLM! Stay safe 🤘 ✌️

[@Donna-C]

I cannot believe you haven’t listened to this before Chase! Beautiful isn’t it. 😊

[@bengriffin1089]

My suggestion for the next Ayreon song would be “Twisted Coil” live: one of the best songs about depression I have ever heard, and a genuinely extraordinary vocal performance by Damian Wilson. It doesn’t get the love it deserves from reaction channels that always seem to cover the same handful of songs. Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZSrn2OheMygd9U

[@robynturnham2706]

Damian is brilliant, but he gets overlooked so often and I don't know why

[@joslauwers7960]

Next for you perhaps intersting "The Two Gates" kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnnLcnyaj5Z_jKc. After the song Irene is introducing all the instrumentlists and Ayreon Angels.

[@Michelle_D5]

I would love to see you react to some Therion. They have a concert from 2007 - Live Gothic - it's excellent!

[@shirazzza]

This song is just gorgeous & I would like it played at my funeral tbh. You'll love everybody dies- more Aussie talent there. Anneke works with Devin Townsend a lot Julia is a great Aussie ambassador 🇦🇺 from an Aussie lol

[@OnePoundFisch]

Dude, you have such a dry funny humor. I love it! :D

[@ChaseCarneson]

🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️🙋‍♂️😂

[@andrelglinnenbank2856]

I agree with your observation of silences. Don't know how it is in other countries but here in the Netherlands there is in classical music always that person in the audience that knows the piece and starts clapping before the last bar ends. In stead of waiting for the conductor to signal that the last rest has ended. Often the conductor wants to keep the tension floating for just another second or two, and that is totally ruined by some horrible self-centered 'connoisseur'. For the Dutch audience here: spread the word, a conductor is also an artist, don't interrupt during her/his performance.

[@MrAlexvonk]

Please check out Epica feat. Apocalyptica with Rivers live at the AFAS. Mindblowing Simone Simons.

[@brianfernald8741]

I think this is actually the second video you did that features Anneke van Giersbergen. She's featured in an Amorphis song that you did a few years ago. One of the great things about her voice is how it always seems to cut through the mix and it is almost crystal clear no matter what she is singing or who she is singing it with.

[@peterwilliams6289]

FYI those types of flutes only work in one key and sound good only over a fairly limited range. So for the solo, a shorter, higher flute is used. When Arjen Lucassen started Stream of Passion, they did a rock version of this song which is also great, with Marcela Bovio (the lady on the right here) and her younger sister Diana on vocals. One of Arjen's specialties - writing songs that work in different genres. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3vKpZuhm92JoMU

[@stefanforschner]

Have you done a a Interview to Arjen ? Please ❤

[@frank1963]

He will be up for it but probably not this year because he is very busy with his new band and upcoming concert later this year.

[@stefanforschner]

@@frank1963 good News 🤟

[@darkiee69]

I would love to see your reaction to "get out, now" from the Transitus album with Tommy Karevik and Dee Snider.

[@jonno55]

As always, nice reaction. Don't know if you reacted to Age of Shadows. If not, very good song with a nice treat.

[@gerrygrouwe70]

Arjen did bring out a new song on his own you tube channel a great one again

[@Richardtv1968]

Anneke van Giersbergen is the godmother of all metal/symphonic vocalists, look how proud Floor looks at her!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/embGm4d-Z9dsnas …… this is anneke doing this song solo!! Just amazing!

[@TheButterflyChaos]

Yessss, give me more Anneke♥️

[@TheButterflyChaos]

For Anneke, she has many amazing songs and does so many covers (notably Kate Bush and Iron Maiden and Pink Floyd covers). It's hard to go wrong with her (solo or with the gathering or when she joins in as guest vocalist for Devin or Within Temptation)

[@Thorgrim247]

Great to see you again Chase. You are looking very well. Hope life it treating you great. I love Julia's channel. Enjoyed your commentary on this beautiful yet simple song. A couple great song from both the other 2 ladies. Anneke Van Giersbergen kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2WZfZmqlKeNrtE - The Gathering - Travel (TG25: Live at Doornroosje - unofficial video) - featuring Anneke with her first band doing a 25th anniversary show. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHXXc3dqrtF5h7c - THE GENTLE STORM - Brightest Light (Live @ Zoetermeer) - featuring Anneke with her band created by Arjen Lucassen, guest vocals by Marcela Bovio Marcela Bovio kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmS3qYKXeL-pZtk - Ayreon - The Theory of Everything (Universe) LYRICS IN SUBS - featuring Marcela & Mike Mills kzbin.info/www/bejne/rajWqZ2Jjt1jm9k - Stream Of Passion - Intro/Monster - Memento (2016) This has a short backstage intro leading into the opener. Well worth the reaction. Another band created by Arjen.

[@jorgegarciabalanza7608]

Great reaction as always. Thank you so much! By the way Chase, did you sometine react to The Warning rock band? You should try any live performances from them. I think you will enjoy it 🤘🏻😎

[@reactionsaccount3955]

I would be really interested in seeing you react to my second favorite band after Nigthwish, The Warning and the lyric video for their song Revenant.

[@tishaliz4693]

Flutes for days

[@Hydrangea1971]

Lovely song, right? And yes...I am a huge fan of Julia as well.

[@rickrack4812]

Aeryon, STAR ONE, FATE OF MAN, featuring Brit Slayes, please...

[@samfowler1520]

Totally unrelated to this artist but you should DEFINITELY check out Enter Shikari's A Kiss For The Whole World, such an awesome band with a very experimental and fresh sound on this new song

[@henkmanuels829]

Hi Chase,here is a harder attack on stage.Marcella and her younger sister on vocals and Arjen on lead.My favourite version of this song.kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3vKpZuhm92JoMU

[@FieserGarfield]

Floor is amazing (and Marcela too), but for me Anneke is the queen, she did so many great things, with The Gathering, Vuur, lot of solo stuff, and a lot of things with Devin Townsend, I like this performance: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eam3XoGEj7J3Y80

[@gerrygrouwe70]

Btw give julia my love she knows me

[@sebastianl.8643]

Oh god you have to react to Travel by The Gathering, TG25 version, you’ll love it

[@himpibi]

This song is just so beautiful, glad you got to hear it. 😊 Speaking of gentle, but still powerful music, have you checked out any of Aurora' s music? Norwegian forest-elf with a sweet voice and sometimes heavy message. Worth checking out, i think. She has done a cover/tribute to David Bowie 's "life on mars" wich i think is really cool and interesting. I'm done waffling now, have a damn good day, sir 😊