How Arjen Lucassen (AYREON, STAR ONE) discovered BRITTNEY SLAYES!

[@paulmdevenney]

I've been hoping for this for ages! What a super-group Arjen is putting together again. This guys is the rally-banner for metal

[@BelgianJasper]

Yes!! 🤘 What do you think of the song with Brittney?

[@paulmdevenney]

@@BelgianJasper sounding amazing from those clips.

[@sleepydragonzarinthal3533]

She is an amazing human being, of course a huge sci-fi fan, huge Queensryche fan, history buff, opera singer, but one big thing to note as well is that the karaoke video was actually shot after one of their shows, so while yes she is warmed up clearly, the fact that she can continue singing after a full set with that much power really shows not only her stamina, but her love and dedication to singing in general. She is truly one of the best singers of our generation, and Unleash The Archers are an amazing group of people, all extremely talented

[@BelgianJasper]

Well said!

[@srt8turboawdjeep146]

Its so effortless when watching her, it just flows out of her soul

[@klaus7227]

Brittney has the class to front the biggest bands in Metal, but she's so grounded and loyal to her own band, that she's doing what she's doing. Awesome person!

[@StergiosMekras]

Brittney joining the Ayreon pantheon is just... right and proper. Nothing more to it.

[@BelgianJasper]

💯

[@isaiahwelch8066]

Seems as if the metal world has a sense of karmic justice. And you wouldn't be wrong.

[@musicisajourney]

Brittney is just wonderful all round. I’m so glad she and UtA are getting recognition!

[@BelgianJasper]

💯

[@mportal1753]

She is live sooooo good

[@gabrielalonso3509]

Hell, I'm salivating just dreaming of Arjen bringing us Floor and Brittney singing together.... Mind blowing. Arjen is the man for the job

[@BelgianJasper]

Yes!!!

[@isaiahwelch8066]

This is awesome! I've been a huge fan of Brittney and Unleash the Archers for a few years now (I found them in 2018 or 2019, I think). At the time, I was about Floor Jansen and Nightwish, and the legendary Wacken 2013 performance of Nightwish. Floor blew my mind with her training and talent. Well, into a bit of that journey, I came upon Brittney and the band through a reaction channel -- and was immediately hooked. Unlike a lot of people, I like bands like DragonForce and how technical they are, of which Unleash the Archers is. But more than that, Brittney's voice is on Floor Jansen's level, with how good she is. Her talent and skill is up there, and the more I listened to songs like Frozen Steel, among the Apex album, the more I couldn't get enough of her talent. Fast-forward to August 2020. Unleash the Archers put out _Abyss,_ an album that won the Juno Award in Canada for Metal Album of the Year. The track Abyss is one of my favorite tracks to listen to, no matter the time of day or how I'm feeling. It is that positive of a vibe. And now, I hear Brittney on not just Star One, but the collaboration Planeswalker, which is all songs about Magic: the Gathering. Then I find out that Brittney is a huge sci-fi and fantasy nerd, which played into both Apex and Abyss, along with Arjen making Ayreon's album with "The Day The World Breaks Down." I know Star One will be one of those albums that will become legendary in its own right. And while a bit different, I like Arjen's stuff because it is different. It isn't the cookie-cutter stuff you hear on US rock and metal radio, or the same songs from 30 or 40 years ago that get played over and over. Arjen's composition skills, and Brittney's vocal skills, are both second-to-none. And the other thing I love about these two people is despite the fact they are so good at what they do, they are still so humble -- and make auditory masterpieces in the process. I hope Star One becomes just as legendary a track as when Bruce Dickinson first came onboard to Iron Maiden, before I was born. That's how good Fate of Man is, and how good I'm hoping the Star One album is. Thanks for the interview, Jasper! It was nice to hear from the man, Arjen Lucassen, himself!

[@BelgianJasper]

Thanks for sharing that Isaiah 👊 keep your 👀 open for more content with Arjen (there already are a lot of videos with him and Brittney on the channel btw)

[@isaiahwelch8066]

@@BelgianJasper : No problem! And you're absolutely right about showing a non-metal or even classic-rock fan Unleash the Archers -- I mentioned this to an old-school rock reactor early on, and he was blown away by Brittney and Unleash the Archers. It's like recommending a good book -- all you can do is tell people about it, and hope they read it. I'm just glad to see someone like Brittney get the recognition she deserves. Gives me hope that karma and justice both exist in the world.

[@MingTian666]

I totally flashed by Brittney (and of course as always by Arjen) ... she is so unbelievable .. hope to hear more from her

[@BelgianJasper]

@@MingTian666 her band @unleashthearchers has a new album out and is currently playing European Summer festivals and will be touring the US in September 🤘

[@nilshult5115]

I´ve been an UTA fan a few years now and in my mind she has one of the most powerful voices out there, a force of nature. I saw that clip to and smiled for a long time afterwards.

[@BelgianJasper]

I know right! Lucky b******s in that karaoke bar 😉🤘🤘🤘

[@sigirameder3400]

So happy, that the Universe brouhgt Arjen and Brittney together. Its a perfekt match and I love it ❤❤❤

[@trinidaddiezrojo9041]

Just to say thanks Arjen to make we know so wonder singers and musicians.

[@BelgianJasper]

🤘🤘🤘🤘 thanks for sharing that

[@Babychimichannel]

Shes an amazing singer. Haven't heard a female singer sing the way she does where there's a balance of power and grit without going too dainty and soft or overly rough.

[@BelgianJasper]

She's unique indeed!

[@paulm8908]

i love how humble serious and incredible musicians are by other brilliant musicians. ayreon is so legendary, and Lucassen is among the greatest legends in power/prog metal that has ever existed.

[@BelgianJasper]

Have you checked out the new Live DVD already?

[@svenjensen9770]

Just stumbled in. Great! I've been in Tilburg this weekend for the Ayreon show 2/5 and Brittney obviously had a blast. So had I 😍!

[@BelgianJasper]

Welcome to the channel! There's a ton of Arjen & Brit content here for you 👊😉

[@svenjensen9770]

@@BelgianJasper I appreciate that a lot, your channel is booked! 🤘

[@martinhertog5357]

Singing with almost no effort! That is really a great voice, what a discovery!

[@BelgianJasper]

Excited for you to discover Brittney and Unleash the Archers 🤘

[@waynecorder7675]

I fell in love with UTA and Brittney's voice the 1st time I heard them. Fate of man is a great song and showcases her upper range and power this awesome vocalist has. It's great to see her guest singing with other groups. You must check out the new one with Planeswalker band, Oath of the Gatewatch. Thank you for this tid bit on Arjen and Brittney it's great to see these behind the scene vids. So cool to see Brittney get the recognition she deserves 😃

[@BelgianJasper]

💯 agree! There's a lot of content with UtA and Arjen on the channel... And a new full interview with Arjen is coming soon 👊👊👊

[@waynecorder7675]

@@BelgianJasper He'll Yes 👍 👍 👍 I can't wait 😃

[@BelgianJasper]

@@waynecorder7675 🤘

[@remagine]

Yes she is!!! So underrated !!!

[@BelgianJasper]

👊

[@ZeroTheHeroGOAT]

Brittany Hayes is the absolute best power metal singer we've seen in a long time, maybe ever.

[@villainouschrisk]

this makes me so happy, that these two amazing people not only know each other, but, got to work together to make music. Hell To The MF'ing YEAH!!! extra hell yeah that he saw that video. if you weren't in love with Brittney before, you will be after you see that video from Scotland.

[@BelgianJasper]

Truth!!!

[@Bugholeexcalibur]

Arjen is just the best! He's work is legendary.

[@BelgianJasper]

Agreed!

[@marcomoone6922]

Kinda was hoping there would be a Q&A about how Arjen found out about Brittney. Also hoping that on the album there will be a behind the scenes. This is one of the (many) reasons why Arjen is the best. Not only he provides with the most unbelievable music you'll ever hear but he also introduces many guest singers and musicians to invest. Never heard of UtA before, but now a fan and buying there music and more. Thanks for this (short) interview!

[@BelgianJasper]

Awesome! And this is just a teaser: full interview is coming! 👊👊👊

[@marcomoone6922]

@@BelgianJasper Well, if there is more than the waiting for the release of "Revel In Time" is really testing my patience now. 🤘🤘🤘

[@BelgianJasper]

@@marcomoone6922 expect a longer interview in a week from now 👊👊👊

[@senditkevin]

UTA is great! Anything from "Demons of the Astrowaste" till now is awesome.

[@BelgianJasper]

@@senditkevin true and their latest album was phenomenal 👊

[@warface4881]

I've been fortunate enough to see UNLEASH THE ARCHERS twice. They killed it both times.

[@BelgianJasper]

🤘🤘🤘

[@rickrack4812]

Love Britt power

[@BelgianJasper]

👊

[@cjzani]

I never knew about the Queen of the Reich karaoke thing. I found out about UTA in maybe 2013 off some online metal compilation, and have loved them ever since.

[@BelgianJasper]

Awesome!

[@Thaery]

I've seen her live so many times, she's amazing!

[@BelgianJasper]

🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@seannightingale3571]

We need a Floor and Brittney duet on Star One or AYREON.

[@BelgianJasper]

Yes we do! 👊👊👊

[@randalljones4370]

I am sure I could find this by doing a fast YT search, BUT, could you put a link to your full Arjen-interview in the Description when It's ready? Thatnks for asking the questions about Brittney. She is a special person/talent in this world of metal. And being a fellow PNW'erner, we take great pride in our best!!

[@BelgianJasper]

Absolutely! Expect that video in a week from now. Subscribe to the channel to easily find it also 😉😉😉 btw, lots of Arjen and Brittney content (interviews and more) on the channel already 👊

[@rickrack4812]

ARJEN, It is but a long long time since you had Sharon den Adele on as a featured singer, Way back in a very light lyric early years, When you have just started dabbling around with productions. She is now 48 years old and still sings strong strong with grit emotion and can still hit those high angelic delicate notes in a bridge... As you can see by their latest release from last month, DON'T PRAY FOR ME... which sounds epic. Is is there any chance that you can feature her again on one of your massive is massive productions, PLEASE? I know she loves collaborations.... I think maybe you got her started in that mode.

[@BelgianJasper]

Seeing Sharon back on an Ayreon album would be killer!

[@rickrack4812]

@@BelgianJasper You have his contact I hope so.... Convince him or at least suggest it... I am hoping he has heard their new release

[@BelgianJasper]

@@rickrack4812 I'm sure Arjen follows Sharon. I will ask next time I get to speak to him ;)

[@majbrat]

This is awesome. :)

[@BelgianJasper]

Thanks! 🤘

[@Dealman15]

Didn't quite expect to hear the "Murder!" chant from Dream Evil during the introduction :D

[@lrobbinz]

Brittany Hayes!

[@undericesinger]

For what it's worth... it's much easier to hit those notes with a naturally higher female voice. She's still INCREDIBLE and I love her voice.

[@remagine]

Oh yes I love that queen of the Reich karaoke video!!!

[@BelgianJasper]

It's epic! 👊

[@taurusguy9305]

I hope Arjen also discovered Noora Louhimo of Battle Beast because her vocal style is freaking awesome. Brittney is also a killer lead singer.

[@BelgianJasper]

Noora's also just a super fun person! Check out some interviews with her on my channel btw 🤘

[@corneliusantonius3108]

😍

[@BelgianJasper]

🤘

[@corneliusantonius3108]

@@BelgianJasper They come to Eindhoven soon I have read somewhere.

[@BelgianJasper]

@@corneliusantonius3108 they had to cancel their 2021 European tour and I know will be eager to make up for the lost shows 🤘

[@HOFFAMVA]

“Discovered”? Brittney & UTA have been making great music for 15 years.

[@BelgianJasper]

Absolutely, but Arjen only learned about her recently and thanks to this Star One album many more people will discover Brittney and UtA 🤘

[@Patryn71]

Everyone that hears something for the first time is 'discovering' something new. Doesn't matter if they've been out for 15 days or 15 years, it's still 'new' the first time.

[@luisnunes3863]

I'd have bet he found her because the same channels that react to him react to her, and would have lost. lol

[@BelgianJasper]

😉

[@alinebaruchi1936]

Is Canada running out of food and energy? I kinda need to know

[@BelgianJasper]

I'm not hungry or cold, but if you have serious socio-economic questions, I wouldn't recommend asking for advice in KZbin comment sections 😅

[@alinebaruchi1936]

@@BelgianJasper they will need it. Belgium will be hit

[@alinebaruchi1936]

@@BelgianJasper cultural chain is dying, but shillerian model connected to gold, water, food and energy works out now. With pensions for the poor. Food banks and church baskets. I got figured out while you guys decide what to do.

[@SirLionofBiff]

Another Canadian metal voice worth checking out: Kobra Paige.

[@BelgianJasper]

Absolutely!

[@senditkevin]

Her and Tommy Karevik from Seventh Wonder and Kamelot (also featured in Ayreon: The Source) are married.

[@BelgianJasper]

@@senditkevin yup, and she's working on new music!

[@silverblack5475]

" better than Geoff Tate " ummmmmm, no way , ive seen Tate in his prime and NO ONE can sing Queen of the Reich like him

[@BelgianJasper]

All good man, let's agree both Geoff Tate and Brittney are phenomenal singers and that she did a great job in that Karaoke bar 🤘 how amazing would it be if they sang a song together 🤔

[@silverblack5475]

@@BelgianJasper for sure Brittney sings the hell out of it ......unfortunately Geoff isnt half the vocalist he once was

[@isaiahwelch8066]

Actually, have to disagree with the OP. I've heard Tate singing Queen of the Reich singing in his prime -- and Brittney matches him, in both the studio cover Unleash the Archers did, as well as that karaoke performance in Scotland. In some ways, Brittney even surpasses him, because I've always felt that Tate's sound was too inconsistent. A lot of the time, you weren't sure what you were going to get with him. Now, this was due to the fact Tate didn't take care of himself and his voice. It's why he isn't singing any more, but Bruce Dickinson is. It's also the main difference between Tate and Brittney, because Brittney _does_ take care of herself and her voice. Thing is, that karaoke performance? Done after a full set already. That's something I don't know if Geoff Tate could ever have done in his prime.

[@MeanMike7]

I was an Ayreon fan years before UTA formed and I actually sent Arjen an email about her just after we released Behold The Devastation. Glad he finally discovered her though! 🤘 🥸🤘

[@BelgianJasper]

👊👊👊