Opera Singer Reacts to Ayreon The Day that the World Breaks Down | MASTERCLASS Performance Analysis

What's up KZbin, it's me, Jess, and I'm an opera singer. Today's video is Patron Pick of the Month and for this month they have chosen Ayreon The Day that the World Breaks Down.
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[@ArjenALucassen]

Wow... that was great, Jessica, so detailed! I really enjoyed watching this, 38 minutes just flew by. You touched on some points that I didn’t even realize myself... and now I’m extra proud of myself, ha ha! And of the amazing singers of course. Thanks so much for your interesting, professional comments and lovely compliments. And most of all your genuine enthusiasm, very inspiring. Please keep up the good work!

[@trevorwalker2434]

Always great to see you replying to a truly interesting reaction to your work. Jessica really knows her stuff !!

[@josephbishop3590]

So exciting to see the architect of the Ayreon universe comment on the reactor's experience! Just wanted to thank you so much for your contribution to the musical tapestry. Your collaboration is epic and the community is in such awe of your work and your absolute genius. Thanks again for being and being so accessible.

[@MarcinOfTheNuclearVillage]

That was 1001st time I've listened to this track. Every single one I hear something new and inspiring in a slightly different way than before. Thank you for your music Mr. Lucassen. Please keep up the good work! ...and yeah, Jessica is most definitely one of the best and genuine ones on this side of the interwebs ;)

[@shirazzza]

@Arjen you have absolutely every reason to be proud of your work! I hope this lovely lady reacts to more stuff like from the live shows, which are epic beyond words. And as an Aussie I'm always a bit stoked to see Mike Mills 😁

[@alexsandrobarbosa3199]

Thank you Mr. Lucassen, thank you for every thing!

[@MisterJ56]

Btw.: the main guest singers are: [James LaBrie (Dream Theater), Tommy Karevik (Kamelot, Seventh Wonder), Tommy Rogers (Between the Buried and Me) , Simone Simons (Epica), Nils K. Rue (Pagan's Mind), Tobias Sammet (Edguy, Avantasia), Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian), Mike Mills (Toehider), Russell Allen (Symphony X), Michael Eriksen (Circus Maximus), Floor Jansen (Nightwish)]

[@deed5811]

Russell Allen is also a singer with Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Ahhh, this comment is so helpful, thank you!

[@MisterJ56]

@@jessicasopranonotes Help was on their way from a tiny country called the Netherlands ....... you're welcome and much obliged.

[@slyzombie6166]

The All-Stars of (prog) Metal Singers!!!!

[@hegoso]

Well... 1.- This masterpiece is tremendously enjoyable by itself 2.- Watching people react to it is quite fun 3.- But watching knowledgeable people breaking it down was a great way to spend nearly 40 minutes. Thank you so much! PS.- Two fun quotes: - "I don't have perfect pitch", hehehe... You don't know mine - "I love when that happens"... Well, good for you because it happens quite often, lol. ;)

[@jessicasopranonotes]

lol, this made me laugh. a much needed laugh too, thank you!

[@Falleninator]

A lot of prog bands will do concept albums where each song is linked to the other either thematically or lyrically, but none do it on Arjen's level. Most of his discography is one big project/concept, and he writes everything for his guest singers and musicians, like a classical composer writing a major piece for orchestra. Oddly enough, he has major performance anxiety and doesn't play his music in front of an audience, he turns into a producer/director for the live shows lol

[@christopherblue2004]

yeah aside from one or two albums, Every Ayreon album is like another chapter of a book.

[@jessicasopranonotes]

performance anxiety is a real thing! I remember watching a video on the analytics of stress/heartbeat of singers/performers. Their stress levels and heart rate before hitting the stage was equivalent to someone going to war!

[@LuisRdzG10]

@@jessicasopranonotes Damn! that's incredible. I never had that playing sports in front of thousands of people (I was a professional player), but I hit the stage a couple of times with my guitar with just 200 people or something like that, and yeah... it's somehow overwhelming. I didn't felt like a fish in the water like I use to playing in stadiums.

[@daventunes3822]

Ayreon's "Valley of the Queens" is a real treat. There are several versions but the one with Anneke, Floor and Marcela is my favorite.

[@clivematthews5296]

I actually prefer the early 2003 version with Floor and Irene Jansen.

[@jan-erikengels5998]

Michael Mills sings the main part (if there is any at all) at "everybody dies" ... which I love ... thank you very much for your reaction on this one

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Anytime!

[@Zerocool-kb4ej]

@@jessicasopranonotes if you want to hear Michael Mills go ape sh*t listen to "everybody dies"

[@Hydrangea1971]

Yes... @Jessicasopranonotes: this would be a great reaction too

[@sjyort]

Since you love Tommy Karevik, you'll be excited to know that he is in 2 bands! Seventh Wonder and Kamelot.

[@ryanknight199]

Mercy falls :)

[@musicman717]

Tommy is a real gem!

[@alouprette]

Great reaction, as usual. Mike Mills has a 4 octave range. The binary that he sang, translates to; "Trust TH1", the character that he portrays.

[@I_am_Phil_Lee]

Technically, it translates to "trustTH1" - lower case for both "t"s in "trust", no space, and upper case only for his character's name. I don't think it is coincidental that this makes 8 bytes making a single 64-bit word. I would expect him to have an advanced operating system :)

[@alouprette]

@@I_am_Phil_Lee force of habit to use caps and spaces. LOL

[@syyneater]

@@I_am_Phil_Lee The computer nerd in my salutes you for being the best kind of correct! =}

[@jedinxf7]

@@syyneater the Futurama fan in me salutes you for quoting the greatest bureaucrat quote in the show

[@alphaenemyplus8376]

Thank you for having things to SAY about the music. You're educated. That's important. Thousands of people reacting, but I want to hear from people that have things to say, coming from a place of knowledge. That's you. Subbed. Thank you!

[@jessicasopranonotes]

I appreciate that, thank you!

[@shuriken4852]

Here is a list of the composer and singers in order of appearance: Arjen Lucassen - Composer - 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 and Seventh Wonder. 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 Edguy & Avantasia. Hansi Kürsch - Lead singer of Blind Guardian and Demons & Wizards. Mike Mills - Multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and main songwriter for Toehider. Russell Allen - Lead singer of Symphony X and Allen/Lande. Michael Eriksen - Lead singer of Circus Maximus. Floor Jansen - Lead singer of After Forever, ReVamp & now Nightwish. Next I would suggest reacting to the performances at Ayreon Universe concert, especially the following Intergalactic Space Crusaders, River of Time, Merlin's Will, Valley of the Queens, Ride the Comet, Star of Sirrah, And the Druids Turn to Stone, Age of Shadows & Everybody Dies.

[@I_am_Phil_Lee]

This is an amazing breakdown and analysis of this song. Congratulations on picking out so many details from your first listening. Arjen Anthony Lucassen is pretty much his own genre of music, but it is best described as progressive rock theatre. Ayreon is his largest project and is a huge concept spanning multiple albums covering the same science fiction universe. He invites other musicians to collaborate on his projects, and it is a huge compliment to be invited to collaborate with him, as he only works with the best, and his character casting is superb. All the keyboards except grand piano are played by Arjen himself, as are all the guitars. He is definitely a musical genius. Joost is a seriously great pianist, and regular collaborator with Floor Jansen (he is the pianist on her cover of "Alone" and was her bandmate in After Forever). And yes, Michael Mills has an incredible range - all the way from bass to top tenor, as you can tell in his singing of the extended ASCII binary form of "trustTH1". In the nicest way, he is a freak of nature! Don't be surprised if Arjen drops in to say hi! He is very active on social media, and besides, I've tweeted him with this reaction and analysis😁.

[@danjmcs]

This whole album is fantastic, but this video that Arjen put together as an introduction is such a joy to watch others discover the amazing world of brilliant prog collaboration and i'm not sure anyone does it any better than Arjen and Ayreon. That first appearance of Michael Mills NEVER gets old, heh.

[@merqury5]

So satisfying to watch someone with such competence and enthusiasm really breaking down an elephant like this track. James laBrie, a french name, has a huge voice in Dream Theater. Was hurt and got back into it over time. Also, that part by Mike Mills, aka Toehider is something he does quite alot in his Toehider music. One of his big influences are Queen and in their early work they did this. Albeit with 3 vocalists. Mills does it alone. He too composes some complex stuff, but plays it himself too. He and Arjen are two of the living maestros of our day. They are no less impressive than composers of other eras. They and Toumas of Nightwish will live on in music way past their lives.

[@jessicasopranonotes]

I have heard nothing but great things about Mike Mills and his band. Your comment only solidifies the appreciation his fans have for his talent. I look forward to checking him out!

[@kevingunning7569]

What a fabulous reaction! I have watched countless reactions to this song, but yours is the most in-depth breakdown I have seen to date. Congratulations! You yourself are super-talented, and I wish you all the best in your chosen career. Kevin from England

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Wow thank you Kevin! Your comment put a genuine smile on my face. I appreciate the positive vibes. Best of luck to you and your pathway through life. Jess

[@1stSgtSoulStealer]

Ayreon, without a doubt, since I can remember "accidentally" stumbling on them, has shaped my musical journey since around... 2006? Yeah, since High School- and led me into literally everything every other genre I listen to today. My favorite album is probably '01011001' but that by no means I think of any other less. I also love the group that Arjen made called Star One. Such masterpieces he, and the rest create for us. I can take a walk under the night sky listening to everything and feel like I'm in another galaxy. Thank you for going down this rabbit hole of an experience and I do truly hope it encapsulates you like it does the rest of us.

[@Sir_Loin_Of_Beef]

I'm just at the beginning of the video but I salute the patron of this woman :D. You dropped Ayreon on an opera singer... well played, she's gonna get her mind blown

[@DavidMateos56]

Criminally underrated channel. Amazing, amazing job Jessica. Thank you very much for your analysis and for sharing your lovely personality.

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Thank you soo much David! I'm glad you enjoy the videos!

[@renevliex557]

Thanks for your detailed reaction and for describing what you noticed about the transitions. I've seen dozens of reactions to this piece and yours is one of my two most favored. Greetings from the Netherlands. 🇳🇱👍

[@jessicakoster2543]

Is the other one the Charismatic Voice?

[@renevliex557]

@@jessicakoster2543 Her reaction was also great as always. But I was thinking of JW Soundworks. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mombfJKsa7iFaMU Like Arjen he plays piano and guitar and he composes and gives very detailed reactions.

[@jessicakoster2543]

@@renevliex557 yeah, I remember him, he was good.

[@Roller4x4]

Arjen his projects are truely unique! Awesome musical insight.....

[@GustafB]

Masterpiece reaction, definitely the best I've seen to this masterpiece by Arjen!

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Thank you!

[@Fire-Queen]

There is more like this, but no one that does it so consistently. Arjan is a musical genius that goes on where Tommy the rock opera stopped! I was fortunate enough to witness and enjoy this live on stage, for the first live concert of Aryeon ever! ❤️✅🥰 It's an experience! Very entertaining and enjoyable.

[@Paul_C]

The one in Rotterdam?

[@Fire-Queen]

@@Paul_C hmmm... it was in Tilburg, I maybe should've specified the first official, full, theatrical show with everyone there! 🤔🙈👍The one that was shown in these videos!

[@jessicasopranonotes]

oh wow what an incredible experience!

[@Fire-Queen]

@@jessicasopranonotes yes, it certainly was magnificent! To see the singers all live, and even meet some outside, before the concert! To have the set build like this, with good, but minimal props and the amazing video accompanying the individual singers lyrics and visually the leidmotivs, plus the audience that was exhubrent about seeing the Aryeon album live, with even a small Arjan appearance at the end; it indeed was an incredible experience. ❤️🥰😊

[@Fire-Queen]

@@jessicasopranonotes and thank you for your analysis😊 I stumbled upon you, after going down the KZbin suggestions rabbithole, new subscriber here! You have a wonderful voice, which makes me want to practice how to sing again. ❤️ (Contralto with only little training)

[@khosani1726]

Watching people geek out about things I've been excited about for years is one of my favorite things. New subber! Also, hey to Arjen for when he eventually shows up in the comment section. ; )

[@pekkakarppinen1608]

This is a spectacular collaboration! How on Earth can Arjen combine all of this. Huge respect to all involved (and especially my beloved Floor 💗🌷). And just for the record, i'll pay a zillion to have a Russell Allen's voice. 😵👍

[@deed5811]

I have not been disappointed in any Ayreon CDs. Each song and CD is a story, masterfully composed.

[@hansolo2121]

Great reaction, one of the best for sure!!! You do know that it is Arjen himself who is present in this video a lot right? He is the tall thin hippy guy with the long hair. He played all the guitar parts, bass parts, analogue synthesizer and Hammond organ parts.... And he composed the whole song including all of the instrumentals and wrote all the lyrics as well.

[@BerNa650]

Honestly, one of the best reactions I've seen for this song. Very informative and your excitement was contagious, really really awesome reaction to a masterpiece =)

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Thank you so much!

[@rodneyhearne3405]

Many have reacted to this masterpiece but I have not heard a better breakdown and intelligent commentary to what Arjen has gifted us here. Happy to be a new subscriber.

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Thank you Rodney, welcome to the community!

[@Esmeagolly]

That last “one” from Mike Mills you can feel in your gut, that man is a genius, and his work is worth checking out. But then again Arjen always gets the best of the best for his projects

[@CantankerousDave]

I was hoping that he would look into the camera and say, super-sinisterly, “TWO.”

[@majonkie]

What a treat, this reaction. I thoroughly enjoyed watching you enjoy this Ayreon masterpiece. Thank you, you are awesome 💗

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Thanks Marion!

[@sejuanisupportonly7385]

From Ayreon live performances I would HIGHLY recommend "Twisted Coil" from the latest live, which Arjen has uploaded on the official channel. Damian Wilson on that song is beyond incredible. A spine-tingling performance that made my jaw drop (I was in that live). It is a song that everyone just has to *experience* (the word "listen" pales in front of that song)

[@Buboenik]

When I was a kid, about 8 years old, we had a trip with the class to visit an orchestra. The showed us all the instruments, let us hear it, and explained what role they could play in a piece. Then they played the Peter and the wolf story for us. I never played an instrument, but it was the foundation of understanding what effect instruments can have. I believe that made me to have an open vision for music, no matter the genre. But pieces like this, are pure eargasms.

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Very cool to hear your story on your introduction of instruments. I completely agree with you, eargasm!

[@franshinlopen2166]

I am very familiar with this track since it was first published on YT. I am also familiar with most of the reactions to it. Yours is by far the best because of the in depth analysis. Absolutely worth the nearly fourty minutes!

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Wow, thank you Frans!

[@magica44]

I was literally in tears (of joy and emotion) seeing you react to the Michael Mills Part ..The "What!" and "Noooo Waaaaayyy!" expressions you made I can tell are what only a trained musician like yourself can FEEL!!! Rock on Girl!!! 🤘🥶🤘🥶

[@Rivkah.Gamble]

Oh man. Such a good, informative, and satisfying reaction to one of my favourite songs/projects! (I knew it would be. lol). I love the knowledge you drop, the insights and energy you bring to every reaction you do. 💛 Ayreon is definitely a rabbit hole. I recommend Valley of the Queens kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipPIk4Jrd7-cY6s, Everybody Dies kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3KkiaeLmbJqrqc (Maggy Luyten is an artist who stepped in to the tour. She just has one of those voices that's so distinctive and, for me, super enjoyable). River of Time showcases Hansi Kürsch from Blind Guardian and Marko Hietala (formerly of Nightwish 😢) kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGjdqY2am7ajq68. And, if you want to hear Arjen sing, check out Amazing Flight from the Electric Castle Live and Other Tales concert a couple years ago. Lol. He's the Hippie kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGasmqele72Wbac. His entire band on this one is incredible, too, ijs. Side note, Joost van den Broek is on the keys and he's amazing. And, Q as the Voice is fantastic and absolutely speaks to the trekkie nerd in me. 😂.

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Ah thank you for the links!

[@Esmeagolly]

And for a very very young floor and Irene (her sister) star one- songs of the ocean. Star one is another project of Arjen Lucassen.

[@MaxNafeHorsemanship]

Glad I clicked on this one. I learned a few things. I knew a little about this band and Dream Theater from long ago. I discovered Nightwish a few years ago and Epica just recently. All of their singers were on this album (I never knew), now I have a long list of bands to check out. I just about messed myself when I saw the rotating horn of a Leslie amp. This is going to be good. I still like early 70s music because I am a HUGE fan of the Hammond organ and analog synths. That Leslie and Hammond are SO organic. Nothing on this planet can reproduce that sound. Not even Hammond's own keyboards. (The digital ones)

[@bertbouwhuis]

What a superb reaction! Again baffled by all the details you come up with that I haven't heard from any other reactor before to this epic performance. You are a true professional! And to have Arjen comment to your reaction is the ultimate confirmation of that!

[@marcusbengtson8570]

I was just going to write: "Arjen, have you seen this! " when I saw that he'd already replied. :-) I've seen so many reactions to this song but this is my ABSOLUTE FAVE! Thank you so much Soprano Notes!

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Oh wow! Thanks, Marcus!

[@stevewilkerson4504]

This is a rock opera, it's also progressive metal/rock. It's very oriented to live performances. Watch Everybody Dies , by Ayreon, and you will see the musical theatre element and the act of that opera, it's a great story.

[@IHateEliranAtar]

Your enthusiasm is infectious. Great video, and thank god for Arjen.

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Yes! Thank you!

[@PK--ITA]

Girl, try "Valley of the Queens" by Ayreon or "Stabat Mater Dolorosa" by Epica (live). You'll like them for sure. Thanks for the reactions btw. "Bard Song & Valhalla" by Blind Guardian (live at Wacken) - by Hansi Kürsch (one of the vocalists in this track) - you will like it too. it's beautiful and great music. Do you?

[@tudz8]

Holy, what a great reaction video to one of the greatest tracks ever made in my opinion. I don't usually comment on reaction videos but the combination of your enthusiasm and knowledge was so infectious that I had to drop a comment. Ireally really enjoyed the video. Thank you for this and thank you Arjen for this miracle of a track. Much love!

[@darkiee69]

Notice to how Mike Mills placement it the picture corresponds to where his voice is coming from, and the size mirrors how loud it is.

[@mehurar]

That reaction was a treat . Thank you!

[@Dianen65]

it is unbelievable all the interesting facts you told us while hearing this epic song for the first time. Really really enjoyed this and learned a lot!

[@piedropeer4494]

While posting this, I am still watching your reaction. Wish I could have liked it more than once. Superb! 🙏 I listened/watched to this so many times (with and without comments) and this added an extra dimension. Thanks again 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ireen1962]

You are such a musical beast 🤗 . Thank you !

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelbuttner4262]

Welcome to my Metal -World for just 40 years -- I´m 53 years old and i love this Music

[@CaffeineNightOwl]

thank you, thank you, thank you. this is one of the best (if not the best) reaction/analysis videos I´ve seen here ever. and arjens music deserves it. thanks again, jessica.

[@fnglert]

Arjen setting Floor off like a bomb at the end of the song, as he tends to do.

[@horscategorie]

I love that he 'discovered' Floor early and has used her and Irene in projects from her early After Forever days.

[@fnglert]

@@horscategorie Her first appearance in an Ayreon project was as backup singer in My House On Mars IIRC.

[@horscategorie]

@@fnglert Yup!

[@JacobMinger]

Ayreon is honestly the way I was introduced to Floor and a lot of my favorite singers. I am so glad I found this project.

[@jedinxf7]

@@JacobMinger same

[@Fratzenow]

This is seriously one of the best music and singing reaction videos I’ve ever watched. Thank you a lot! You are a real pro! Many greetings and virtual hugs from Germany!

[@RickAngell2u]

Take your pick of Ayreon songs, they are all awesome. Age of shadows (with Marko), Everybody dies (with Mike), Star of Sirrah, or Valley of the Queens. You won't be disappointed in any of these. They all have amazing vocal performances.I loved your reaction to this video. We all have the same reaction every time we listen to Ayreon :). Cheers!

[@hermenw.huiskamp8555]

Yas... yas... yas... *musical bliss* 🥰 More Ayreon PLEASE!! I dare to promise that you will feel mind blown 🇳🇱👍

[@JustinOhio]

Welcome to the amazing and VERY gratifying world of progressive rock/metal. There's a lifetime of enjoyment to be found in all and every sub-genre of this...genre. :) Great video!

[@vallaindigital]

This was one of the best reaction & analysis I've seen. I don't watch a whole lot, but I've watched enough to be able to say this. And I'm so happy that you have appreciated Arjen's genius :)

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Thank you soo much! I’m glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@ginne7268]

This is a ongoing project by Arjen Lucassen. He selects de best prog/metal singers and musicians. This project is going on since 3 decades. Arjen always said his music couldn't be preform live but he producet 2 concerts . The one i went to is called The Universe was out of this world and there is the Electric castle. Imaging this as a rock opera. BTW Mike Mills actual range is # 1F to C6. The binary code is TRUST TH1.

[@riclevine5983]

Welcome to the INCREDIBLE genius of Arjen...and the world of AYREON!!! My first time seeing you...great analysis...and a great comment from the maestro himself. Nice!! :-)

[@martinehermans6661]

Must have seen this track a thousand times in reactions, but I sooooo enjoyed yours, thnx for an even deeper level! Love your facial expressions

[@corneliusantonius3108]

Waiting for the man himself 😎

[@andrewhuggins9008]

There are reactions and there are REACTIONS! This is perfect 👌 🤘

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Thank you!

[@hillarymorin2550]

Nothing makes me feel quite like music by Arjen and I loved seeing the same reactions on your face!! His work is a treasure.

[@arminhess1512]

Can I give two or three thumbs up? For me this was the most emotional and detailed reaction to this awesome song! Perfect video!

[@Rosabels9243]

As a response to your question somewhere at the first 3rd of the video (on why some have vids and some have only pics), though this song was made/released in 2017, because there are so many people involved from different countries (I'm sure other Ayreon fans have given a list of who they are), Arjen sends them the score/instructions and they record it on their own and send it back (or how most music is made during pandemic era). When making this video, Arjen requested the singers to send videos to use for their clips if they were unable to record with him, but as they have their own bands/own lives, not everyone could record a video, thus Arjen puts up a picture. Also, welcome to the fantastic world of Ayreon! I'm sure Arjen will leave a comment for you, as your analysis was absolutely brilliant. Keep up the great work! Also I agree I am OBSESSED with Tommy Karveik's voice. Might I suggest Tiara's Song (Seventh wonder) or, Liar Liar (Kamelot).

[@Kraakesolv]

Hands down best reaction. And you are SO knowledgeable and charming. Wow.

[@alexandersomers21]

Another masterpiece in the reaction world ... Girl, did you enjoyed this ... Wait for Arjen (my countryman) to react, I'm almost sure he will ... Love your reactions ...

[@sean_b_drummer]

For me, the standout performer in this song is, Tommy Karevik. 🤘🏽 You NEED to hear the whole album to get the full story. IT'S FANTASTIC!!! 🤘🏽🔥🤘🏽🔥🤩 Outstanding editing job on this video!!!!! 👍🏽😎

[@AntonNidhoggr]

It might be one of the best reactions/analysis of this song on youtube! Thanks.

[@franckthibault2521]

WOW, that was just amazing! everyone that took part were amazing!

[@iamaliability1954]

Within this genre you should definitely do a performance analysis of Leprous - Castaway Angels. The vocalist is something else, he's amazing.

[@amax1229]

Masterclass reaction and analysis. Thank you!

[@chrisw8515]

I'm so pumped you reacted to this! I learned tons, and also got to experience that 'first listen' feel again, we all keep searching for with the music we love!

[@andykereztury1450]

Thanks for the great reaction. If you love Tommy Karevik's voice, then have a listen to Ayreon's "The Theory of Everything". Tommy plays the lead character, and really shines throughout the entire album. Marko Hietala (Nightwish) also plays a big role in it... one of my favorites!

[@robynturnham2706]

Can't wait to see you go on a further Ayreon adventure.

[@LuisRdzG10]

Great review of this masterpiece. At the beginning (around min 9:30) you asked about why James had just a still picture, and with the others a video clip of them playing. The reason is that those singers like James LaBrie for some reason couldn't send a video to Arjen of them playing, so that's why (like Russell and Tobias as well), the other singers and instrumentalists went to Arjen's studio to record, so Arjen filmed there.

[@timgreene3265]

This will be good....

[@oskarstrom4034]

I think this may be the best analysis of a song I've ever been a witness to. Your knowledge and humble comments are truly inspiring. Also the effort of highlighting with examples is so awesome. Thank you for this!

[@danceguy7035]

Wow, one of the best reactions and analysis, I felt all your and the song energy.

[@GoodHunter9]

I know you're providing great commentary on the song, but I can't get over how epic that braid is.

[@crabbitwife5463]

So refreshing to see this reaction. Genuine interest and musical knowledge. Bravo

[@Elpassorus]

Thanks a lot. I will say without any flattery that your analysis is highly professional and certainly one of the best in this genre. You are very intelligent and observant, plus you can express your thoughts accurately and figuratively. So thank you again for the pleasure to follow you during these journeys. A few words about the Ayreon project. Its creator is a Dutch musician and composer Arjen Lukassen. He is a multi-instrumentalist and singer, so he mostly writes all the main instrumental parts in his own studio. He releases new albums about once every 4 years (usually in leap years). All of them are distinguished by the highest level of musical material. These are always themed releases with some kind of common history, in fact - rock operas. He also invites musicians and performers from other bands. In this, he reminds of Woody Allen, in whose films he dreams of all serious Hollywood. Arjen's albums feature always many rock stars of the first magnitude, from Rick Wakeman to Joe Satriani for example. On this recording, Arjen plays guitars and keyboards. And further. I highly recommend you watch Dimash's new performance with the premiere of the song called Stranger. Not even necessarily with analysis on KZbin (although that would be very good). Please take a look, at least for your own pleasure. Without any doubt, you will appreciate the stage drama, music, arrangement, and the ever-increasing vocal gift of Dimash and his singing skills. The premiere of the song took place on 08/19/2021 at the international competition for young singers New Wave 2021 in Yalta, Russia. Dimash acts there as a member of the jury and showed one premiere, and during the competition, he will show 2 more new songs. Here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/onfWc2h-i9OgiaM Please excuse me for the large text. Best wishes from Moscow, Russia. Vadim.

[@northof4912]

That wind sound is northern. This is a northern artist from a northern country. I’m a 🇨🇦 forester who has worked endless days in the bush,middle of winter, where that is the sound that I hear! Arjen is brilliant!

[@jonno55]

Really enjoyed your reaction, I think as much as you enjoyed reacting to this track. Clearly someone who knows music, transitions and vocals. So much details helps me listening in another way to this superb music. Thanks and greeting from The Netherlands

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Thank you John! Lovely to have you from The Netherlands

[@D-ragon-S]

You brooke all my expectations in this reaction. Thought you wouldn't have the appreciation of the whole concept. Jjjeeeesss, how wrong I was. Much Love to you 💙💛💙

[@brunolopesvieira4129]

Ok, this is my favorite video of the year

[@zk513]

I really liked your in-depth reaction and analysis to my favourite composer/performer/musical god Arjen's umpteenth masterpiece. I would love to see you react to Isis and Osiris (live performance) from Ayreon. You will see many familiar faces and some of the best vocals ever featured on an Ayreon song (besides The Day that the World Breaks Down and Valley of the Queens ❤)

[@musicman717]

I liked your reaction because you comment ‘over’ the parts and comment at specific changes and know your stuff. You shout at exact the same moments I did! So cool. Subscribed 4 minutes in :)

[@swimszoots]

I love your analysis, Jessica! So detailed and insightful. I've learned a bunch of little things that give this epic piece more reasons to love it. I'm looking forward to hearing more of your reactions.

[@CienciayServico]

Ahhhh I love this woman’s reactions and analysis!

[@leliel12th43]

I'm watching this video again, it makes me so happy. I think you would also love "Everybody Dies" from the same album. There's an official live version where the guy who sings "010011..." shows how good he really is and it also feature Floor's sister .

[@DjTiesticles]

I've seen a few reactions to this song but yours is the best.

[@HellBrYnger]

you are welcome.

[@samjerbs]

The way you break things down is so interesting, I learn a lot every time. Very smart

[@roblaw4554]

OK, so a disclaimer - I love love love smart people. And if you take smart into educated analysis...soo so nice Jess! Picking out the vocals, in support of the immediately pending lines and the larger direction of the overall composition....just really bright! Cheers my dear, Iook forward to your next reaction! rl 🤘👹🤘

[@johncoffman1841]

I see that another commenter mentioned Anneke (Anneke van Giersbergen) in connection to Ayreon's Valley of the Queens' Anneke started out with a band called The Gathering in the 1990s. But left to pursue a solo career. I think her years with The Gathering had a special chemistry going on. The lyrics are uniquely literary,. And can be interpreted in more than one way like true poetry. The words and the music are sheer genius that I have never in my 70 years have ever heard from any other band. It too, demands analysis. And I would say they used studio time in the most creative way since - well, The Beatles. Looping, sampling, sound FX, etc. However, the real treat is to watch and feel a live recording. Happily, they recorded several of their concerts. Anneke's farewell tour was filmed in Chile was filmed and released on DVD. It is just amazing. Hard to p[ick just one cut. But I would recommend the song TRAVEL, a tribute to Mozart. On KZbin enter 'The Gathering 2007 live full concert' and scroll down to it. (Their lyrics are online as well from their fanbase. Though, sometimes with misheard mistakes.) PS. Also there is a New Yorker resident in Italy, who has translated a handful of classic Italian songs into English. He name is Francess In one video she sings accompanied by a symphony orchestra. Francess & Carlo Felice Symphonic Orchestra - Ma se ghe Penso (English Version) What an amazing unique performance!... There is another song from her album/cd 'A Bit of Italian, called ' Il cielo in una stanza'. Again fantastic poetic melodic. And dare I say, :"Gawjus! vocal delivery?"

[@Aity7]

Great reaction and analysis 😊👍

[@karolienharbrinknuman7820]

Ow my! What an amazing reaction! I really loved it! What a professional review! Thank you! Maybe Arjen should work with you.

[@apostleintriumph1758]

Damn, you're fun to watch. Can't believe you reacted to some of the best rock/metal singers out there. We need more. I would love it if you reacted to Symphony X, "Paradise Lost".

[@InfinityDz]

we need storyteller reacts to ayreon lyrics now. or maybe just fans creating fan theories about the ayreon universe

[@jo_g.germany]

Wow! Probably the best review on this outstanding piece of musical art I have come across - and I have watched/listened to many by now!

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Thank you Jo!

[@RonniePeterson]

You brought so much new to the table on this reaction. Fantastic. Thank you.

[@nicolasburchardt1630]

Epic analysis! Love the way you gave all those details on every part of this amazing song (HUGE Ayreon fan here haha). Thank you very much for this! And now you have a new fan, cheers from Chile!!