Arjen Lucassen's latest release ON THIS PERFECT DAY is the first album from his new project GUILT MACHINE. On this release, he departs from the over the top complexity of Ayreon in favor of the simplicity of a relatively s... more »mall line-up. Rather than putting together an ensemble cast of vocalists, Arjen recruited Jasper Steverlinck , singer of the Belgian alternative rock band Arid, as the sole vocalist of Guilt Machine. The talents of Chris Matiland (ex-Porcupine Tree) were enlisted for the drum parts. Arjen's partner and manager Lori Linstruth supplied the guitar solos. The rest of the instruments were played by Arjen himself, who also sings backing vocals.« less
Arjen Lucassen's latest release ON THIS PERFECT DAY is the first album from his new project GUILT MACHINE. On this release, he departs from the over the top complexity of Ayreon in favor of the simplicity of a relatively small line-up. Rather than putting together an ensemble cast of vocalists, Arjen recruited Jasper Steverlinck , singer of the Belgian alternative rock band Arid, as the sole vocalist of Guilt Machine. The talents of Chris Matiland (ex-Porcupine Tree) were enlisted for the drum parts. Arjen's partner and manager Lori Linstruth supplied the guitar solos. The rest of the instruments were played by Arjen himself, who also sings backing vocals.
CD Reviews
A Guilty Pleasure
Prog-Rev-Elation | ALLover | 10/01/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What should an Arjen Lucassen fan expect from his latest project? Answer: The usual Arjen signature sound, 5 star musicianship and recording, and an interesting concept/idea - lyrically speaking. If you are expecting some experimental departure from his norm, you will be disappointed. If you are good with a sound that fits all his previous outings, you'll be more than satisfied. Although I had hoped for some of the former, I have accepted and enjoyed this project for what it is. The biggest asset to this disc is the pristine voice of Jasper. At times (on his higher notes) he reminds me of Freddie Mercury. Nonetheless, I've grown accustomed to his impressive vocal delivery and feel that his voice sets this album apart from the others. Mr. Lucassen made a wise choice in using Chris Maitland on drums as he fits the musical passages well.
Comparing this project to previous Arjen releases, it is at the same level of quality, but, only a slight departure in sound/style. In my opinion, nothing matches the masterpiece of The Human Equation. That being said, this CD is well worth adding to your disc collection, and has become for me (at least) - a guilty pleasure.
"
Lucassen's Formula For Sucess
G-Dexter | Lakewood, NY United States | 10/23/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm very surprised to find so few reviews of this latest release by Arjen Lucassen. The publicity machine for the album here in the United States has been less than aggressive - I'd call it nearly non-existent. But I supposed that fans of his would be stepping up in record numbers to grab this latest project. Especially after his latest two Ayreon projects: "The Human Equation" and "01011001"; two albums which I feel moved his work from merely entertaining to essential for fans of progressive rock. I'm guessing that giving the band a new name threw a lot of people off the track. It might take a while for Arjen's fans to discover this project, but I think they will be absolutely delighted when they finally do!
Once again, Arjen has brought together a group of talented artists to create a cohesive work and the results are stunning. Arjen wrote all of the music and his signature style shines through each song. A combination of melodic passages accented with heavy metal licks, lush orchestration (in places) and driving rhythms. This music sits nicely beside his earlier works and is not radically different from the great songs he has been producing for years.
In a departure from form, the lyrics for this CD were not written by Lucassen, but by the lead guitarist - Lori Linstruth. The story line is more dark and introspective than most Ayreon offerings, but none the less compelling and moving. I like the sampled conversations in many different languages scattered throughout the album, all speaking about the underlying themes of the album: guilt, sorrow, regret, etc, life and death, etc... It's obvious that Lori and Arjen are totally invested in this project and the collaboration is nothing less than brilliant.
Ex-Porcupine Tree drummer Chris Maitland was an ideal choice for percussion - he brings it when he needs to, yet can be understated or even silent when the music calls for it. Not every gap needs to be filled with a drum beat, a bell or a cymbal tap. That is a lesson a lot of percussionists could stand to learn.
Jasper Steverlinck is the lead singer for the band and I am blown away with his range and singing style. I have been shamefully unaware of his work up to this point, but look forward to hearing much more from him. Another reviewer mentioned his similarity to Freddie Mercury - a valid comparison. He has a similar sound and belts out the high notes in that same effortless way Mercury did. I've criticized other "prog" singers for reciting lyrics as though they were reading from a technical manual - not so here. Jasper is dynamic, expressive and genuine.
To my ears, this is a nearly flawless album. It is not, perhaps, the great departure from Ayreon some fans may have expected, but Lucassen has a formula for making great music that is at once familiar yet fresh and inspiring with each new outing. I can't wait for Guilt Machine's next album!
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What A Wonderful Listen!
Robert A. Wolf | Frederick, Maryland | 10/20/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a fan of anything Arjen Lucassen and this project hits it out of the park. What a great blend of mellow melodic music with some heavy riffs blended in just at the right time. The vocals by Jasper Steverlinck are on the money, he has just the right voice for this project. Arjen specifically picked Chris Matiland for his powerful, yet delicate when needed drumming abilities. Lori Linstruth shines on guitar and puts forth, in my opinion, her best performance to date. What can you say about the talents of Arjen Lucassen as a musical visionary. This truly is a wonderful listen."
To Queen or not to Queen that is the answer
N. Black | South Africa | 05/09/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is a must, the vocalist does sound like Mercury but forget Freddy, the whole band inspire melodic, progressive and smooth rock, like a qwuite before the storm, the CD you must have on a rotating disc as in in-be-tween album.
The whole project is great and the album worth every cent, a real album to play in the vehicle when going on long trip, and album when your spirits are low and if you like Symphony X or the 22 minute brain churners of Dream Theater get this album. The silence compared to the barrage just puts you on another plain and prepares your day.
Well done Arjen and co.
So yes he sounds like Freddy but then so does Mika but there's a difference this is prog rock so enjoy and crank up the volume and listen please to every segment slowly, sip it with your favourite drink and then get some Big Elf to really see where Queen could be and of course round off with The Answer and don't feel Guilty after all this is the prog Machine. Oh if you feel this is too slow then save it when you need the silence behind your headphones...but GET this Album!!"
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1