Search - Star One :: Live on Earth [w/ Limited Edition Bonus DVD]

One of the best live albums I have ever heard

S. Miller | Wichita, KS USA | 11/22/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the 2 CD set with the DVD of Star One's live performance.



You are really lucky to hear a good live album, especially with the highly overproduced CD's of today. No overdubs and its unlikely that the singer can sing as high or clear as on the CD. But not so here. Arjen surrounds himself with good singers and musicians, and the sound is huge. True, some of the lyrics are cheesy, and Robert doesn't do so well in spots, but the live versions are often better than the studio versions, with a higher energy.



Standout tracks are "Songs on the Ocean", "Dawn of a Million Souls" (my personal favorite), "Into the Black Hole" (Damian is great here), "Valley of the Queens", and "Isis and Osiris". All are much better than the studio tracks and some have different arrangements which make them better live. Russell Allen and Damian are vocally great. Floor and Irene Jansenn mesh together perfectly. Irene compliments Floor's voice very well. Peter Vink's bass and Ed Warby's drums tones are huge. Arjen's guitar tone is also very good.



The DVD is good. According to Arjen's notes he never intended on releasing the DVD. It was recorded with one or two cameras and sound off the board. Then two fans submitted their extra video shots from in the crowd and they mixed them together into the video. It is surprisingly smooth, although a couple of times seems out of sync (hence the previous reviewer's comment on Robert's lip syncing). The stage is really small for so many singers/players. But overall my friend and I liked the DVD.



Arjen's "Human Equation" CD is in my CD player at home and I listen to it all the time. Star One live is my main car CD rotation.

"

Intergalactic Space Crusaders.

djhexane | Ohio, USofA | 01/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This live cd and dvd preformance portrays the very best of Arjen Anthony Lucassen's Star One project and Ayreon project. Some of the vocalists are Russel Allen (Symphony X), Floor Jansen (After Forever), and Irene Jansen (Ayreon) among many others. The blaze through a set that spans "Space Metal", "Into the Electric Castle", "The Universal Migrator (both parts)" ,and "Actual Fantasy." Some highlights are the Stargate-like set in which Floor and Irene spend a lot of the time singing beautifully, the drum and bass solos, and the dueling guitar and keyboard segment. If you are a fan of any of Arjen's projects or like very complex progressive metal with elaborate concept albums then this is a must buy. I shall be listening to "Intergalactic Space Crusaders", one of the best songs ever!"

Not since my senior prom have I ever gotten so lucky...

djhexane | 08/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A while back, I was on a huge Symphony X kick. I fell in love with the music, but Russell Allen's unique and powerful voice really made the band for me. So when I heard that Sir Allen was a guest vocalist on the new Star One DVD, there was no possible way for me to avoid this release.Putting aside petty cash reserved for things like rent, food, utilities, etc, I ordered this DVD/CD set, and days later, it arrived. Before inserting the DVD, I checked out the awesome packaging and the booklet, both of which excited me.Musically, I was blown away. A mix of Star One and Ayreon material is presented here by a band that isn't used to touring together, but it seems like this is a jam band in their prime. The chemistry between the many, many members is electric. Nothing is stale and tired, this is a band who is as excited to be playing as the fans are to be enjoying. The music is tight, complex, and easy to jam to.The band itself is insane. I mean this in a good way. A TON of members... 5 vocalists, a drummer, guitarist/synth/vocalist who brings back flashes of Kerry Livgren, bass player, flamboyant keyboardist, and a special flute player for three tracks, as well as a guest vocalist for one of the extras. The vocalists really get into their parts, everyone seems happy to be there.There are dozens of "moments" here that left me with a big stupid grin on my face. The one that stands out the most at the moment (this changes daily) is when Arjen (guitar) and Joost (keys) have a "war" during Amazing Flight In Space, trying to outdo each other, getting into a shoving match while playing the instruments. It's hilarious, it's amazing, and it's just beautiful.I really can't express enough how awesome this is. It's a great value; for your money, you get the DVD (filled to the brim with extras), as well as two audio CDs that capture the majority of the show (curiously nixing the keyboard and bass solo spots). As a fan of bands like Kansas and Yes, as well as Symphony X and Dream Theater, Star One's latest release fills my craving for both the light and heavy sides of progressive rock/metal. You can't go wrong with this unless you just can't stand intricate, beautiful, fun music!Oh, and lev3k: This is f'king amazing, times 15!"