“I have been saying this for years, and I stand by this: Ayreon is a genre all on its own. Not only is there a mixture of various types of rock music, but there is a story behind the album, every album is a concept album. And every concept album expands into a greater story. It’s very difficult to structure a story behind an entire album. Concept albums do exist. But what Arjen did was go above and beyond a concept album, inviting various singers/musicians/etc-etc, to help Arjen tell a story through great music.

Some Ayreon albums are stronger than other albums, but every single album has a distinct sound/feel/story, and that is a talent MOST bands/musicians do not know how to master. Arjen, on the other hand, keeps proving he is the master with everything he touches.”