Star One
"Live On Earth"
SPV/Inside Out Music 2003

By Jym Harris

When I saw this 2 CD set advertised in every magazine at Guitar Center, it made me give it a good listen. Star One is a side project of the band AYREON, and while many 'prog rock' acts concern themselves more with math than melody, these folks got it right. Soundwise, they fall somewhere in the Savatage vein; a little keyboard heavy at times but still chunky & melodic. Hands down the best sci-fi rock opera I've ever heard... especially for a live recording! I'd do away with some of the female backing vocals, but that's just me. Contact www.ayreon.com for more info.

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