The Eye of Ra--RealAudio

Guitarist/songwriter Arjen Lucassen had never toured for any of his "Ayreon" albums, mainly due to the fact that he incorporated a large number of guest vocalists on each release. However, following his "Star One" release in 2002, the fan pressure to tour reached a crescendo, and Lucassen decided to give it a go. He assembled a jaw-dropping ensemble of singers, including Russell Allen, Damien Wilson, Robert Soeterboeck, Floor Jansen, and Irene Jansen. Add to this a multi-talented rhythm section, and a working, live production was made possible.
'Live on Earth' is a 2-CD set, along with an accompanying DVD of the show with bonus footage added, as well (the CDs may be available separately in the future). You also won't find better packaging anywhere. Six tracks are included from the 'Space Metal' release, but there is also at least one song from every past Ayreon album. The production is first-rate, and a good number of the songs are both heavier and better than the originals. Very crackling and in-your-face distortion is featured, which is a true treat. Both "High Moon" and "Eyes of Time" are heavy highlights, and check out the end of "Songs of the Ocean"-- vocal harmonizing and layering by the entire troupe, and simply breathtaking. The same can be said for "The Eye of Ra", from its evil beginning to the a cappella end.
"Dreamtime" features some beautiful Russell Allen singing, "Into the Black Hole" is solid and building, and "Valley of the Queens" is an absolutely stunning piece featuring Floor and Irene Jansen, along with flute and oboe playing. The multi-faceted "Isis and Osiris" follows it on stage, with "Intergalactic Space Crusaders," "The Two Gates," and the crunching and thudding "Castle Hall" all standing out as well.
This release is not only great music, but also simply a lesson in talent. Get it for the songs, but also for the magical moments that are created by those participating.

TRACK LIST: CD1--Intro - Lift Off/Set Your Controls/High Moon/Dreamtime/Eyes of Time/Songs of the Ocean/Dawn of a Million Souls/The Dream Sequencer/Into the Black Hole/Actual Fantasy/Valley of the Queens
CD2--Isis and Osiris/Amazing Flight in Space/Intergalatic Space Crusaders/Castle Hall/The Eye of Ra/Starchild/The Two Gates
DVD--Intro - Lift Off/Set Your Controls/High Moon/Dreamtime/Eyes of Time/Songs of the Ocean/Dawn of a Million Souls/The Dream Sequencer/Keyboard Solo/ Into the Black Hole/Actual Fantasy/Valley of the Queens/Isis and Osiris/Amazing Flight in Space/Bass Solo/Intergalatic Space Crusaders/ Castle Hall/The Eye of Ra/Starchild/The Two Gates