Purchase includes postcard signed by Arjen Lucassen.
From the mastermind of Dutch multi-instrumentalist Arjen Lucassen, ‘Transitus’ is inspired by supernatural movies such as The Others, The Changeling, and Ghost, along with the music of soundtrack composers John Carpenter (Halloween), Ennio Morricone (Once upon a Time in the West) and Jerry Goldsmith (Omen). “And of course I revisited all my favourite rock operas such as JC Superstar, Tommy, War of the Worlds and The Wall,” Lucassen adds. ‘Transitus’ is built around an entirely new story, not connected to the Ayreon universe, although as always it does have some subtle links. The sci-fi theme makes way for a gothic ghost story set (partly) in the 19th century with elements of horror and the supernatural. ‘Transitus’ is narrated by one of the most iconic and recognizable voices in sci-fi history, most known from his eight-year stint as Doctor Who, Tom Baker. “I was looking for a real storyteller with a mature, deep, warm voice,” says Lucassen. “As a kid, I was a huge Doctor Who fan and my favourite doctor was Tom Baker. I couldn’t believe my luck when he agreed to do it.”
Reflecting on the approach to ‘Transitus’ Lucassen says, “Our genre is called progressive, which for me means breaking new ground and experimenting musically. So in the true prog spirit, I set out to try something entirely different than a typical Ayreon album. I wanted to do something more theatrical, almost like a musical.“ As with any Ayreon album, it is an explosive and expansive affair that took years to create. “It took about 3 years from start to finish, and it pushed me out of my comfort zone musically and creatively,” says Lucassen. “But I always need that challenge. The harder it is, the more fun for me to work on. This is without a doubt the most cinematic and outrageous album I’ve ever done,” he affirms.
