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Arjen indeed is genius when it comes to music. I've always preferred his work on Ayreon, especially his early work (Into the Electric Castle is my favourite from him). For some reason his side-projects don't inspire me that much.

Start One was fun for a few times but I think a lot of the songs don't really survive a longer period listening. Eye of Ra and Sandrider are my favourites from that. Stream of Passion I don't like that much now. I know the band has a lot of potential but their first album sounds like all the songs were writen in a hurry and when you start paying attention to it, you see that most songs are done with the same concept alltogether. I'm waiting for their second album and hoping they'll really work on the potential they have.

All and all, Arjen rocks. He has that "special touch" in his music and it's quite easy to recognize his work from anywhere. Even small solos of features he's been doing for other bands are clearly recognisable.

Haha, yet another topic I can totally get into. biggrin

Ayreon is a powerfully awesome band. I picked up 'The Human Equation' and was blown away by the vocal performances, especially the fact that so many singers from so many great bands that I already listened to were on there. Also got 'Universal Migrator' albums (both of them). Whilst his music is great, I really see (especially in T.H.E) the music itself as a delivery system for the vocals. That Arjen attracts so many great vocalists is amazing in itself, but that he manages to draw out of them some of their best performances is what makes Ayreon great. Russel Alan and Ralph Scheepers kick a** on U.M, and James Labrie and Devin Townsend totally pwn in T.H.E (honourable mention to Mike Baker from my favourite band 'Shadow Gallery' for his vocals on 'Loser'), but all of the vocals are so good it's hard to pick standouts.

I haven't heard Stream of Passion or Star One yet, bar some good words about them. I'll have to seek 'em out when I'm next cashed up.