The Source cover

The Source

Ayreon · 2017

88 min · 17 tracks · progressive metal · rock opera

A sprawling rock opera that merges progressive metal with narrative-driven storytelling in a futuristic setting.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with varied intensity
  • immersive narrative-driven storytelling
  • thought-provoking themes of existence
  • wave-like pacing with crescendos
  • engaging for long listening sessions

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer standalone tracks only
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on April 28, 2017, 'The Source' is Ayreon's ninth studio album and marks a continuation of Arjen Lucassen's ambitious rock opera series. Following the success of 'The Theory of Everything' (2013), this album further solidifies his reputation for complex musical narratives and innovative collaborations.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 The Day That the World Breaks Down 12:31
  • 2 Sea of Machines 5:09
  • 3 Everybody Dies 4:43
  • 4 Star of Sirrah 7:04
  • 5 All That Was 3:36
  • 6 Run! Apocalypse! Run! 4:53
  • 7 Condemned to Live 6:14

Disc 2

  • 1 Aquatic Race 6:44
  • 2 The Dream Dissolves 6:11
  • 3 Deathcry of a Race 4:43
  • 4 Into the Ocean 4:53
  • 5 Bay of Dreams 4:24
  • 6 Planet Y Is Alive! 6:02
  • 7 The Source Will Flow 4:13
  • 8 Journey to Forever 3:20
  • 9 The Human Compulsion 2:15
  • 10 March of the Machines 1:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata