Much to the giant Dutch guitarist's dismay, certain info about the bonus DVD accompanying AYREON's forthcoming InsideOut album, 01011001, is still being ignored (not delineated in previous press releases and absent from websites). Arjen Lucassen offered BW&BK; this update. "The DVD includes no less than six bonus tracks (alternate, non-album versions with him on vocals). I could also have saved them and put them out singles. At the risk of sounding pretentious, my Ayreon albums are more than music. I know it's a dirty word for many, but they are rock operas. Which means there is an extra dimension besides just the music (as exemplified by a 36 page booklet). But if people are not interested, they can buy the version without DVD, that's why there are different versions. My aim is not just to please the fans, but obviously also to gain new fans."

As for simply tacking the DVD on as an extra bit to inflate the label's bottom line, Lucassen disagrees. "Selling the DVD separately would be raking in dollars. We can't blame record companies for everything. I pay for everything myself which makes me the master owner, and I license it to companies all over the world. Because I invite so many guests over to my studio (17 singers this time) I thought it would be great to film the whole process and share it with the fans. And the fans really like it, in fact many watch the (DVD) documentary first, then listen to the music! Glad you spotted the QUEENSRŸCHE reference in 'Unnatural Selection'. Did you also spot the THIN LIZZY reference in 'Newborn Race'?"

The following half-dozen tunes are included solely on the bonus DVD. Unlike the CD counterparts, vocals are provided by Arjen Lucassen, unless otherwise noted: 'Comatose', 'Connect the Dots' (Arjen and Marjan Welman), 'Ride the Comet', 'Web of Lies', 'Waking Dreams', 'River of Time'.

As previously reported here, a full interview with the creative mastermind will appear in BW&BK; #109.

Ayreon's official website has premiered 'Beneath The Waves', a stunning CGI film produced by Simon van Vegten. The film was made to accompany the song of the same name from the upcoming 01011001 album, available January 28th. The Beneath The Waves movie with 5.1 mix will be included as one of many bonus DVD features on 01011001.

Click below to view 'Beneath The Waves':