The wacky vision of Dutch guitarist Arjen Lucassen (ex-Bodine) has expanded beyond his previous multi-platter sci-fi concept albums. Once again, it’s a star-studded affair, with seemingly divergent talents from the likes of Evergrey, Pain Of Salvation, Gorefest, King’s X and Blind Guardian in the decidedly un-metal mix. For female voices, he went right to the top of metal’s heap: Simone Simons (Epica), Floor Jansen (After Forever) and Anneke Van Giersbergen (ex-Gathering). Doesn’t hurt that the latter pair are countrywomen. Also on board are Jorn Lande (Ark), Michael Romeo (Symphony X guitarist) and Magnum’s Bob Catley. Unlike so many of these projects, Lucassen doesn’t devote a mere track or two to each participant (especially vocally), but has many participate in each, if not all. Thankfully, a scorecard is provided, with each line/voice delineated in the accompanying booklet! If that weren’t enough of a sonic maze, the songs regularly eclipse ten minutes (the two discs combine for two-plus hours) and have sub-sections (each titled). A combination of spacey ‘70s-inspired prog/new age and hard rock (calling Starship Trooper Popoff)… think Yes, Kraftwerk, Jean Michel Jarre mixed with metal, of the variety plied by Grammy winner Jethro Tull. On disc one, parts of the segmented ‘Beneath The Waves’ get a little heavy and the first of a half-dozen cuts comprising ‘Newborn Race’ (revolving around genetic/cloning research) has a neat guitar break. Courtesy of the backing chorus, ‘Connect The Dots’ possesses a haunting similarity to ELO. The second disc is heavy on the synthesizers, with ‘The Truth Is In Here’ and clock-ticking ‘River Of Time’ both featuring flute/pipes, violin and a Celtic Renaissance flare. ‘Unnatural Selection’ says, “Listen to the warning.” A good idea, but Queensryche’s initial EP would be even better! A bonus version includes a 45-minute making-of DVD, along with drum sessions (boring!), bloopers and whatever (non-essential) odds and sods are laying around so they can try to rake in a few extra bucks.