Arjen Lucassen’s Star One
„Space Metal“
Metal. Limited Vinyl Remaster 2022 (2002)

In 2002, the first LP of Arjen Lucassen's Star One project was released. Compared to his Ayreon project, Arjen Lucassen's approach here is a return to rhythmic (space) metal. So, less psychedelic rock (The Dream Sequencer) or Progressive Metal (Flight Of The Migrator) and not a rock opera. Instead, it features fat rhythms, drums, riffs, and plenty of old and modern synthesizers. Only the top-notch lineup and the outstanding guest musicians remain the same. The individual songs are inspired by science fiction films and themes.

With Sir Russel Allen, Damian Wilson, Dan Swanö, and Dave Brock, we have four outstanding singers, and with the siren-like Floor Jansen, a fantastic female singer. Guest musician Robert Soeterboek provides backing vocals. Contrast is guaranteed. Gary Wehrkamp and Jens Johansson provide guitar solos, while Eric Norlander handles synth solos. Ed Warby is on drums, and Arjen Lucassen provides the rest: guitar, bass, analog synth, Mellotron, Hammond, Solina strings.

All of the songs relate to sci-fi films (series) or themes. Spoiler alert! If you'd rather form your own opinion based on the lyrics, don't read any further! "Set Your Controls" refers to the Dr. Who series. "High Noon" is about the film Outland with Sean Connery. "Songs Of The Ocean" comes from the film Star Trek IV - The Voyage Home. That was LP A. Star Wars Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back was the inspiration for "Master Of Darkness", brilliantly sung even though we have multiple voices here. "The Eye Of Ra" naturally refers to the Stargate series. The book and film Dune is the subject of "Sandrider" and ends side B. Side C continues with "Perfect Survivor" and this is about the film Alien. The British series Blake's 7 provides the background for "Intergalactic Space Crusaders". Side C ends with "Starchild", based on the classic 2001 - A Space Odyssey. Finally, Side D is dedicated to the band Hawkwind, one of the first space rock bands, with "Hawkwind Medley." The film Dark Sky inspired "Spaced Out," and Enemy Mind finds its place in "Inseparable Enemies." Last but not least, there's a cover of David Bowie's song "Space Oddity." 

Of course, space metal also has plenty of pathos, as we know it from Ayreon. I'd like to single out Damien Wilson and his adaptable voice. This doesn't detract from the other musicians or Floor Jansen. Star One can rightly be called a super band. Conclusion? Except for the cover of "Space Oddity," this is highly recommended theatrical space metal.

Playing tips: “Set Your Controls”, “Intergalactic Space Crusaders” and “Perfect Survivor”.

The photos are all from my LP. The rights to all motifs, logos, texts and fonts that can be seen in the photos are of course owned by the copyright holder.

©13.10.2025