Revel in Time
Revel in Time is the third studio album by the Dutch progressive metal supergroup Star One, founded by composer and multi-instrumentalist Arjen Anthony Lucassen. Released on 18 February 2022 by InsideOut Music, it is a double album containing 22 tracks across two discs, with a total runtime of approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes.[1][2] The album features 11 original songs on the first disc, inspired by themes of time manipulation drawn from science fiction films, and 11 alternate versions on the second disc, each with different guest vocalists.[3] Musically, Revel in Time emphasizes a heavy, riff-driven style with prominent virtuoso performances, marking a shift toward more straightforward, guitar-oriented progressive metal compared to Lucassen's orchestral rock opera projects.[3][4] The production showcases Lucassen's signature blend of intricate arrangements and melodic hooks, supported by a core lineup including drummer Ed Warby, with Lucassen on guitars, bass, and keyboards, alongside over 30 guest musicians.[3] Notable contributors include guitarists Steve Vai and Michael Romeo, as well as vocalists such as Floor Jansen of Nightwish, Russell Allen of Symphony X, and Brittney Slayes of Unleash the Archers.[3] The album's tracklist highlights its conceptual cohesion, with songs like "28 Days (Till the End of Time)" and "A Hand on the Clock" exploring temporal paradoxes, while extended pieces such as the 9-minute-46-second closer "Lost Children of the Universe" demonstrate the project's epic scope.[3] Critically received for its ambitious guest collaborations and return to Star One's space metal roots established in the band's 2002 debut Space Metal, Revel in Time underscores Lucassen's enduring influence in the progressive metal genre.[5][6]Background and development
Star One's history
Star One was formed in 2002 by Dutch musician and producer Arjen Anthony Lucassen as a progressive metal project centered on science fiction themes, emerging as a heavier counterpart to his more operatic Ayreon endeavors.[4][7] Lucassen assembled a core lineup including drummer Ed Warby and bassist Peter Vink, while enlisting an array of guest vocalists to create a supergroup dynamic, drawing influences from progressive metal acts like Dream Theater and Rush in its complex arrangements and thematic depth.[8][9] The project's debut album, Space Metal, was released in May 2002 via InsideOut Music, featuring lead vocals by Damian Wilson alongside contributions from Russell Allen, Dan Swanö, and [Floor Jansen](/page/Floor Jansen), who each handled distinct tracks to evoke interstellar narratives inspired by sci-fi classics.[10][11] This effort marked Lucassen's deliberate shift toward aggressive, riff-driven progressive metal following softer projects like Ambeon, with the album's production entirely handled by Lucassen himself.[4] Following the release, Star One toured Europe, culminating in the live album Live on Earth in 2003, a double-CD and DVD set capturing performances of Space Metal tracks alongside Ayreon material, performed by a lineup including Wilson, Allen, and live vocal support from Irene Jansen.[12][13] Star One's second studio album, Victims of the Modern Age, arrived in 2010 on Century Media, reuniting the original vocal cast of Russell Allen, Damian Wilson, Dan Swanö, and Floor Jansen, who took a more prominent role amid a stylistic evolution toward more straightforward, accessible progressive metal structures compared to the debut's denser space rock elements.[14][15] The album's production emphasized vocal interplay and thematic critiques of modern society through a sci-fi lens, solidifying Star One's reputation for high-caliber collaborations.[16] After Victims of the Modern Age, Star One entered a 12-year hiatus from studio releases, largely due to Lucassen's immersion in other projects, including major Ayreon albums like The Theory of Everything (2013) and The Source (2017), as well as ventures such as Guilt Machine and his solo work.[17][18] This period allowed Lucassen to explore diverse musical outlets while maintaining occasional live appearances under the Star One banner, but it delayed new material until the project's revival in the early 2020s.[19]Album conception
In 2020, Arjen Anthony Lucassen decided to revive his progressive metal project Star One for a third album, more than a decade after the 2010 release of Victims of the Modern Age. This decision was driven by his desire to focus on heavier, riff-driven progressive metal, serving as a stylistic outlet distinct from his broader Ayreon work, which encompasses varied moods and genres.[17][1] The album's conceptual foundation drew from science fiction, building on Star One's established sci-fi themes seen in earlier works like Space Metal (2002), but centering specifically on time travel and temporal loops. Lucassen drew inspiration from films exploring time manipulation, such as Back to the Future and Donnie Darko, interpreting their narratives to craft subtle, personal messages rather than literal adaptations. The title Revel in Time originated as a play on "travel in time," a phrase from the 1982 film Blade Runner, encapsulating the album's preoccupation with temporal themes.[17][20][21] The COVID-19 pandemic significantly shaped the conception phase, enforcing a fully studio-bound approach at Lucassen's home facility and precluding in-person collaborations, which led to the absence of a fixed vocalist in favor of remote guest contributions. This constraint aligned with Lucassen's reclusive working habits but necessitated flexible planning for diverse inputs. In contrast to his preceding ambient solo album Epic at Dawn (2021), which emphasized atmospheric soundscapes, Revel in Time prioritized aggressive riffs and virtuoso performances to deliver a more dynamic, metal-oriented sound. Early plans envisioned a double-disc format to accommodate varied guest elements, including alternate vocal takes across the two CDs for enhanced interpretive depth.[22][3][1]Production
Songwriting
Arjen Anthony Lucassen served as the primary songwriter for Revel in Time, composing all the music and lyrics for the album's 11 core tracks. He began the process by developing guitar riffs, which formed the foundation for each song, subsequently building progressive structures around them to create intricate compositions.[22] This riff-based approach allowed Lucassen to craft dynamic pieces that evolved organically, drawing heavily from the melodic and structural complexity of 1970s progressive rock influences such as Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.[22][19] The songwriting emphasized complex time signatures, including 7/8 and 9/8, to infuse the tracks with a challenging yet engaging progressive feel, while incorporating strong melodic hooks to ensure accessibility.[19] Lucassen completed the music for the album over approximately three months, prioritizing a balance between heavy, riff-driven elements and more approachable, hook-laden sections—a recurring challenge in his work that aimed to appeal to both prog enthusiasts and broader metal audiences.[22] This process resulted in an expansive approximately 67-minute runtime, allowing space for the album's multifaceted sci-fi narratives.[2][3] Guest vocalists played a key role in shaping the lyrics, as Lucassen selected singers first based on how their styles would suit the pre-composed music, then developed thematic content collaboratively to align with overarching sci-fi concepts like time manipulation and alternate realities.[22] Themes were thus tailored post-musically, ensuring vocal performances enhanced the narrative depth without altering the core structures. For instance, in "28 Days (Till the End of Time)," Lucassen incorporated a countdown motif inspired by the film's 28-day timeline, evoking impending doom through rhythmic and lyrical repetition.[23] Similarly, "Prescient" explores foresight within time loops, drawing from themes of prediction and inevitability to underscore the song's shifting tempos and atmospheric builds.[24] The COVID-19 pandemic briefly influenced the workflow by necessitating remote collaboration adjustments, though Lucassen's home-based writing process remained largely unaffected.[22]Recording and personnel
The recording of Revel in Time took place primarily at Arjen Anthony Lucassen's home studio, The Electric Castle, in the Netherlands, spanning 2020 to 2021, with many guest contributions submitted remotely due to international travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This approach allowed Lucassen to assemble a diverse lineup without in-person collaboration for most vocal and instrumental parts, resulting in a second disc featuring alternate versions with different singers. Drums were recorded by Ed Warby at Sandlane Recording Facilities in Rijen, Netherlands, while the Hellscore Choir was captured at Bardo Studios.[1][25][26] Lucassen handled all production, engineering, and mixing duties at The Electric Castle, blending analog and digital techniques to achieve a dense, polished progressive metal sound characterized by layered instrumentation and dynamic shifts. Mastering for the stereo mix was performed by Brett Caldas-Lima and Joost van den Broek at Sandlane Recording Facilities, with additional 5.1 surround sound mastering at Tower Studio in Hilversum, Netherlands.[25][26][3] The core band consisted of Arjen Anthony Lucassen on guitars, bass, keyboards, and backing vocals; Ed Warby on drums; and Erik van Ittersum on Solina strings. Approximately 30 musicians contributed overall, emphasizing the supergroup format through targeted guest appearances.[1][3][26] Guest vocalists were assigned to specific tracks on the main album (Disc 1), with alternates on the bonus disc (Disc 2):| Track (Disc 1) | Title | Lead Vocalist |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fate of Man | Brittney Slayes |
| 2 | 28 Days (Till the End of Time) | Russell Allen |
| 3 | Prescient | Michael Mills & Ross Jennings |
| 4 | Back from the Past | Jeff Scott Soto |
| 5 | Revel in Time | Brandon Yeagley |
| 6 | The Year of '41 | Joe Lynn Turner |
| 7 | Bridge of Life | Damian Wilson |
| 8 | Today is Yesterday | Dan Swanö |
| 9 | A Hand on the Clock | Floor Jansen |
| 10 | Beyond the Edge of it All | John Jaycee Cuijpers |
| 11 | Lost Children of the Universe | Roy Khan |
| Track (Disc 2) | Title | Lead Vocalist |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fate of Man | Marcela Bovio |
| 2 | 28 Days (Till the End of Time) | John Jaycee Cuijpers |
| 3 | Prescient | Will Shaw |
| 4 | Back from the Past | John Jaycee Cuijpers |
| 5 | Revel in Time | John Jaycee Cuijpers |
| 6 | The Year of '41 | Alessandro Del Vecchio |
| 7 | Bridge of Life | Wilmer Waarbroek |
| 8 | Today is Yesterday | Arjen Lucassen |
| 9 | A Hand on the Clock | Marcela Bovio & Irene Jansen |
| 10 | Beyond the Edge of it All | Mike Andersson |
| 11 | Lost Children of the Universe | Tony Martin |
Music and lyrics
Musical style
Revel in Time is characterized primarily as a progressive metal album, featuring heavy riffs, complex arrangements, and hard rock edges that emphasize riff-driven structures throughout its runtime of approximately 67 minutes on the standard edition.[27] The sound incorporates symphonic and power metal elements, with ethereal and ambient passages alongside doom-laden tones, creating a multifaceted progressive landscape that shifts between fast-paced aggression and moody introspection.[28] This blend distinguishes it within the genre, drawing on sci-fi inspired atmospheres to enhance its cinematic quality.[29] Key influences evident in the album include 1970s hard rock and progressive styles reminiscent of Deep Purple and Rainbow, fused with modern progressive metal sensibilities through intricate compositions and virtuoso performances.[28] Extended guitar and synthesizer solos, along with dynamic tempo shifts, underscore these roots, allowing for elaborate instrumental sections that prioritize technical prowess over straightforward song structures.[30] The result is a heavy yet melodic prog metal sound that evokes classic rock grandeur while maintaining a forward-looking, futuristic edge.[31] Instrumentation plays a central role, with Arjen Lucassen's guitar work providing chunky riffs and precise solos, supported by guest contributions from artists like Steve Vai and Adrian Vandenberg for harmonic depth and lead moments.[3] Synthesizers, including Moog and Hammond organ, deliver atmospheric sci-fi effects and lush symphonic layers, while Ed Warby's powerful drumming drives the rhythmic complexity and intensity.[28] This setup enables dual-like guitar interplay through layered recordings and guest features, enhancing the album's textural richness without relying on a fixed dual-guitar lineup.[30] In terms of evolution, Revel in Time marks a heavier, more riff-oriented direction compared to the spacey progressive explorations of Star One's debut Space Metal (2002), shifting away from its ambient prog focus toward greater aggression and instrumental freedom.[30] It also contrasts with the more narrative-driven Victims of the Modern Age (2010) by emphasizing virtuoso musicianship and varied moods, resulting in a less uniform, more dynamic sound.[3] Standout elements include the title track's groove-infused riff and anthemic, darker chorus structure.[28] Guest vocalists contribute to this variety, adding distinct timbres that amplify the album's progressive versatility in a single sentence's worth of impact.[31]Themes and concept
Revel in Time serves as a loose concept album exploring themes of time manipulation, alternate realities, and the inexorable fate of humanity, drawing inspiration from various science fiction films without adhering to a rigid narrative storyline. Arjen Anthony Lucassen, the project's mastermind, selected tracks based on movies involving time travel and its consequences, such as the cyclical torment of repetition and the moral dilemmas of altering timelines. This approach allows the album to weave a tapestry of speculative ideas, emphasizing how temporal interventions reflect broader existential questions about free will and destiny.[20] Central motifs include the entrapment in time loops, as depicted in "Today Is Yesterday," which draws from Groundhog Day to illustrate the redemptive power of personal growth amid endless repetition. Existential dread permeates "Fate of Man," inspired by The Terminator, where humanity confronts an unstoppable mechanical apocalypse that questions survival and resistance against predetermined doom. Similarly, "Lost Children of the Universe," based on Interstellar, evokes the desperation of a species seeking refuge across cosmic distances, underscoring themes of legacy and the fragility of civilization in the face of temporal and spatial exile. These elements highlight the album's preoccupation with human resilience amid sci-fi hypotheticals.[32] The album's title derives from a quote in Blade Runner, Lucassen's nod to dystopian visions of time and identity, while broader influences encompass quantum-like paradoxes seen in films like Primer for "Prescient," which probes the ethical quagmires of inadvertent foresight and causality. Vocalist diversity amplifies thematic depth, with each track featuring a unique lead singer selected for stylistic fit; for instance, Brittney Slayes delivers an aggressive, urgent performance on the dystopian "Fate of Man," mirroring the track's themes of inevitable conflict. This variety—from soaring prog anthems to gritty riffs—enhances the immersive quality.[30][32][20] Lyrics employ poetic, metaphorical language that aligns seamlessly with the progressive structures, creating an auditory narrative where intricate time signatures and dynamic shifts parallel the disorientation of altered realities. By prioritizing emotional resonance over literal retellings, the words reinforce the music's riff-driven propulsion, fostering a sense of epic introspection that invites listeners to ponder their own place in the continuum of time.[32]Release and promotion
Commercial release
Revel in Time was commercially released on February 18, 2022, by InsideOut Music, a sub-label of Sony Music that specializes in progressive rock and metal releases.[33][34] The album's launch followed an initial announcement in October 2021, which included teaser artwork created by longtime collaborator Jef Bertels, depicting intricate sci-fi imagery to generate anticipation among fans.[35][3] The release was offered in multiple physical and digital formats to cater to collectors and listeners alike. Standard editions included a 2-CD digipak, while vinyl enthusiasts could access a limited 180-gram gatefold 2-LP pressing bundled with a CD. A deluxe edition featured a 3-CD + Blu-ray artbook package, complete with extras such as a poster and expanded liner notes.[3][5] Distribution was handled globally through InsideOut Music's network, encompassing physical copies via retailers and digital downloads/streaming platforms. Exclusive bundles, including signed merchandise and limited variants, were available directly from the band's official website to enhance direct fan engagement.[1][3]Singles and media
The lead single from Revel in Time, "Lost Children of the Universe", was released digitally on October 27, 2021, as a nearly ten-minute epic with a runtime of 9:46, featuring prominent vocals from Roy Khan and Tony Martin alongside contributions from Marcela Bovio and Irene Jansen.[36] The title track "Revel in Time" served as the second single, released on January 19, 2022, and included a music video directed by Arjen Lucassen that showcased zany sci-fi visuals evoking time-travel absurdity.[37][38] Promotional media extended beyond the singles with behind-the-scenes clips shared on YouTube and social media channels, offering glimpses into the recording process and guest artist sessions, such as those involving Steve Vai on guitar.[3][37] These singles were strategically chosen to encapsulate core thematic elements—lost souls adrift in "Lost Children of the Universe" and exuberant temporal revelry in the title track—with marketing efforts focusing on streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music to build anticipation ahead of the album's launch.[36][3][39] Owing to post-release timing and logistical challenges, no comprehensive tour materialized; promotion instead centered on virtual listening events and a series of interviews featuring Lucassen discussing the album's creation and collaborators.[9][40]Reception
Critical response
Revel in Time received generally positive reviews from progressive metal critics, who praised its ambitious composition, stellar guest contributions, and return to the project's heavy, sci-fi-infused roots.[41][24] Metal Injection awarded the album 9 out of 10, hailing it as a "progressive metal classic" for its riff-driven energy and masterful songwriting by Arjen Lucassen.[41] Sonic Perspectives rated it 9.3 out of 10, commending the impressive lineup of guest vocalists—including Floor Jansen, Russell Allen, and Roy Khan—and the polished, dynamic production that amplifies the album's epic scope.[24] User reviews on Prog Archives average 3.66 out of 5 based on 60 ratings, reflecting strong appreciation within the progressive community.[42] Critics frequently highlighted the virtuoso guitar solos, particularly Steve Vai's blistering performance on "The Year of the Aftermath," alongside the vocal diversity that brings fresh interpretations to Lucassen's intricate arrangements.[24][29] The album's emphasis on heavy riffs and atmospheric keyboards was seen as a successful evolution of Star One's sound, evoking classic sci-fi themes without relying on overarching narratives.[41][43] While overwhelmingly well-regarded, some reviewers noted minor drawbacks, such as occasionally cheesy lyrics and the potential for the 67-minute runtime to feel dense for casual listeners.[29][43] One outlier critique on Encyclopaedia Metallum described parts as "dull and tedious," though this was atypical amid the praise.[43] Aggregate scores from prog metal outlets hover around 85 out of 100, with no significant controversies surrounding the release.[41][24]Commercial performance
Revel in Time debuted at number one on the Dutch Album Top 100 chart, marking a strong homecoming for the project led by Dutch musician Arjen Lucassen.[44] The album also achieved notable peaks elsewhere in Europe, reaching number five on the Belgian Ultratop chart, number six on the German Official Charts, and number seven in Switzerland.[45] No certifications have been reported as of 2025, though sales have continued through vinyl reissues and bundled editions.[44] On digital platforms, the album topped several progressive metal playlists on Spotify, boosting its visibility among genre fans. The title single "Revel in Time" has surpassed 1 million streams, underscoring the track's appeal in streaming contexts.[39] The album's performance was bolstered by crossover appeal from Lucassen's established Ayreon fanbase and heightened demand for heavy progressive music during the pandemic era. Positive critical reception further enhanced its market visibility.Track listing
Standard edition
The standard edition of Revel in Time is released as a two-CD set or digital download, featuring 11 original tracks on Disc 1 and 11 alternate versions on Disc 2, each with different guest lead vocalists. The original tracks have a total runtime of 66:42.[3] The album showcases a rotating lineup of guest lead vocalists, emphasizing Lucassen's progressive metal style inspired by time-manipulation themes from films.[42]Disc 1
| No. | Title | Duration | Lead vocals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fate of Man | 5:29 | Brittney Slayes |
| 2 | 28 Days (Till the End of Time) | 7:21 | Russell Allen |
| 3 | Prescient | 6:34 | Michael Mills, Ross Jennings |
| 4 | Back from the Past | 4:50 | Jeff Scott Soto |
| 5 | Revel in Time | 4:38 | Brandon Yeagley |
| 6 | The Year of '41 | 6:20 | Joe Lynn Turner |
| 7 | Bridge of Life | 5:14 | Damian Wilson |
| 8 | Today is Yesterday | 5:46 | Dan Swanö |
| 9 | A Hand on the Clock | 5:52 | Floor Jansen |
| 10 | Beyond the Edge of It All | 4:52 | John Jaycee Cuijpers |
| 11 | Lost Children of the Universe | 9:46 | Roy Khan |
Disc 2 (alternate versions)
| No. | Title | Duration | Lead vocals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fate of Man | 5:29 | Marcela Bovio |
| 2 | 28 Days (Till the End of Time) | 7:21 | John Jaycee Cuijpers |
| 3 | Prescient | 6:34 | Will Shaw |
| 4 | Back from the Past | 4:50 | John Jaycee Cuijpers |
| 5 | Revel in Time | 4:38 | John Jaycee Cuijpers |
| 6 | The Year of '41 | 6:20 | Alessandro Del Vecchio |
| 7 | Bridge of Life | 5:14 | Wilmer Waarbroek |
| 8 | Today is Yesterday | 5:46 | Arjen Lucassen |
| 9 | A Hand on the Clock | 5:52 | Marcela Bovio, Irene Jansen |
| 10 | Beyond the Edge of It All | 4:52 | Mike Andersson |
| 11 | Lost Children of the Universe | 9:46 | Tony Martin |