The news that Arjen would start working on a new STAR ONE album brought tears of joy in my eyes (well, not literally). "Space Metal" was an impressive album featuring songs inspired from sci-fi movies about space and an all-star lineup that served the role playing part like a Swiss clock. This time Arjen leaves aside the universe and deals with more down-to-Earth (still sci-fi) movies like "Planet Of The Apes", "Logan's Run" and "Clockwork Orange" among others. It is not a pure concert album, since there is not a storyline to follow but still "Victims Of The Modern Age" has a song flow that will keep the listener focused.

Looking at STAR ONE's all-star lineup you will find familiar to Arjen's works names; most of them have shared the studio with the multi-talented Dutchman giving birth to AYREON of the previous STAR ONE albums. The ingredients of this are top class and the question is whether Arjen managed to mix them up into a fine blend.

After the trademark Hammond driven intro (I love this sound!), "Digital Rain" comes with the trademark STAR ONE space-out keyboards. The vocals follow the aforementioned role playing pattern serving the lyrics in the unique way that Arjen uses in every story telling album. The first impression with this track is that STAR ONE sound heavier than the debut album and specifically the guitars have "moved" one step forward making the rhythm section solid and Metal oriented. This album cannot be described as a rock opera like the AYREON works, since every track can stand by its one, giving the feeling of completeness. "Earth That Was" comes next with a killer guitar riff proving Arjen's intentions to make STAR ONE sound heavier. And he does a magnificent work without losing something from all the elements that make STAR ONE so recognizable. From the 70s keyboard groove until the multi vocals that give life to the roles, they are impersonating. There is no way to identify the highlights of the album since the level of musicianship is high throughout the entire "Victims Of The Modern Age". But among these gems "24 Hours" stands on top of the cream; this track is amazingly atmospheric and builds a tension exactly like an action movie. Damien Wilson and Russell Allen do a killer vocal duet and tell the story (probably inspired by the "Escape From New York" movie) leading to the climax of the chorus lines. Arjen has proven himself as the perfect casting director by choosing the best voices for his music and by combining them in the best probably way. Listening to the difference voices, the listener can imagine the different characters and after a couple of listening sessions, their emotions become also apparent. The only complaint I have from this album is the lack of female vocals in the leading singing positions since the backing voice do not count...

Arjen has done it again! This is another fine album that is close to perfection with colourful images created by the different instruments and voices. I gave the last AYREON a rating 9/10 saying that I will keep the absolute 10/10 for Arjen's next album. But, I cannot give that rating yet, since Mr Lucassen always hides an ace up his sleeve! Whoever knows his work has probably pre-ordered the special edition that comes with additional tracks featuring Tony Martin (ex-BLACK SABBATH singer) in the guest list. The rest of you should check the first STAR ONE album, move on to the AYREON back catalogue and if all these have been digested, grab "Victims Of The Modern Age".