(Review from metal-archives.com, progarchives.com)

Ayreon second release is the only one which does not stick to the plot that is gradually developed on the other albums, namely that science fiction story about the alien species called Forevers and their pursuit of rediscovering their lost emotions. “Actual Fantasy” also develops science-fiction and social themes, but they are taken separately. That said, this release can be regarded as the easiest to listen from the Ayreon catalogue, not only because of the independent songs, but also because this is the less progressive work Lucassen has developed in the Ayreon project.

Highlights? “Abbey of Synn” is one of them, not only because of the inspiration from Umberto Eco’s novel “The name of the rose”, the song, despite its length, manages to capture the listener’s attention due to its atmospheric and vocal passages. The next two songs, “Stranger from within” and “Computer Eyes” follow the same manner. The electronic passages are intertwined throughout the album, “Computer eyes” and “Far side of the world” are full of them.

Arjen Lucassen has never been the man for outstanding guitar solos, so this album kind of lacks this component, but it’s compensated by the strong use of electric sounds, acoustic guitars, the overused layer of synths and of course, the metal incorporated.

Added to this, there are the lyrics which treat, as mentioned, various themes, such as: mental fantasies, criticism on the inappropriate and excessive use of computer games and virtual reality, post-death experiences and so on.

Although this is a great feat of musical composition, arrangement and technical precision; it’s actually not one of the best albums of the band. Ayreon was destined to do a lot better.

Line-up:
- Arjen Anthony Lucassen / all instruments
with
- Robert Soeterbeek / vocals
- Edward Reekers / vocals
- Okkie Huysden / vocals
- Cleem Determeijer / synth solo (3, 4)
- Rene Merkelenbach / hammond, synth solo (2)

Track List:
01. Actual Fantasy – 1:33
02. Abbey Of Synn – 9:34
03. The Stranger From Within – 7:40
04. Computer Eyes – 7:27
05. Beyond The Last Horizon – 7:35
06. Farside Of The World – 6:20
07. Back On Planet Earth – 7:04
08. Forevermore – 7:16
09. The Dawn Of Man (Bonus) – 7:32
10. The Stranger From Within (Bonus Single) – 3:38

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