Composer and multi-instrumentalist ARJEN LUCASSEN has firmly established himself worldwide as driving force in progressive rock. While best known for his rock opera project AYREON, the multi-talented Dutchman also regularly embarks on musical side projects, which explore different aspects of Lucassen’s musical personality. As his previous project (GUILT MACHINE’s “On This Perfect Day” 2009) was a relatively relaxed and subtle affair, LUCASSEN’s muses responded by urging him to record something loud, heavy and anything but subtle for this new release. Thus it was a perfect opportunity to launch his musical spacecraft towards the galaxy of bombastic sci-fi rock by revisiting his STAR ONE project. 

The result is the album “Victims of the Modern Age,” the follow-up to the STAR ONE debut album, “Space Metal” (2002). Compared to “Space Metal,” the overall sound of “Victims Of The Modern Age” is darker, heavier, more guitar-oriented, and slightly less “spacey”. ARJENhas also raised the bar significantly when it comes to the album’s sound: “I think it’s my best sounding album to date; it’s a huge difference compared to the first STAR ONE. For the guitars I spent weeks experimenting with different amps and settings in every combination imaginable — and it was worth it. The drums sound fantastic, and the vocalists all outdid themselves, putting in even stronger performances than they did the first time around.”