The Theory of Everything (Ayreon album)

The Theory of Everything
Studio album by Ayreon
Released	28 October 2013
Recorded	June 2012 – August 2013
Genre	Progressive rock progressive metal
Length	89:33
Label	Inside Out Music
Producer	Arjen Lucassen
Ayreon chronology
Timeline (2008) The Theory of Everything (2013) The Source (2017)
Arjen Anthony Lucassen chronology
Lost in the New Real (2012) The Theory of Everything (2013) The Diary (2015)

The Theory of Everything (stylized as ŦĦΣ ŦĦΣΦɌ¥ ΦƑ ΣVΣɌΨŦĦIΠG) is the eighth studio album from Ayreon, a progressive metal/rock opera project by Dutch musician Arjen Anthony Lucassen, released on 28 October 2013.^[1]

As with every Ayreon album, it is a concept album with each character being portrayed by a unique singer; however, it is separate from the science fiction storyline featured in most Ayreon albums, instead acting as a stand-alone story set in modern times. In the story, a young scientist sets out to solve the theory of everything, an explanation to all aspects of the universe, while navigating his troubled mental health and personal life.^[2] Lucassen composed all the music, and wrote the story and lyrics with his girlfriend Lori Linstruth, making it the first Ayreon album in which he shares lyrics credit for all songs.

In the typical style of the project, the album features several guest singers to portray the characters across the album, including Tommy Karevik of Kamelot and Seventh Wonder, Marko Hietala of Nightwish and Tarot, Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil, and Asia and former King Crimson member John Wetton. It also features various guest musicians such as keyboardists Rick Wakeman (ex-Yes), Keith Emerson (ex-Emerson, Lake & Palmer), Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), and guitarist Steve Hackett (ex-Genesis). It is Lucassen's first collaboration with every singer on the album, with the exception of backing vocalist Wilmer Waarbroek, who already sung on Lucassen's solo album Lost in the New Real.

According to Lucassen, the album is "four long tracks divided into various segments", with each song longer than 20 minutes for a total of almost one hour and a half of music.^[3] The complete number of segments is 42, which is the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, recognized by Lucassen as a direct reference.^[4] On 18 December 2013 Lucassen released on YouTube a free version of the album with all vocals sung by Waarbroek.^[5]

The Theory of Everything was a commercial success and received acclaim from audience and critics, who praised its instrumental sections, songwriting, story, and the performances of the cast.