The Final Experiment

I. The Time Telepathy Experiment Merlin: This is the voice of Merlin! Listen well, for it concerns you. This chronicle commences in the year 2084 A.D. Mankind has virtually destroyed itself, its survival depends on "The Final Experiment". Scientists from the 21st century, have developed a new computer-program, called "Time Telepathy". By using this technique, they have sent visions of, humanities decline back in time. These transmissions have been received, by the mind of a blind minstrel, who lives in 6th century Britain. His name is Ayreon! II. Overture (Instrumental) III. Ayreon's Quest Merlin: It shall be Ayreon's quest, to sing of these visions. And thus warn the world, of its impending downfall, in order to change its future, into a long and prosperous one.

Submitted by Finntroll — Nov 08, 2025

Act I: The Dawning (Part I) I. The Premonition Merlin: Let us go back, to the dark ages! "A strange sensation comes over Ayreon, as if something mysterious is about to occur." II. Dreamtime (Words Become a Song) "Suddenly a vision emerges, in Ayreon's ever-black world, and he finds himself singing about, the horrid projections etched into his brain." Ayreon: A cry in the silence, a shine in the dark. Like a rising star, the dream is coming. Images of violence, a flight through time and space. It's such a lonely place, the dream has started. The smoke is rising, the vision's getting clearer, and words become a song, in the dreamtime. I've lost control, marooned and cold. I suffer the fears, of a future untold. I cannot change, the shape of things to come! The smoke is rising, the vision's getting clearer, and words become a song, in the dreamtime. The smoke is rising, the vision's getting clearer. The hands of time, are whirling around. I'm realizing, the future's getting nearer, and words become a song. The smoke is rising, the vision's getting clearer, and words become a song! III. The Awakening (Instrumental) "Abruptly the vision ends, and Ayreon recedes into his Darkness..."

Submitted by Cyberwaste — Nov 08, 2025

A. Eyes of Time I cannot see with these eyes! My world is dark Like a cold eternal night I could not tell you no lies! My words are lost In a shroud of mystery Tell me what you see! I cannot tell you now I see the world through the eyes of time! Tell me what you feel! I wouldn't know how I cannot free my mind! (From the eyes of time) I do not know where I am! I'm lost in time Drifting in eternity I cannot tell if it's real A fantasy Or a view of things to come Tell me what you see! I cannot tell you now I see the world through the eyes of time! Tell me what you feel! I wouldn't know how I cannot free my mind! (From the eyes of time) I'm still trying to understand Why do I see the things I see? Could it be a future world That's warning us through me? I'm still trying to understand Why do I know the things I know? Does it mean I'm a god? Will nobody tell me so? Tell me what you see! I cannot tell you now I see the world through the eyes of time! Tell me what you feel! I wouldn't know how I cannot free my mind! Tell me what you see! I see the world through the eyes of time! Tell me what you feel! I wouldn't know how I cannot free my mind... Free my mind... free my mind... Free my mind... Free my mind... B. Brainwaves

Submitted by Sexy Gargoyle — Feb 06, 2026

Act I: The Dawning (Part III) I. A New Dawn (Instrumental) "The perceptable tension is hovering, above Ayreon's hometown. Something is at hand!" II. The Gathering (Instrumental) "The town people gather, on the market square to judge of Ayreon. Is he a prophet or a charlatan, or even worse: An apparition unholy?" III. The Accusation "The villagers accuse Ayreon of being the Devil's spawn, but Ayreon persists in his innocence." Villagers: Have you seen his eyes, up in the skies, like hypnotized. And he never smiles, he never cries. Have you heard his song, fierce and strong, right or wrong? Should he be condemned, for he doesn't belong. Ayreon: What have I done? Villagers: You've aroused, the forces of destruction. Ayreon: What have I done? Villagers: You've unleashed, the rage of the Gods! Ayreon: What have I done? Villagers: You've denounced, the wonder of creation. Ayreon: What have I done? Villagers: You've betrayed your own, now you have to pay. It has been foretold, in days of old. An evil soul, will corrupt the world, to achieve his goal. He's the Devil's seed, an evil breed, he's gonna make you bleed. He'll take all he needs, with uncontrollable greed. Ayreon: What have I done? Villagers: You've aroused, the forces of destruction. Ayreon: What have I done? Villagers: You've unleashed, the rage of the Gods! Ayreon: What have I done? Villagers: You've denounced, the wonder of creation. Ayreon: What have I done? Villagers: You've betrayed your own, now you have to pay. You have to pay! Ayreon: I've done nothing at all, no nothing at all! IV. The Banishment (Instrumental) "With sticks and torches in hand, the angry villagers drive Ayreon out of their demesne." V. Oblivion Completely exhausted, Ayreon roams through the forest, only an indistinct sense of accomplishment sustains him." Ayreon: If I have died, then this must be Hell. if I'm alive, I cannot break this gruesome spell. I am seeking relief, and finding none. I have fallen, into oblivion. A force within, dominates my tormented soul, and empowers me, to regain absolute control. I shall not yield, for I am the chosen one, who shall rise from oblivion.

Submitted by Cyberwaste — Nov 08, 2025

A new horizon Hear the travellers call! Behold there lies a kingdom Go forth, ye minstrel tall! Sing of your wisdom Spread tidings of joy A feast of song and laughter Ye courtyard minstrel boy O'dance thee 'round the table For conquerors and kings! Thou must win the heart of Gweniviere Fair maiden of the king! Thy lord, thy master Arthur thee so bold Heed the words of Ayreon And thy future will unfold! Sing ye tales of wonder Whilst ye hide behind the joy! Cast thy spell asunder Ye courtyard minstrel boy! Sing ye, oh sing ye, courtyard minstrel boy! Sing ye, oh sing ye, courtyard minstrel boy! A day of splendour How beautiful birds sing! Ladies, lords and masters And rainbows he would bring! A child's sadness Sweet dreams, oh princely boy! Let thine eyes reveal the madness Ye courtyard minstrel boy! Sing ye tales of wonder Whilst ye hide behind the joy! Cast thy spell asunder Ye courtyard minstrel boy!

Submitted by Sexy Gargoyle — Feb 06, 2026

Noble men in shining armour Knights of the table round Go out and ride like thunder! Cross the sky at the speed of... Sound the horn, 'n blow the trumpets Upon the castle wall Now the quest has started Listen to the prophet's call! The prophet's call, yeah yeah Sail away! Sail away to Avalon! The journey has begun Sail away through the night! Sail away, never die! The gods are at your side Sail away through the night, sail away! Ride on the road to glory Find the holy grail And learn the ancient story's More than just a... Fairy-tale about the key to life And all its mysteries You'll find the grail within you Slay the dragon in your dreams! Sail away! Sail away to Avalon! The journey has begun Sail away through the night! Sail away, never die! The gods are at your side Sail away through the night... Sail away! Sail away to Avalon! The journey has begun Sail away through the night! Sail away, never die! The gods are at your side Sail away through the night...

Submitted by Sexy Gargoyle — Feb 06, 2026

I can smell the grass, and touch the flowers Among the trees, I pass the hours and fantasize I let the dance of nature inspire me Now my mind is free from apparitions I switch off like a 'television', and close my eyes And I wish that I could see like everybody can... How I wish that I could be like any other man... I can't see the sun, but I sense its glow I hear the sound of water flowing down the stream And my heart cries out for a little bit o' love But I know that it was not meant to be So I fulfill my destiny and accept my fate Still I wish that I could see like everybody can... (Like everybody can...) How I wish that I could be like any other man...

Submitted by Sexy Gargoyle — Feb 06, 2026

Act III: Visual Echoes (Part I) "Ayreon describes a distant future, in which technology triumphs over passion, and "serving" computers will gradually gain, control over mankind" Ayreon: I see a future cold as ice, where all the love has gone. I see a race that pays the price, for everything it's done. I see shadows of giant machines, cast upon the land. I see a world where kings nor queens, but chips are in command. nowNthe end has just begun, technology has won. And it cannot be undone! There will be nowhere to run, now the damage has been done. Game over! Game over! I see a game gone out of hand, and memories erased. I see a programmed masterplan, and man will be replaced. I see a planet die in space, and slowly fade away. I see the end of the human race, there has to be a way. There will be nowhere to run, now the damage has been done. Game over! Game over!

Submitted by Celtic Frost — Apr 26, 2025

Echoes of a thousand screams Smoke, blood and fire A deserted battlefield Millions of men will die At one man's desire And the docile mass will yield All through the ages Men will die before their time In an everlasting war! As long as man is taught That war is not a crime Man will fight for evermore! Out of the ashes A warlord will arise And tyrannize the land! His reign of terror Will cost many a sacrifice An inferno is at hand! All through the centuries Men will be caged In the name of liberty! As long as man shall live Wars will be waged Or will we ever be set free? Set me free! Oooohh... Set me free! Pray god almighty! Set me free! Set me free! Set me free! Set me free, oh lord! Set me free! I'm begging you, I'm begging thee, just to set me free! Ohhhh! The road to ruin Gets shorter all the time As technology will improve It takes but one man To commit the ultimate crime And make the final move! All through the ages Men will die before their time In an everlasting war! As long as man shall live Wars will be waged! Or will we ever, will we ever be set free? Set me free! Oooohh... Set me free! Pray god almighty! Set me free! Set me free! Set me free! Set me free, oh lord! Set me free! I'm begging you, I'm begging thee, just to set me free! Ohhhh!

Submitted by Sexy Gargoyle — Feb 06, 2026

Act III: Visual Echoes (Part III) "Ayreon warns the people, that if man does not mend his ways, man will contaminate the skies, so there will be no more air to breathe, he will poison the seas, so there will be no more water to drink, and he will pollute the land, so there will be no more food to live." Ayreon: All the trees have fallen, the soil is scorched and dry. I can't respire, a storm of fire, is raging in the sky. Where is all the wildlife, extinct from pole to pole. The hunt for skin, a deadly sin, took it's heavy toll. The seas are red, the skies are grim, the soil is filled with graves. The earth is dead, the sun is dim, listen to the waves. We befoul the air, and burn a hole in the sky. Deadly rays from outer space, cause our race to die. Standing at the crossroads, a choice of life and death. We'll take more care and clear the air, or take our final breath. The seas are red, the skies are grim, the soil is filled with graves. The earth is dead, the sun is dim, listen to the waves.

Submitted by Pestilence — Apr 26, 2025

Act III: Visual Echoes (Part IV) "Somehow Ayreon senses that his fate is upon him, and he implores, no he commands his future tormentors, to grant him one last moment in splendour in place, of all misery that haunts his mind. But no one hears his plea..." Ayreon: I sense a fear deep inside, the end is near, I cannot hide. Blood is spilt, my quest is unfulfilled. There's still so much I long to see, I need to touch, I wish to be. I can't believe this is all I can achieve. Hark me now and let me go, to far-away lands and distant shores, an angel at my side. No evil plans, or future wars. Take me high, on a magic ride. Did you ever care how I could feel, as you dreamt up this one-way deal? My Lords of time, don't you understand? My life's been rough, I was born to lose. I've had enough of them future-blues. Grant my wish, my wish is your command. Hark me now and let me go, to far-away lands and distant shores, an angel at my side. No evil plans, or future wars. Take me high, on a magic ride. "The great Merlin, Arthur's magician and prophet, has observed Ayreon's endeavours argus-eyed, but now he believes the moment has come for him to intervene."

Submitted by Sexy Gargoyle — Apr 26, 2025

Ayreon! Don't you know who I am? Ayreon! I'll have you know that I can Charm you with a wave of my hand! You bow to my command! Ayreon! You're an evil stranger! Ayreon! You've become a danger! Your words are all but a lie! I vow that ye shall die! It's Merlin's will, his will be done! The end has come for Ayreon! It's Merlin's will, and his will be done! Ayreon! You're in my domain now! Ayreon! I renounce your name now! No one will know who you are! You'll fade out like a star! It's Merlin's will, his will be done! The end has come for Ayreon! It's Merlin's will, and his will be done!

Submitted by Sexy Gargoyle — Feb 06, 2026

I've been lost in the valley of nightmares I've been found in the garden of dreams Speak thy charm, I know you are out there Cast thy spell and silence their screams As I poise on the edge of life Where time disappears I bow in fear To the charm of the Seer I've seen fear in valiant faces I've seen hope in desperate eyes Lead me home to familiar places Lead me back to crystalline skies As I poise on the edge of life Where time disappears I bow in fear To the charm of the Seer I have failed, I have been forsaken! I've been scorned and misunderstood! I have lost, my life has been taken! I'd surrender if only I could! As I poise on the edge of life Where time disappears I bow in fear To the charm of the Seer! I bow in fear to the charm of the Seer! (Ooooooohh....) I bow in fear to the charm of the Seer! (Ooooooohh....) I bow in fear to the charm of the Seer! (Ooooooohh....) I bow in fear to the charm of the Seer! (Ooooooohh....) I bow in fear to the charm of the Seer! (Ooooooohh....) I bow in fear to the charm of the Seer! (Ooooooohh....) I bow in fear to the charm of the Seer! (Ooooooohh....) I bow in fear to the charm of the Seer! Ooooooooooohh-hoh-hoh-hooo! Hoh-hoo! (I bow in fear to the charm of the Seer!) Ooooooohh....

Submitted by Sexy Gargoyle — Feb 06, 2026

This track is instrumental.

Is this song not instrumental?

I. Ayreon's Fate Misguided Merlin You fail to understand I could never be your rival! I was just a pawn In a future master plan For the purpose of survival Ayreon, I’ve cast my spell upon you I have no faith You cannot be true Ayreon! I forgive you, Merlin For you don't know what you've done Even for you, it was all a mystery One day you’ll see That I was the one Who could change the course of history Ayreon, your words are all in vain Close your eyes There'll be no more pain Oh, Ayreon... II. Merlin's Prophecy I see one day His story will be told At the end of the 20th century I see one day The truth will unfold And the quest has now begun Oh, Ayreon! I hope one day That man will understand It's in his power To change his destiny I hope one day He'll do all that he can And all the nations will be one Oh, Ayreon! C. Epilogue The outcome of The Final Experiment has now been placed in your hands... *Clock Ticking*

Submitted by Sexy Gargoyle — Feb 06, 2026