Ayreon is a progressive metal project started by Dutch composer and musician Arjen Anthony Lucassen in 1995. Based in Hilversum, Netherlands, Ayreon's musical style derives mostly from heavy metal and progressive rock, but combines them with genres like folk, classical and electronica. The majority of Ayreon's albums are dubbed a "rock opera" with an ongoing science fiction storyline featuring a host of characters, usually with each one being represented by a unique vocalist.