In 2008, Lucassen released a new Ayreon album, "01011001", which achieved commercial success, reaching No. 2 in the Dutch album chart. The album was meant to be the conclusion of the Ayreon storyline, and after its release Lucassen decided to temporarily stop Ayreon, because he was not inspired to continue and also because many critics (despite the album being well reviewed) noted that there was nothing new being offered on "01011001"; he believed that he might make more Ayreon albums in the future, but that they would not follow the same storyline.