Was it even real? A hoax? A dream? A deal with the devil? A testament to DIY record-selling?

Whatever actually happened, ORION apparently came and went, as Ryan Adams' website reports that stock of his “first fully-realized sci-fi metal concept album” is fresh out.

The record was up for sale as of Wedesday morning [or Tuesday night–see first comment], and by 5 p.m., was long gone.

ORION was available only as a deluxe package, pressed on heavy-duty clear vinyl and accompanied by a download card and a poster.

No word yet as to how many copies of the release exist, but Adams' website and self-run record label Pax Am promises that compact discs will not be forthcoming.

Perhaps the thrash has something to do with the hearing loss that prompted Adams to leave his band the Cardinals behind last year?

Former Cardinal Jamie Candiloro is credited with drums and synth on ORION, which was recorded in 2006, with a Dale Nixon listed on bass. It's unclear whether the latter is a pseudonym.

Thankfully, fans of the small, medium and large persuasion can still pick up the ORION long-sleeve T-shirt (XL is sold out), which features a heavily armed warrior type (Ghorgon, perhaps?) riding a ferocious-looking man-sized arachnid.

That unforgettable image comes courtesy of Voivod member Michel Langevin.

DOWNLOAD: Ryan Adams – “Electrosnake” [MP3]

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