09/11/2013 17:28

Ayreon

Ayreon: 'The Theory of Everything' coming in October

More details of the new Ayreon album 'The Theory of Everything's has been revealed:

- It is double album
- It begins a completely new story line for the Ayreon universe
- It comprises four 20-plus minute epics divided into 42 separate tracks
- Its a true rock opera with a dramatic, real-world story
- It will be released in 4 editions, including an exclusive limited edition and vinyl (details TBA)
- The DVD for the special and limited editions features two-and-a-half hours of behind-the-scenes content
- The scheduled release date is 28 October, 2013, via InsideOut Music

The artwork was created by the one and only Ayreon-veteran Jef Bertels.

This 4-song (see the track listing below) double album will include many guests again. Here are the lists (thus far):

Vocals:
Marco Hietala (Nightwish/Tarot)
Cristina Scabbia (Lacuna Coil)
JB Christoffersson (Grand Magus)
Michael Mills (Toehider)
John Wetton (Asia)
Sara Squadrani (Ancient Bards)
Tommy Karevik (Kamelot/Seventh Wonder)
Wilmer Waarbroek (backing vocals)

Guitars:
Steve Hackett

Keyboardists:
Keith Emerson (ELP)
Rick Wakeman (Yes)
Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater)

Flutes:
Jeroen Goossens

Uillean pipes and Low Whistle:
Troy Donockley (Bad Shepherds, Nightwish)

Violins:
Ben Mathot

Cello:
Maaike Peterse

Bouzouki:
Michael Mills (Toehider)

Orchestrations:
Siddharta Barnhoorn

Drums:
Ed Warby

(source: Arjen Lucassen)

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(older news about the topic):

Arjen Lucassen has finished the recording sessions of new Ayreon album, 'The Theory of Everything'. It will be released on November 1st, 2013. The album will be a double album once again.

Lucassen commented earlier: "I've finished recording demos of the music, I'm now about half-way finished with the lyrics. It's going to be a double album, so there is a lot to write. It's extra challenging as well, because lyrically I've left the old Ayreon universe behind, and I have to create a new one from scratch. I'm really excited about the line-up and how everything is progressing so far."

His latest news: "Finally...I'm basically ready with the new Ayreon album! Just in time for a release this year, I'm happy to say."

Guest artists featuring on this new album will be Ed Warby (drums), Maaike Peterse (cello), Jeroen Goossens (flutes). Name of the first singer has been revealed, as it is Marco Hietala (Tarot, Nightwish).

(source: Arjen Lucassen)