AYREON

the brainchild of Dutch guitarist Arjen Lucassen (ex-BODINE, VENGEANCE), have inked a new deal with Inside Out Records. Lucassen's first release for Inside Out under the AYREON banner will be the band's much-anticipated new CD, “The Human Equation”, tentatively due in May.

In other news, URIAH HEEP's Ken Hensley and IQ keyboardist Martin Orford have both been recruited to appear on the upcoming album. “Ken was asked if he could give a killer Hammond performance, and he delivered in true URIAH HEEP form,” reads a posting on Lucassen's web site.

As previously reported, “The Human Equation” will feature guest appearances by a number of world-class singers, including James LaBrie (DREAM THEATER), Mikael Ĺkerfeldt (OPETH), Devin Townsend (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD), Devon Graves (a.k.a. Buddy Lackey, DEAD SOUL TRIBE, ex-PSYCHOTIC WALTZ), Magnus Ekwall (THE QUILL), Heather Findlay (MOSTLY AUTUMN), Eric Clayton (SAVIOUR MACHINE) and Mike Baker (SHADOW GALLERY).