Arjen Lucassen was confirmed as a guest in the upcoming AVANTASIA album "The Mystery Of Time". Here's what Tobias has to say about this addition:
"To me he used to be what John D. Rockerduck is to Scrooge McDuck: An adamant long time rival; in our case when it comes to producing Rock Operas. Well, if you can't beat your enemy make him your ally! And so I opened the door and literally invited pestilence into my world, ha! Seriously, the truth is that the 'pestilence' I'm talking about is really one of the nicest, coolest and loveliest plagues I've ever come to know, an ambitious artist through and through and a real great guitar player. So, having just come back from a shopping tour in 2012 -where apparently he found himself a brand new pair of bad-ass pants & boots- he went into the studio to record some additional lead guitar for the forthcoming AVANTASIA album "The Mystery Of Time": AYREON mastermind Arjen Anthony Lucassen!
Arjen, if you read this: Killer pants, hope you had a Merry Christmas and I wish you a happy 200110010013! ;-) You rock! Groetjes, Tobi"
In March 2013 the new AVANTASIA Rock Opera "The Mystery Of Time" will be released on CD and vinyl. The album is going to feature guest stars such as Biff Byford (SAXON), Michael Kiske (UNISONIC, ex-HELLOWEEN), Bruce Kulick (ex-KISS, ex-MEAT LOAF), Russell Gilbrook (URIAH HEEP), Arjen A. Lucassen (AYREON, ex-VENGEANCE) and the German Film Orchestra Babelsberg. More musicians will be announced soon. In April an all-star ensemble will set off on a world tour, playing 3 hour indoor shows on their own plus a few chosen festivals.
Source: www.TobiasSammet.Com