Ayreon mastermind Arjen Lucassen has revealed more vocal additions to his project’s upcoming album, Transitus.

In a video posted to Lucassen’s YouTube channel Tuesday (19), he teases a couple of songs with female vocals, which he soon revealed belong to Oceans of Slumber’s Cammie Gilbert. Gilbert will be singing the role of Abby on the album. 

“I am super excited to be part of the new Ayreon album ‘Transitus,’” said Gilbert in the video. “I really, really hope you enjoy it!”

Following that announcement, Lucassen also revealed via Facebook Watch that Toehider musician Michael Mills would be joining him once again, this time as “The Statue.” This will be Mills’ third appearance on an Ayreon album, as he has featured on 2013’s The Theory of Everything and 2017’s The Source.

“I’m very proud to announce that I’ll be singing on the brand new Ayreon album ‘Transitus,’ said Mills. “It’s been a pleasure working on this album. Would you believe that this is my third consecutive Ayreon appearance? I mean, I don’t want to brag but… How many other singers can say they’ve sung on three Ayreon albums in a row, huh? Haha!… Tommy Karevik has done three as well, has he? Damn!”

Last week, Lucassen revealed that ‘Dr. Who’ actor Tom Baker (the fourth Doctor), would be narrating the story, while Kamelot vocalist Tommy Karevik would be playing the character of Daniel. This is also Karevik’s third time featuring on an Ayreon album, as he also appeared on The Theory of Everything and The Source.

Lucassen announced the release of Transitus through a video on May 8 with the caption, “I’m happy to announce that my new album will be… an Ayreon! The title is: TRANSITUS. Many more teasers and guessing games coming soon, let the speculating begin :-).”

Alongside the Transitus album, Ayreon plans to release a corresponding comic book. Said Lucassen at the time, “I’m very proud to tell you that for the very first time the new Ayreon album will be released with a genuine 25-page comic book! It’s illustrated by the renowned artist Felix Vega. Here is a sneak peek, the pages are animated by Dave Letelier. Hope you like it as much as this nerd here does!”

A release date for Transitus has not been announced yet. Ayreon released the live album, Electric Castle Live and Other Tales, in March.

 

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Elise Yablon