Mark Jansen is a musical genius, and a workaholic as well. Although EPICA has been touring around the world for months, he found the time to put another band together, which he takes very seriously: MAYAN. Mark founded MAYAN together with Jack Driessen (ex AFTER FOREVER) and Frank Schiphorst, named after the wise and rich mayan culture.

"There was only one record label we wanted to sign with: Nuclear Blast, so we didn't even look for other companies to work with and we're very happy that this appreciation is mutual", Mark says and announces: "The debut album will be recorded and mixed at the end of the year 2010 and the beginning of 2011 by SaschaPaeth (who produced the former EPICA records as well). We're also stoked to announce that Jeroen Paul Thesseling (PESTILENCE, OBSCURA), known for his signature six-string fretless playing in progressive death Metal, will join as permanent member on bass guitar. Also Isaac Delahaye and Arien van Weesenbeek(EPICA) will complete the line up!"

The release of the album will take place around May 2011 and the CD presentation will take place at the Paradiso in Amsterdam. The music is a mixture of death, black and progressive Metal combined with symphonic orchestral arrangements. "We'll work with some very interesting guests and these will be announced very soon!"

Check out the first trailer HERE.

Source: www.NuclearBlast.De