Jeff Loomis returns to the studio at the end of this month to begin recording his eagerly awaited sophomore solo album. With key players contributing to the release, there is no doubt fans will be pleased. Aaron Smith (7 Horns 7 Eyes) will be producing the album.

Jeff Loomis says: "He [Smith] has been a friend for a while now and has helped me out with various recording projects over the years. We've been working on demos and pre-production for the past few weeks and are very happy with the way things are turning out."

Loomis has also enlisted a group of impressive musicians to back the project. Dirk Verbeuren of Soilwork will be tracking drums, and Shane Lentz will be handling bass.

He fills in: "Doing drums, as most of you know, is Dirk Verbeuren. I don't think there's really anything else I can add to that. His name just sort of speaks for itself. Up until about 2 weeks ago, I was planning on doing the bass parts myself but then saw this amazing bass player on YouTube and said to myself, 'I need to have him on the record.' I got in touch and was thrilled to find out he was into it. I'm really looking forward to hearing what he's going to be bringing to these songs."

In addition, Loomis plans on collaborating with a handful of other vocalists and musicians including Christine Rhodes, who previously contributed to Nevermore's Dreaming Neon Black album.

The album is set for release in Spring 2012.

Source:	thegauntlet.com
Band profile:	Jeff Loomis