Ayreon sign with Mascot Label Group

Arjen Lucassen
Arjen Lucassen (Image credit: Lori Linstruth)

Ayreon have signed a deal with Mascot Label Group.

The project led by multi-instrumentalist Arjen Lucassen have hooked up with the label for the digital release of seven of the band’s albums.

1995’s The Final Experiment, 1996’s Actual Fantasy, 1998’s Into the Electric Castle, 2000’s Universal Migrator Part 1: The Dream Sequencer and Universal Migrator Part 2: Flight of the Migrator, 2004’s The Human Equation, and 2008’s 01011001 are now available via all major digital platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.

Lucassen says: “At first I didn’t feel the urge to change labels. But in the back of my mind was the feeling that I really liked the atmosphere and the people at Mascot.

“This Dutch company just felt good. CEO Ed van Zijl simply said yes to everything I asked for. Plus, it was time for a fresh new start.”

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Lucassen would guest on Stewart Bell’s upcoming album The Antechamber Of Being Part 2.

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Scott has spent 35 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott keeps Louder’s buyer’s guides up to date, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more for Louder. Over the last 10 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, The Tragically Hip, Marillion and Rush.