In an interview posted at his official fan club website, MICHAEL KISKE (ex-HELLOWEEN) comments on the new AVANTASIA album, stating, "I like it this time a lot more. Tobi (Avantasia mastermind Tobias Sammet) gets better and better as a songwriter and also a little braver to break down barriers. All music-scenes need that more than anything! Especially 'Lost In Space' is really good and my type of material..."

Read the full interview with Michael at this location.

As previously reported, EDGUY frontman Tobias Sammet has confirmed that ALICE COOPER, and Rudolph Schenker (SCORPIONS) will also appear on his forthcoming Avantasia record. In addition, he wil be bringing Avantasia to the stage at the Wacken Open Air 2008 as one of the headline acts.

Sammet has issued the following statement: "I am really proud and grateful to have Rudolf and Alice as guests on the album. I am glad Rudolf finally managed to do it as the Scorpions have been so busy promoting their new album Humanity Hour1, which I think is their best since 1987. We had to re-schedule the session once and finally we worked things out catching up backstage in Slovakia during a Scorpions/Edguy show. And what can I say about Alice Cooper? He is a unique American legend! Everybody knows him and all I can say is: I ain't worthy, I ain't worthy! The role he's sung suits him perfectly! Both Rudolf and Alice - did great performances and I am truely blessed to have won them as special guests for my album!

I love Michael's voice, he is the singer that made me want to become a singer myself twenty years ago. I am happy and proud that he is part of Avantasia again."

Other artists appearing on the new Avantasia album include Sascha Paeth (producer/guitars), Henjo Richter (GAMMA RAY/guitars), Eric Singer (KISS, Alice Cooper/drums), Miro (keyboards), Jorn Lande (ex-MASTERPLAN/vocals), Bob Catley (MAGNUM/vocals) and Amanda Somerville (vocals).

The album, Lost In Space Part 1 and Part 2 will be released on October 19th.