Andy DiGelsomina, composer and lead guitarist for the heavy metal opera project LYRAKA, has issued this statement:

"AL ATKINS (ex-JUDAS PRIEST) has recently agreed to sing the part of a character in the Lyraka opera. The part itself required a vocalist with a slightly lower range, and Al's gravelly, mean blues-metal sound is perfect! He will help to delineate the specific personality of the character with his unique style. It is quite exciting and inspiring to be working with the man who helped write such incredible classics as 'Victim of Changes' and 'Dreamer Deceiver', not to mention his awe-inspiring recent work with HOLY RAGE."

As previously reported, Liz Vandall, best known for her extensive vocal work with guitar legend ULI JON ROTH, has agreed to do session work for the metal opera.

Guitarist and composer Andy DiGelsomina has issued the following statement: "Liz Vandall's reputation precedes her, having been vocalist for both the progressive rock band SAHARA in the 90s, and a mainstay of maestro Uli Jon Roth's many lineups. Her voice has a distinct personality and an awesome classic rock influence that will help delineate the personality of her Lyraka character."

The heavy metal opera project, Lyraka, has commissioned top fantasy artist Ken Kelly (KISS, MANOWAR, RAINBOW) for the artwork of their second album entitled, Lyraka Volume 2.

Kelly, famous for his prolific entries in the sword and sorcery and horror fantasy fields, has a site with extensive documentation of his work here.

This is the second of a series of collaborations by the Lyraka metal opera and Kelly.

Lyraka Volume 2 scheduled for release in early 2012.

As previously reported, Andy DiGelsomina, composer and lead guitarist for Lyraka, has issued this statement:

"The majority of writing for the second Lyraka album is finished. Where Lyraka Volume 1 orbited around the concept of belief, Lyraka Volume 2 will be centered more around the concepts of will and angst, from multiple philosophical perspectives.

Here are a few song titles and commentaries:

'Volcano' is a duet I have written for GRAHAM BONNET and VERONICA FREEMAN. It is a very heavy and dissonant track, with an involved chorale section inspired by the music of Béla Bartók. The lyrics explore the concept of Will, and were inspired by the philosophies of Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsche.

'Semmonet' is at base a blues-metal banger, but with other musical genres interwoven to add dimensions to the character. This is another track for Graham, who will be contributing also to the songwriting.

'Lyraka' is a pop-py, upbeat track for Graham Bonnet. It's very catchy and driving, and we hope to inspire people with this composition's message. Looking forward to working with Graham on this song's lyrics and vocal melody.

'Defender of the Faith' is a Graham Bonnet tour de force, a metal epic detailing the existential angst experienced by the character Locke, who is the head of Lyraka's Palace Guard. Veronica Freeman will be contributing some haunting backing vocals to this one.

'Lilliput' is a thrashy song for ferocious metal heroine Veronica Freeman about the impetuous queen of Errandia. It's more extreme metal in style, though vocally diverse.

'Father' is the album's mega-epic, sung by TOMMY HEART as the character Neires. It features massive, Götterdämmerung-ian orchestration and very operatic vocal stylings.

'Neires' Ocean Journey' is Tommy Heart again, with an obvious Wagner influence in the title. Musically, however, this song is very fast paced and NWOBHM-ish. Uptempo and inspiring.

'Abyss' is a song I've written for Rob Diaz (VASTATOR). It is musically related to black metal, but of course with that typically Lyrakan classic metal base, featuring plenty of intense guitar and varied vocal approaches from Señor Diaz. Lyrically the song is influenced by the philosophy of Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard."