(Review from roadrunnerrecords.com, wikipedia)

In February 2009, Arjen announced in his website that he would be working on his new side project Guilt Machine.

Rather than putting together an ensemble cast of vocalists from the prog, rock and metal scene, Arjen has enlisted the talents of a single alternative rock vocalist, Jasper Steverlinck. His voice, besides its beautiful clear timbre, has the emotion and credibility he puts into his performance and his enormous range. Because this project features just one singer, he alone pulls of the versatility enough to portray all of the different moods.

This time around, we have a different drummer, ex-Porcupine Tree Chris Maitland. He has both the power for the heavy sections and the subtle touch needed in the more atmospheric parts,

Instead of the explicit storyline you would expect in an Ayreon release, the songs of Guilt Machine revolve around a central theme. Instead of looking outward into a world of fantasy or science fiction, the songs look inward, exploring the destructive psychology of guilt, regret and the darkest form of secret — the secrets people hide from themselves. Lori Linstruth definitely gives the songs an extra dimension with her lyrics, exorcising the demons she and Arjen both had faced in the past few years. She also plays all the guitar solos on this album with her melodic guitar style.

Despite these differences, Guilt Machine still has much in common with Ayreon. The songs are mainly long, “epic” tracks that feature dynamic contrasts between softer, dreamy sections and powerful, heavy passages. There are intricate harmonies, complex rhythms, soaring melodies, and an eclectic selection of instruments — all what you’d expect from an Ayreon release.

Regarding a future album of the project, Arjen stated that “we definitely want to make another Guilt Machine album”.

Line-up:
- Arjen Lucassen / back vocals, guitars, keyboards, bass, mandolin
- Jasper Steverlinck / vocals
- Lori Linstruth / lead guitar, lyrics
- Chris Maitland / drums

Track List:
01. Twisted Coil – 11:43
02. Leland Street – 8:03
03. Green And Cream – 10:32
04. Season Of Denial – 10:22
05. Over – 6:11
06. Perfection – 10:46

Link in comments.