In February 2009, Arjen announced in his website that he would be working on his new side project Guilt Machine. This project features a very limited line-up, comparing to other Arjen's side projects: Arjen Lucassen on the instruments and backing vocals, Jasper Steverlinck on lead vocals, Chris Maitland on drums and Lori Linstruth on lead guitar. On March 9, Arjen announced that fans would be able to submit their own recorded material for a possible inclusion on the project. The material had to be sent in the form of a brief audio message containing the person's thoughts in his/her mother language, with a translation. The deadline for submission was on March 15. Recently, Arjen has signed a deal with Mascot Records. Together with the announcement of the signing with Mascot Records at his official website, Arjen reported that more than 200 audio messages were sent, but only 19 would be included on the album. According to him, the languages range from Chinese to Tagalog and from French to Russian. He informed that the album will include an eight-minute instrumental track filled with as many messages as he could have used.
''On This Perfect Day''
On June 23, 2009, Lucassen announced the release of Guilt Machine's first release, On This Perfect Day. It was released on August 28 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, on August 31 in the rest of Europe, September 29 in the US, and dates for Japan still pending. Most of the songs are relatively long, the shortest lasting 6:11. Limited and Special editions were released, the limited edition contained a 32-page digibook and a DVD and the special edition came with a Digipack 24-page booklet and a DVD. Regarding a future album of the project, Arjen stated in 2009 that "we definitely want to make another Guilt Machine album.". In a Q&A in August 2018, he stated "I would love to do another Guilt Machine because I'm extremely proud of Lori wrote the lyrics and she did an amazing job. I'd love to do another Guilt Machine but it would probably be with different people. Again, you know, not everyone is available anymore. But yeah, it's definitely an option. It's not a plan yet, but it's definitely an option."
Musical style
According to Arjen, the music will range "from dark and heavy to atmospheric and melancholic". Regarding the concept, Arjen stated that instead of fantasy and science fiction themes, Guilt Machine will explore "the destructive psychology of guilt, regret and the darkest form of secret -- the secrets we hide from ourselves." In spite of the differences, the songs are expected to keep the dynamic contrasts, intricated harmonies, complex rhythms and soaring melodies of any Ayreon release. Although Jasper and his band are from the alternative rock genre, he was convinced by Arjen to work on this progressive metal project. Arjen has stated: Instead of working with Ed Warby, the drummer that performed in most of Ayreon albums, Arjen chose Chris Maitland, which, according to him, "was the ideal choice this time, having both the power for the heavy sections and the subtle touch needed in the more atmospheric parts". Lori Linstruth, the lead guitarist and manager, pleased Arjen with her lyrics:
Discography
On This Perfect Day
Personnel
Jasper Steverlinck - lead vocals
Arjen Anthony Lucassen - guitar, bass, keyboards, various instruments, backing vocals
