Dutch progressive-rock artist Edward Reekers will be releasing his first solo album in 15 Years! The Liberty Project will be released on 4 August via Music Theories Recordings/Mascot Label Group and features contributions from Steve Hackett (Genesis), Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon), Damian Wilson (Threshold), John' Jaycee' Cuijpers (Praying Mantis), Koen Herfst (Vandenberg), Cindy Oudshoorn (Kayak) and more.

Is it a rock opera, a musical, or a concept album? It's all three wrapped up in a double album extravaganza. So, what's it all about? Imagine there had been a second Big Bang. Would that have altered our evolution or even created a parallel world? And if so, what would that world look like? Who would be its inhabitants?

Reekers says, "I wanted to create a story within a story, so I introduced the characters, Thomas and Catherine, falling in love, splitting up and finding their way back together. With a society in turmoil around them where politicians, bankers, and journalists, amongst others, comment on the situation they're confronted with".

On the first song released from the album "The Present Day", Thomas, welcomes us to his day and age. "We call the time we live in the present day, but so did the people who lived a hundred years ago, and so will the people who will live a hundred years from now," Edward explains. "After this second Big Bang, we find ourselves in a parallel world very similar to the one we live in. The song is the first song on the album with a lead vocal. It has a powerful beginning and an almost hymn-like touch to it."

The album is a gargantuan, sprawling piece of majesty. Reekers turned to Joost van den Broek, who he had met during his Ayreon performances, asking him to help him get the Liberty Project on its way. The collaboration turned out to be a magical one. And that's not the only friend he's had a little help from. It features Arjen Lucassen Ayreon), Mark Lennon (Venice), Harry Sacksioni, Damian Wilson (Threshold), John' Jaycee' Cuijpers (Praying Mantis), Koen Herfst (Vandenberg), Cindy Oudshoorn (Kayak) and former Genesis member Steve Hackett contributed a guitar part.