Epica vocalist/guitarist Mark Jansen has started a new project called MaYaN. The following statement regarding the band has been posted on Epica's website:

"Although Epica has been touring around the world for months, Mark found the time to put another band together, which he takes very seriously: MaYaN. Mark founded MaYaN together with Jack Driessen (ex- After Forever) and Frank Schiphorst, named after the wise and rich mayan culture.

"There was only one record label we wanted to sign with: Nuclear Blast, so we didn't even look for other companies to work with and we're very happy that this appreciation is mutual", Mark says and announces: "The debut album will be recorded and mixed at the end of the year 2010 and the beginning of 2011 by Sascha Paeth (who produced the former Epica records as well). We're also stoked to announce that Jeroen Paul Thesseling ( Pestilence, Obscura), known for his signature six-string fretless playing in progressive death metal, will join as permanent member on bass guitar. Isaac Delahaye (Epica, ex- God Dethroned) and Arien van Weesenbeek (Epica) will complete the line up!"

The release of the album will take place around May 2011 and the CD presentation will be at Paradiso - Amsterdam! The music is a mixture of death, black and progressive metal combined with symphonic orchestral arrangements. "We'll work with some very interesting guests and these will be announced very soon!"

Source:	epica.nl
Band profile:	Epica