Guitarist Jeff Loomis is making sure that his sophomore solo album, and first since departing Nevermore, will blow people away. In addition to Soilwork’s Dirk Verbeuren drumming on the album and Christine Rhoades singing on select tracks, Loomis revealed last week that the album would also feature guest solos from Marty Freidman, Chris Poland (both former guitarists from Megadeth) and Tony MacAlpine. Earlier this week, though, Loomis announced yet another special guest: black/death metal legend Ihsahn.

That’s right, Loomis has collaborated with none other than the ex-Emperor frontman/ solo artist. The guitarist revealed the news via the following statement:

“I know most of you are aware that Christine Rhoades is doing some vocals on my album. At first I thought she’d be the only guest singer on the record, but then this one song started coming together, it’s pretty brutal.

I’ve always wanted to do really, really heavy music and after hearing this, both Aaron and myself thought we needed some crazy, sick singer on it. We just sat around tossing names out for a bit, nothing really was sticking and then Aaron says, ‘I got it…Ihsahn’ and it was one of those moments where you knew that was the answer all along, it just hadn’t been unlocked in your mind yet.

Anyway, a few short emails back and forth and we had his vocal track in. It came out amazing. I can’t wait for you to hear it. Ihsahn, thanks again, it’s an honor to have you on my record.”

Ihsahn shared Loomis’ excitement and revealed some more good news via his own statement:

“I was both surprised and honored when Jeff asked me to sing on one of the songs for his upcoming album. He sent me a killer track so it was easy to get inspiration for both words and vocal ideas, and I think it came out really well. Jeff is an amazing musician and I’m really looking forward to hearing the final album. Also, in the collaborative spirit, I got him to lay down a solo for my own new album.”

That’s right, not only is Ihsahn recording a new album himself, but Loomis will also make an appearance on it. Talk about fantastic news! No word on when Ihsahn’s new album will see the light of day, but Loomis’ new album is expected to be released later this year via Century Media Records.