Following the quiet begun title track and a voice that tells Chris to wake up...aggressive guitars and drums (courtesy of Brian Tichy) drive the question “We all wonder what lies behind the unknown, we all have a fear of being alone”. For this fifth solo album by the Savatage/Trans Siberian Orchestra guitarist, while it may seem like is going to be very introspective, it’s not. But several of the other songs do tackle topics about looking inwards to once self, life and death, and faith. ‘Arm And A leg’ begins with some effects on the guitar that nicely makes a nod to Judas priest’s ‘Solar Angels’. Intentional, Chris?, but quickly switches gears and as I read the lyrics and credits realize one line was sung by Jon Oliva (Savatage), and the song was written for a Dr. Butcher tune ‘The Circle’. Wow, do I know my Savatage family tree, Hahaha.

Chris sings on the songs and has a unique textured voice that’s a n ice mix of Kevin Dubrow (Quiet Riot), which you can really hear in the rocker ‘Just Fine’ and ‘Too Soon To Be Too Late’ (even QR’s music and the album “Down to the Bone”), and a touch of Jon Oliva on other tracks. A creative riff, interesting use of and sound in the accenting keyboards for ‘Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t’, composed with this stop-start prog type arrangement (driving keyboard solo) = an album highlight. Instrumental ‘Hot Wheelz’ has a jazzy kick in its step to the rhythm and leads and reminds me of something that’d fit on Marty Friedman’s “Dragon’s Kiss”, or Jason Becker’s “Perpetual Burn”, while ‘I Never Knew’ is a darker ballad. ‘Death By Design’ plods more with the drum beat and riffing, elsewhere, at almost eight minutes, with some strings and layered backing vocals and harmonies, “Over And Over” is the album’s longest track, and heaviest (in tone), with ‘Come Home’ keeping the aesthetic consistent with the album’s title and artwork.

Here’s to hoping since Savatage headlined the Wacken festival in 2015 means more shows, and new music, are possible for the future. If so, when you hear this solo album Chris would sure have some good ideas to contribute.