This release came about rather suddenly and without any drumbeat and a flurry of promotion. Whip, for the younger generations especially, is Michael Wilton, the legendary guitarist of Queensrÿche who despite the increased commitments of the band, went ahead after a long time with a solo release. I remind the 2003 release of Soulbender and the re-release of the album updated in 2014 as well as a 1track single to 2010 under the band name Wratched Head.
Having recruited Mark Winterman on vocals, Hodgy on bass and Sonny Sudra on drums he went on to produce a very interesting to excellent release bearing the…optimistic title “Vol. 1”.
Since the first listens of the album, the guitar of Queensrÿche stands out, integrated in an environment, elsewhere alternative, very normal since he has lived most of his life in Seattle and elsewhere metal without much “throttle” but with excellent mid tempo compositions, both in guitar and vocal melodies. Especially the fans of alternative rock of the Seattle scene should pay special attention to this release. I don’t know how long it took to create this album, but I have to mention in any case that this sounds very solid and puts out a character of a tight and well-tuned machine, also having a really good production by Chris “Zeuss” Harris (Queensrÿche, Rob Zombie, Iced Earth, Shadows Fall etc.).
From the album, I will single out “People Suffer” which opens the album and is the first single, as well as “Get Away”, “On Your Way” and “Wasted Time”, the fastest and the best song of the album I think.
“Vol. 1” is a very good choice for most fans of modern rock/metal and an absolutely honest album. What’s also pleasant is that the title foreshadows a second, maybe even more work from the band. For now, I am personally enjoying “Vol. 1” and at the same time, I am packing my bags for the European tour of Queensrÿche!!!
