Doesn’t Derek always come up with cool proggy/jazzy/fusion instrumental rock music?

Sherinian should be no stranger to fans in the Metal world being a part of progressive legends Dream Theater from 1995 - 1998. He has also worked with many other high profile artists including Kiss, Alice Cooper, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Billy Idol, as well as, carving his own solo career and being involved in projects Planet X (which Brett Garsed was part of) and Platypus.

“Molecular Heinosity” is his fifth solo album featuring again an all-star band of musicians including Zakk Wylde, Tony Franklin (Whitesnake, Blue Murder), and Brian Tichy (Ozzy).

Album opener ‘Antarctica’ into ‘Ascension’ is presented as a complete listening experience with weird Dream Theater type time changes and Steve Vaieque guitar lead work.  Along with six string talents Rusty Cooley (Outworld), Brett Garsed (who is known for his work with the band Nelson), and Japan’s Taka Minamino who appears on the title track and ‘The Lone Spaniard’, Zakk Wylde’s work is obvious (‘Wings of Insanity’) and a bit overly used (like his recognizable twangs).  Unavoidable I guess as Zakk does clearly put his stamp on everything he touches. The rock stylings vary a bit and Derek selectively incorporates different keyboard tones (example; the title track is rather futuristic).

The album is completely instrumental except for the final track, ‘So Far Gone’, which features Zakk on lead vocals and some interesting Middle Eastern sounds.