Queensrÿche founding guitarist Michael “Whip” Wilton is set to release his debut solo album, “Volume 1”, on December 6, 2024, via Rat Pak Records.
Along with powerhouse Seattle vocalist Mark Winterman, drummer Sonny Sudra, and bassist “Hodgy”, Michael offers nine power-packed songs reminiscent of the sound he is best known for. Mixed and Mastered by Zeuss (Queensrÿche, Rob Zombie, Shadows Fall), “Volume 1” captures Michael‘s ability to think outside the box with flavorful riffs, catchy melodies, and thoughtful solos while still maintaining his signature sound.
From the opening chords of “People Suffer” to the closing track “Drowning at Daybreak”, it is clear that Michael Wilton‘s trademark style lays the bedrock for this well-crafted offering.
Speaking to The Metal Voice, Michael said about the album (as transcribed by Blabbermouth): “Over the years, like the past ten years, I’m always writing songs. And some of the songs, just depending on my mood and whatever, they don’t fit Queensrÿche. So I have just a plethora of ideas and songs. And I just decided to kind of work on ’em and get ’em together. And I found some guys that fit with me.”
“It’s not the power metal or the high operatic singing or anything like that. It’s more just hard rock… It’s my guitar playing… Everybody that’s heard it says it’s really cool,” said Wilton regarding the direction of the album’s music.
Asked whether he will play any shows in support of “Volume 1”, Michael elaborated: “I’d have to write ‘Volume Two’. [Laughs] It’s a possibility, but Queensrÿche is so busy, and we’re always working. But if there’s room in the schedule, maybe to do a week or two weeks or three weeks or something, then it’s not out of the question. A good friend of the drummer’s bought a tour bus, so that’s a step in the right direction. [Laughs]”
“Oh, I know there will be a follow-up, ’cause there’s six or seven songs already done. Some ideas on this album are two years old, some five years, and, yeah, some are even a decade old,” Wilton added.
Pre-order the album HERE.
“Volume 1” Tracklisting:
1. People Suffer
2. Get Away
3. Glitch In Time
4. Toxic Girl
5. Reason To Fight
6. On Your Way
7. Turn The Page
8. Wasted Time
9. Drowning At Daybreak