This album is very song oriented. It starts with a groove, or a mood, or a riff and just builds. It's not about ego with Axel, it's whatever is best for the song. If that means that the singer or the vocal melody takes center stage than that's what happens. And it does happen frequently, so it works out well that he recruited the powerful emotional voice of Johnny Gieoli. Musically the band is way above par. Technically proficient as you would expect from musicians from this genre, but most importantly the songs are really good. Catchy and memorable without being poppy, and interesting and well played without sounding arrogant or self serving. It's a fine line and they've walked it well. --Scott