Haken guitarist Richard Henshall is about to embark on his first solo effort, and it's not an instru-metal release. Henshall will play guitar and sing on his debut solo record The Cocoon, and will be backed by bassist Conner Green (Haken) and drummer Matthew Lynch (Cynic, Nova Collective).
The Cocoon will also feature guest spots from keyboardist Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), guitarists Marco Sfogli (James LaBrie), David Maxim Micic, and Ben Levin (Bent Knee), saxophonist Adam Carrillo, bassist Jessica Kion (Bent Knee), and violinist Chris Baum. Here's what Henshall had to say about the record.
"Working on this album has been an extremely exhilarating and liberating experience that has allowed me to explore a whole range of new exciting ideas with my writing. The album has pushed me as a composer and musician and has given me the opportunity to delve deeper than ever into my love for electronic, jazz and metal music. The music on The Cocoon feels like the perfect reflection of my tastes, influences and experiences in music and life in general."
Stay tuned for a new single soon. The Cocoon is out July 26.