Queensrÿche founding guitarist, Michael "Whip" Wilton, is set to release his highly anticipated solo album, Volume 1, due out on December 6 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.

Jimmy Kay from Canada's The Metal Voice sat down with Wilton to talk about his upcoming album. Watch video below.

Asked about the idea behind a solo album, Wilton reveals, "I'm always writing songs and some of the songs, just depending on my mood, don't fit v. So I just have just a plethora of ideas and songs. So I just decided to kind of work on them and get them together. I found some guys that that fit with me and now I have an album coming out it's called 'Whip' Volume 1."

On the musical stylings on the album, he says, "It's not the power metal or the high operatic singing or anything like that it's more just hard rock. Everybody that's heard it says it's really cool."

Asked if he plans on touring the album, Michael answers, "I'd have to write Volume 2 (laughs). It's a possibility, but you know, Queensrÿche is so busy and we're always working, but if there's room in the schedule maybe to do something like a week or two weeks or three weeks or something, then it's not out of the question."

Mixed and mastered by "Zeuss" (Queensrÿche, Rob Zombie, Shadows Fall), Volume 1 captures Michael's ability to think outside the box with flavourful riffs, catchy melodies and thoughtful solos while still maintaining his signature sound. From the opening chords of “People Suffer” to the closing track "Drowning Tt Daybreak", it is clear that Michael Wilton's trademark style lays the bedrock for this well crafted offering.

Check out all the details and get in on some exclusive limited bundles, here.

Tracklisting:

"People Suffer"
"Get Away"
"Glitch In Time"
"Toxic Girl"
"Reason To Fight"
"On Your Way"
"Turn The Page"
"Wasted Time"
"Drowning At Daybreak"

(Photo - Joel Barrios | Photography That Rocks)