With plans to play some shows in support of the album this fall, Sherinian is rightfully proud of what he has achieved with "Vortex," maintaining the high standard he has set across his career. Looking back across the decades, he is humble and pays tribute to one of his most enduring working relationships. "After 30 plus years of doing this, I feel blessed to play with the best players in the world, and be able to have them guest on my record. I am especially grateful to work with Simon Phillips." The album contains eight tracks.

"The Vortex" opens the album. Anyone familiar with Derek as a songwriter will know that electronica is key to his sound, and this song is no different. Lead guitars trade off with keys over a bed of heavy, energetic rhythms, and some meter shifting. "Fire Horse" features the swinging rhythms of Nuno Bettencourt. Franklin's bass parts are always moving, in and around the leads and keys. The lead guitar work is absolutely fantastic, and anyone who might have been wondering what Nuno has been up to lately only has to listen to this for their answer. The dude is gold. "Scorpion" is a darker piano number; the only song without a special guest on the guitar. This time, there is a funky bass solo instead.

"Seven Seas" is the second track featuring Steve Stevens. It opens with psychedelic leanings over a bed of dreamy rhythms. This smooth offering is about as dreamy as a breeze on a warm spring day, and the guitar solo is trippy and eerie. "Key Lime Blues" is a funky, bluesy song, again with bass notes that hop in and about, playing well with the central themes. The tasty guitar work in this song is noteworthy. "Die Cobra" begins with middle eastern twangs from the guitars. Featuring Zakk Wylde and Michael Shenker, it's no surprise that it one of the heavier offerings on the album. When it comes to the solo, you get what you expect, an effects-laden, pentatonic set of notes that come alive and light you on fire as they burn brightly. Sherinian's keys are also noteworthy.

"Nomad's Land" opens with a funky beat from the bass guitars, keys and leads. Energy flows from this song...and energy that will get you up and out of your seat to fist bump each of the aberrant notes. The lengthy "Aurora Australis" closes the album; an eleven-minute opus. It begins with unassuming piano notes and some tense tones. It morphs into some strong melodies that will have you questioning what planet you might be on in the moment. The sound changes several times throughout, but does not lose the central theme. Oddly, there is only one solo from Bumblefoot towards the end of the song.

What I perhaps like best about the album isn't necessarily the prowess of keyboard legend Derek Sherinian. It's the way he lays back and lets his guest musicians contribute to the overall sound. Each track is different, and rather than him just going for the throat in each song, he focuses more on the augmentation of his supporting cast. Brining bassist Tony Franklin and drummer Simon Phillips aboard was also the perfect choice...the duo play so well together, they could finish each other's sentences.