photos by Matthew Parmenter and Hugh Syme
As The Laser’s Edge gears up for the November release of “Hiding In Plain Sight,” the debut album from HERIN—Chris Herin’s solo project, known for his work with Tiles and Discipline—Sonic Perspectives is excited to unveil the album’s second single and video, “Warning Signs.”
This conceptual piece narrates Chris Herin’s challenging journey alongside his father during a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. HERIN’s “Hiding In Plain Sight” fuses unique progressive and art rock elements, transitioning from intricate orchestral arrangements and polyrhythmic intricacies to contrasting cinematic soundscapes and ambitious guitar performances.
Working alongside HERIN are esteemed producer Terry Brown (known for his work with Rush) and Grammy-winning mastering engineer Peter Moore (who has collaborated with artists like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell), both of whom enrich “Hiding In Plain Sight” with a luxurious and dynamic auditory experience. For listeners who take their time, each playthrough reveals layers of nuanced details. Complementing the reflective and sometimes unsettling lyrics is the whimsical and engaging artwork by Hugh Syme (also of Rush), which captures the album’s themes of time and place, offering a compelling visual counterpart.
“Hiding In Plain Sight” serves as a collection of poignant reflections and somber meditations as Herin navigates the emotional turmoil brought on by Alzheimer’s. The album features eleven pivotal moments that highlight life’s fragile transience, encouraging listeners to engage in introspective reflection. Rich with progressive elements, the music offers a journey filled with expansive vocal hooks over intricate riffs, lush instrumentation, and atmospheric orchestral textures.
An impressive lineup of nearly thirty musicians contributes to “Hiding In Plain Sight,” including Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Peter Frampton and Alex Lifeson (Rush), along with talents like Martin Barre, John O’Hara, Doane Perry (Jethro Tull), Michael Sadler (Saga), Kim Mitchell (Max Webster), and many others.
The album embodies a progressive rock ethos that resonates with both the heart and intellect, showcasing a brave blend of musical styles as these distinguished guest artists elevate HERIN’s compositions into new and expansive realms. A portion of the proceeds from this album will be donated to Alzheimer’s charities.
The lead track and second single from “Hiding In Plain Sight,” “Warning Signs,” features the incredible drumming of Shane Gaalaas (known for his work with B’z, Koshi Inaba, and Yngwie Malmsteen). The song highlights the powerful vocals of Michael Sadler from the iconic Canadian prog band Saga, soaring above Herin’s complex guitar riffs. With Jeff Kollman on lead guitar and Kevin Chown on bass—who, along with Gaalaas, make up the formidable fusion trio Cosmosquad—“Warning Signs” delivers a powerful groove that energizes Sadler’s performance and showcases Kollman’s fiery solos.
Chris Herin reflects on the song, stating, “I have been a legacy fan of Saga for over 40 years, starting when ‘On The Loose’ broke and seeing them open for Jethro Tull in 1982. While considering possible vocalists, I noticed Michael had been collaborating with Toronto’s David Barrett Trio on some excellent tracks and was also part of the ProgJect: Ultimate Prog Rock Experience. Michael possesses a distinct quality in his voice that I’ve always admired, and I envisioned him delivering an exceptional performance on ‘Warning Signs.’ Matthew Parmenter of Discipline recorded a demo vocal that was quite impressive, and the next time Michael came to Toronto, he and Terry worked their magic together! The vocal captures the essence of navigating an emotional roller coaster.”
Lyrically, “Warning Signs” serves as a cautionary reminder for individuals to recognize subtle, unusual behaviors that may collectively signify a more significant issue as one ages or faces health changes. Chris shares, “My dad often provided plausible explanations for his odd behaviors and managed to mask things quite effectively. I’m not sure if this was a conscious choice or simply a coping mechanism, but I missed many obvious signs.”
The video for “Warning Signs” was directed by Mathew Kennedy.
You can watch HERIN’s “Warning Signs” video now, courtesy of Sonic Perspectives, at THIS LOCATION.
“Hiding In Plain Sight” will be available in a limited digipack CD format, complete with an 8-page booklet, and digitally on November 1st. Preorders can be made at The Laser’s Edge webshop HERE and on Bandcamp—the standard digital HERE and the 24-bit hi-res. Additionally, you can watch the video for “The Darkest Hour” HERE.
Stay tuned for more videos from the album in the coming months as the release date approaches.
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