"Jan is all over this album," says Schon of the follow-up to 2014's "So U." "I wrote the material to give Jan room to stretch. There are not many three-minute ditties. It's all huge, epic, bombastic�futuristic."

"This is an evolutionary album for me," continues the guitarist. "I've always aspired to be a better player and push musical boundaries. And sure, I've sold 80-million records with Journey, and I'm proud of that, but this album is really me - all based on my guitar, which is my 'voice.' It's bold. There's love, and there's definitely fire and an element of danger. And the energy level is off the hook."

Schon and Journey kick off their first Las Vegas residency on Wednesday, a run that will see the band perform 9 shows at The Joint inside The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino between April 29 and May 16.