"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 recently wrapped up their first Las Vegas residency, a run that saw the band perform 9 shows at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.