Chris Caffery – House of Insanity

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The former Savatage guitarist’s fourth full-length solo effort has already seen one of the strangest release patterns possible. Originally released in the US digitally in October 2008 it wasn’t released physically until February 2009, and had to wait until July for a European release. Previous album Pins & Needles was harshly judged by many, and House of Insanity is noticeably less focused on heavy guitar riffs and retains a much more “Savatage” feel than most of his solo work so far. This album also sees Chris lay down his best vocal performance to date, particularly on tracks like Back’s To The Wall, alongside Circle II Circle front-man and ex-Savatage band-mate Zak Stevens on magnificent power ballad Madonna and I Won’t Know, and metal anthem The Fleas. Stevens also duets with Chris on delicate ballad Winter In Hamburg and ‘tage-esque groover Solitaire, ensuring that along with the varied riffs, solos and melodies on show here, House of Insanity doesn’t waste time re-treading any of the ground his previous albums have already covered, with several hints of the old Savatage sound to please the old fans. Less occupied with anti-war vitriol and a greater focus on song-oriented material, Caffery has made his best solo album to date, and it’s probably going to be the least available thanks to the erratic release schedule.

Written by Andy Lye
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