Upon the news of virtuosic guitarist Tony MacAlpine's decision to leave the band after six years, Donati knew who to turn to. Fellow Australian Brett Garsed - known for his work with John Farnham and Nelson, as well as an acclaimed solo career - was an obvious choice.

"We worked together on Derek's first solo record, which was strangely enough titled Planet X ... I think Brett is one of the great players in the world right now. He has that rare package of unique approach, great feel, ample technique, and great sense of time. That says it all."

So will Donati attempt to stack Planet X with more and more Australians?

"With the extent of talent down there, it’s a distinct possibility!"

Derek, however, was more diplomatic.

"It wasn't intentional to hire Aussies. If a guy can throw down, I don't care where he is from."

When a founding member of a band departs, it can have a jarring effect on the chemistry of the remaining band members, to the point where the sound changes. But Donati doesn't believe it will affect Planet X.

"[Tony's departure] has had some bearing on the sound, but I still believe that distinct Planet X sound to be present, in part because Derek's aggressive and in-your-face approach on keys gives it that character, and also because of the nature of the compositions," he says.

Sherinian was brief in his appraisal of Tony's decision to leave, preferring to focus on Planet X's future with Garsed and veteran guitarist Allan Holdsworth.

"Tony just went his own way, [and] we wish him the best. I think Brett Garsed did a great job filling his shoes on Quantum, not to mention Allan Holdsworth. As far as live shows, Brett is invited to play with us if we can work the scheduling out."

But when one door closes another opens, and with Rufus Philpot being recruited for bass duties, it marks the first time Planet X has had a full-time, permanent bassist. His history with the band, first as a hired gun, was part of the reason he was included in the band.

"We played some shows with Rufus a couple years ago, and he did a great job. He is a great guy," recalls Sherinian.

Quantum has been a long time coming for the band, but Sherinian believes it's a step up from MoonBabies, saying "it took a long time to complete, but Virgil and I are ultimately happy with the results."

Donati adds that it "represents a further evolution of the band, the writing, and the playing."

We asked Sherinian about what he thought of Australia, having toured here with many bands over the years, including a tour with Planet X that spawned Live From Oz.

"I love touring Down Under. I have a lot of friends and family there. I look forward to the next time I'm there ... I had been to Australia a few times before [the Planet X tour], it was cool to be with Virgil in his home turf."

He also expressed his enjoyment at playing with a certain blond-haired British rocker who also toured recently.

"I love playing with Billy Idol. He is a great guy, and the gig is a lot of fun. It's nice to play on a real rock and roll tour with a star frontman."

Donati, a native Australian, has been away from the great southern land for the majority of his career, after leaving to pursue bigger and better things in his early 20s.

"I had already achieved all that I saw possible for me over there [Australia], and felt it was time to expand onto the world stage. That is very hard to do from such an isolated place like Australia. I knew that I had to be in a place like Los Angeles to attract any global attention. It was an adventure I decided to embark upon albeit with some anxiety, but it has turned out to be an amazing period of my life, and my development as a player."

For the aspiring prog musicians, Donati had some words of wisdom for making it in the prog scene, a genre which across the world is hardly publicised.

"In any of the fine arts, there has to be present an overwhelming element of faith and love for your craft. If you dive into it with head and heart, you don’t often ask why, you simply believe, and you progress from there. Suffering is part of the artistic plight - always has and always will be. Even those who are immensely famous still struggle, with themselves, their art, and at times with reality. When I’m asked for advice - what is the way? I answer, you must find your way, because the way doesn’t exist!"

While nothing is set in stone, Sherinian said that Planet X hopes to return to Australia in 2008, and I'm sure Donati will enjoy catching up on the things he misses.

"Aussie Rules football at the MCG, the countryside with the distinctly Australian flora and fauna, kangaroos, and mum!"




Quantum does not have a specific Australian release date, but is available for import now. Planet X's website, which has sound samples from the album, can be found at www.xplanetx.com.