Xavier Xerxes went into this project with an open mind and an interest to push the envelope technically, artistically, intellectually, & emotionally. When the opportunity came to collaborate on a song with hip hop producer DLS Beats, he went for it producing"Up Your Game" - an urban pop song way out of his wheel house. He then went through 30+ years of songs he had written to select some songs that were interesting, but abnormal for a predominantly metal artist to include on the album with"Up Your Game." As a result,"Integrate" is the most diverse album he's produced to date with his best recorded guitar, bass, vocal performances, and best production quality. It is still predominantly an old-school metal collection, but also gets into genres such as progressive rock, math rock, new age, neo-polka, & even dance! Lyrical subjects go from serious topics of PTSD, to satire & irony as devices for humor. From a solo guitar, to a stripped-down rock band sound, to a full orchestra,"integrate" defies limitations & expectations, pushes limits, integrates unlikely components, breaks ground & ROCKS!