ASHES dIVIDE is the new band formed by lead guitarist, singer and songwriter Billy Howerdel - founder/producer of multiplatinum group A Perfect Circle, the band he led with Tool frontman Maynard Keenan through three hugely successful albums.

Keep Telling Myself It's Alright, Howerdel's long-awaited first solo project, has been the subject of countless blogs and chatter at his website for a year and a half. In last week's Entertainment Weekly, "Your Next Obsession" polled film and television music supervisors on upcoming album picks, and Dana Sand (of Steve Carell's Dan In Real Life) commended ASHES dIVIDE: "So very dreamy rock with a '90s feel."

Howerdel produced and engineered the new album sessions in Los Angeles, playing guitar, bass, and keyboard parts. Longtime collaborator Danny Lohner (APC, Nine Inch Nails) helped out with the recording process, while drummer Josh Freese (APC), and Keenan's son Devo appear on the album. Other contributors include Johnette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde), Matt Skiba (Alkaline Trio), and Paz Lenchantin. Mixing took place in London by innovative Brit producer Alan Moulder, remotely monitored by Howerdel back in L.A. Moulder is known for his work with Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, My Bloody Valentine, and fellow Island band the Killers' two albums.