David Wang: I had more or less retired from music after releasing our compilation album 8 years ago. However, sometimes life hits you with a massive curve ball. As a Christian, I never thought I would ever be dealing with the pain and heartache of a divorce, with all of the family chaos that comes with that. When I went to try to find music to console myself with, I found very little with a God-centered viewpoint. I found myself writing as therapy. The writing became lyrics and then the lyrics became songs. What you hear on the album is my journey, from the separation to despair and then back to hope and God.

David: Because it was really done as therapy, most of the songs came to me as I lived them. A few of the songs, like "Last Goodbye," were songs that had long since been put into storage, but came back to life with new meaning, after seeing them through the lens of my life experiences. At the end, I wanted a familiar song so I picked "Here Comes the Sun". It was such an appropriate end to the story of my journey.

David: I look at this as being a story of joy, but it took some hard work to get there. I am a big believer in counseling. I know some are able to immediately turn to prayer effectively but if you are in a panicky and anxious state of mind, it is hard to focus and to think clearly. It is even hard to know what to ask for. I sought out friends, counselors and clergy to help me through my difficulties. It has really helped me be able to come through with my mental wellness intact. I think many, particularly men, try too hard to power through the darkness without reaching out for help. In fact, the joyful eventual outcome would not have happened without counseling as I would not have been in a healthy place to start any relationship. I am about to be married to April, the inspiration for the song "April Rain!"

David: Parental alienation happens when a parent tries to influence, even to the point of brainwashing, a child to reject their own parent after a high conflict divorce. The child starts to take on the voice of the alienating parent and will actively reject and even persecute the targeted parent. It is very common (13% of American adults) and likely all of us have seen it happen or have had it happen to us. It is a horrific form of child abuse, as the child is called to erase a once-beloved parent from their lives. As I researched this topic, I encountered more and more targeted mothers and fathers who told me their stories. The grief they feel is incredible, even leading some of them to feel suicidal. I tried to convey this grief in the lyrics. While writing the song, the movie "Invasion of Body Snatchers" came to mind, where people you love suddenly take on the identity of an alien entity, hence the song title "AlieNation". I wrote the words so they apply directly to both parental alienation as well as the plot of the movie. In order to help create more awareness, I have created a site EndAlieNation.org with information about the science, law and links to other helpful resources. Of course, Critical Mass' music and videos all play a big part on this website to help create a soundtrack for those suffering from parental alienation.

David: My friend, Ian Tanner (formerly of the band One Hundred Days) wrote the music and it sat on the shelf for many years. I wanted to write a song about dealing with depression and decided to personify depression as a rotten friend called Misery, who never leaves you alone. The lyrics are very dark but when producer Andrew Horrocks sat down with me, we decided to give the song a hopeful message by framing it with a pop punk sensibility. I didn't want to make the song cheesy by ending it with a "believe in Him and you will be happy" lyric, partly because for many people, that is not their reality. However, the upbeat fun feel of the song, I hope, helps convey the message that, if you get help to stay mentally healthy, you can bop through life with that upbeat spirit, even if Misery is trying to beat you down.

David: I have to laugh. I started as a concert promoter and Ian Eskelin of All Star United was one of the first Christian bands I promoted. My biggest influence lyrically was Steve Taylor. His use of satire and clever wordplay is something else! As you can see from the songs, the lyrics really drive the story and thus the album. The musical styles on this album reflect the tone of the lyrics, which is why it is so musically diverse. That being said, The Beatles and Pink Floyd are the other big influences, inspiring the whole idea of a concept album.

David: God has taught me empathy. Prior to what happened, I have to admit to having black and white thinking on issues like divorce. After what happened to me, I am far more sympathetic and understanding of those around me. Jesus didn't stand around with the Pharisees pointing fingers. He walked amongst the tax collectors and harlots, to show them true love and understanding. For the rest of my life, I plan to emulate this kind of Christ-like love to those around me.