Seattle’s best progressive metal band Queensryche is back with their 12th studio album, “Queensryche.” Wait a minute? I am getting a real sense of déjà-vu here. Well, that’s because there are two versions of Queensryche out right now. This version of the band consists of original members guitarist Michael Wilton, bassist Eddie Jackson, and drummer Scott Rockenfield. Joining them are guitarist Parker Lundgren and new vocalist Todd La Torre who you may be familiar with from his days in Crimson Glory. Rockenfield has said that the departure of former vocalist Geoff Tate and the introduction of La Torre has sparked the band’s creative juices so I was eager to take a listen for myself.
The record kicks off with “X2” a prelude to the first track “Where Dreams Go To Die.” When the guitars kick in and then the pace slows I am intrigued. La Torre’s vocals are remarkably similar in style to Tate’s at his peak. He truly has a terrific range and can sing both the lush melodies and belt it out when called for. With heavier tracks like the balls to the wall signature dual guitars of “Redemption” and the pounding rhythms of “Vindication” it is clear that Queensryche is back with a vengeance. Whatever creative differences they had with Tate and the direction that the band was headed are long gone and they sound much more like the Queensryche circa “Operation:Mindcrime.” Mixed by long time Queensryche producer James “Jimbo” Barton, the record has a real cohesive feel as the tracks flow easily from one to the next. There’s a great mid-tempo song “In This Light” which is melodic metal at its best. “Queensryche” closes with the haunting guitars and vocals of “Open Road.”
My only complaint about the new album is the length. There are only 11 tracks, 2 of which are short preludes so the whole thing clocks in at just over 35 minutes which seems way too short. Perhaps it’s a good thing though to leave us wanting more.
It’s clear from the quality of the songs that Tate was not the only creative genius in the band. Look out metal world! The real Queensryche is back!
