Queensrÿche - Queensrÿche (2013)

Why it matter to have two band fighting carry on the flag of Queensrÿche? Earlier this year, ex-singer Geoff Tate utilized the name for his most likely a solo album, called Frequency Unknown. The style of music on that album differed from what the classic Queensrÿche was. Instead Geoff Tate's is hard rock to AoR to the best. Now that the half soul of Queensrÿche put on new album, handicapped-ly without specific title (what a bad marketing in case they were fighting for popularity..). Now, in case you skeptical, don't. Because this album continued exactly what Queensrÿche music left, almost two decades ago. The new album, 2013, is better to represent what a great progressive metal Queensrÿche was/is. This released comes with new singer, Todd La Torre of ex Crimson Glory fame.

The album begin with high tension theatrical opening, X 2. Soon it climax with a start of the first song, Where Dreams Go To Die. The song is particularly great! The introductory opening with well composed drum pattern, riffs and clean guitar opening, all resembled the great '80s Queensrÿche era, remind us to Operation Mindcrime timeline. Part of this we should peek the producer in charge, which is James Barton, who worked in Queensrÿche's Operation Mindcrime, Empire and The Promised Land. Our surprise not stop there, Spore also not failed to represent Queensrÿche 'sad' progressive metal style. The choruses not far from being  familiar as we already listen to this song couple of times. Another easy to spot hit is In This Light. Combining melancholic metal ballad with our new singer, this song again show what a perfect singer Todd is for Queensrÿche. Strangely, Queensrÿche make used of many industrial metal elements without much complaint from the traditionalist. Redemption is one of that example. Faster and intensity high is on Vindication. Midnight Lullaby is already best represented by its titled. Coming in, A World Without is classy '80, Metal Church style (refer to Watch the Children Pray!), of metal ballad. Don't Look Back can be their most understandable 'filler', which is in many ways enjoyable to listen. Fallout also can be said the same, except this song has more hard rock energy inside. Then goes to another Queensrÿche typical ballad in the last piece of the album, Open Road.

What a surprise come back. Queensrÿche able to transform with updated sounds ideas, yet stay very typical to their trademark vibes. Duo guitarists to fill each other is there, between Michael Wilton and Parker Lundgren. The Roland Jazz Chorus is there. Specifically refer to 'Rychee sounds, that Michael Wilton and 'mr-ex' Chris DeGarmo used to play together in the glory past. The drum sounds is great, the engineering of snare sounds is just awesome representing the bigger arena voices. Then bassist Eddie Jackson is there also, backing the bass for Todd as the two guitarist usually too busy occupied with their melodic lines. As we know, Queensrÿche's sounds is always 'never sounds full' and 'hollow', so the bass must work hard to minimized this. I must also mentioned the choice of their self titled album is not very 'user friendly' for internet searching. Overall this is the album I can easily play back again just right after its finished. So yes, this is a great recommended progressive metal album of 2013.

Metal Harem class: ********* nine stars out of ten

Queensrÿche - Queensrÿche (2013)
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01.X 2
02.Where Dreams Go To Die
03.Spore
04.In This Light
05.Redemption
06.Vindication
07.Midnight Lullaby
08.A World Without
09.Don't Look Back
10.Fallout
11.Open Road

Todd La Torre - Vocals
Michael Wilton - Guitar
Parker Lundgren - Guitar
Eddie Jackson - Bass
Scott Rockenfield - Drums
Record Label: Century Media

Queensrÿche - Queensrÿche (2013) album review