Not to be confused with the 1983 EP, Queensryche’s twelfth
full-length studio album finds the band in the most challenging predicament of
their career. Too far removed in time from the classics and too far removed in
quality from recent efforts, it is an album that simultaneously is way overdue
and feels like the debut of a completely new band. Either way, former Crimson
Glory singer Todd La Torre and guitarist Parker Lundgren have secured
themselves without a single outsider in sight.
As expected by a band that has spent the last year reaching
for their prog metal past and generally making up for lost time, there are
plenty of references to their classic works to be found on here. Just as lead
single “Redemption” channels Operation:
Mindcrime with its twin guitar introduction and rapid fire choruses, faster
songs like “Don’t Look Back” and “Fallout” show off their long forgotten Iron
Maiden influence and probably would’ve fit in on The Warning with more structural complexity. They even allow some
90s influence to slip by as “Open Road” plays out like an Empire ballad, “A World Without” and the interludes evoke Promised Land, and “In This Light” is a
radio friendly number in the vein of Hear
In The Now Frontier.
But the debut aspect does come into play, as there are some
new elements to be found. This album just might be Queensryche’s most
aggressive since the EP as the production offers a bright yet gritty tone, the
drums bring in more power, the guitars offer active riffs and solos, and La
Torre’s vocals are raspier than his clone status would have you believe.
Influence from contemporary power metal is also abundant and can best be seen
on the theatrical “Where Dreams Go To Die” and the uplifting contrasts on
“Vindication.”
While the production’s loudness has been a point of
contention, the album’s thirty-five minute run time is the ultimate cause for
concern. On one hand, it allows the band to focus on more straightforward
songwriting and results in an album largely devoid of filler. On the other, a
few songs could’ve been a minute or two longer and the inclusion of an epic
track would’ve been great. Ultimately, the length doesn’t affect the quality
but rather makes it feel more like an amazing appetizer.
And with that, Queensryche’s first album with the new lineup
isn’t the godly comeback we hoped for but it does provide excellent songs and
hope for an even greater follow-up when all this legal mumbo jumbo has been
resolved. It is overwhelmingly clear that this lineup has earned their claim to
the Queensryche name; they understand what made it great and how to properly
bring those elements into the modern age. Let’s just hope you know who has a
backup plan now that this has blown up in his face…
Current Highlights:
“Where Dreams Go To Die”
“Redemption”
“Vindication”
“A World Without”
“Don’t Look Back”
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