Queensryche Announces New Album Release, Tour Dates; Debuts Album’s Lead Single

Posted on November 17, 2018 by philspicks

Courtesy: Century Media

Queensryche is giving audiences their first preview of its new album.

The band debuted the lead single, ‘Man The Machine‘ from its forthcoming album The Verdict on Friday. The Verdict is scheduled to be released March 1 via Century Media, and will come a little more than three years after the release of the band’s most recent album, 2015’s Condition Human.

Front man Todd La Torre said in a recent interview that more is on the way from Queensryche as The Verdict‘s release date nears.

“We are excited to release the first full song ‘Man The Machine’ from our upcoming album, The Verdict,” La Torre said. “This is just a small taste of what is to come, and we look forward to unveiling more tracks and videos as we approach the official album release date of March 1, 2019 via Century Media. For exclusive footage, sneak peek audio teasers, exclusive merchandise and album pre-order packages, we invite you to join our official Pledge Music campaign here!”

Pre-orders for The Verdict are open now. The Verdict will be available on a variety of platforms, which are listed below.

The Verdict was produced, mixed and mastered by ZEUSS (Rob Zombie, Iced Earth, Hatebreed). at Uberbeatz in Lynwood, WA; Planet Z in Wilbraham, MA and watershed Studios in Seattle, WA.

The following formats will be available for The Verdict:

CD Digipack (US)

CD Jewelcase (EU)

Ltd. 2CD Box Set (EU)

Exclusive T-Shirt Bundle available at the Century Media store here:

https://Queensryche.lnk.to/TheVerdict/cmstoreus

The following vinyl colors will be available:

500x Red Smoke LP (Available in stores and online in the US)

Limited (TBD) Clear Smoke LP (Band Exclusive Available at Pledge Music)

500x Bloodshot LP (Exclusively Available at FYE)

The following will be available on the Century Media European store HERE:

Black LP+CD & Poster

100x clear LP+CD & Poster

200x transp. red LP+CD & Poster

200x transparent petrol green LP+CD & Poster are available alongside album bundles HERE

Courtesy: Century Media Records

Along with the announcement of its upcoming album release, Queensryche has also announced it will tour in support of The Verdict. It will launch a headlining tour March 2, with Fates Warning and The Cringe serving as support. Tickets can be purchased via the band’s official website.

The current schedule for Queensryche’s upcoming tour is noted below.

QUEENSRYCHE HEADLINE TOUR DATES

March 2 – Orlando, FL – The Plaza Live

March 3 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room

March 5 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade

March 7 – Baltimore – Sound Stage*

March 8 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun^

March 9 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza*

March 10 – Worcester, MA – Palladium*

March 12 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts

March 13 – Detroit, MI – Diesel

March 14 – Chicago, IL – Concord

March 15 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave

March 16 – Medina, MN – Medina Entertainment Center

March 17 – Davenport, IA – Rhythm City Casino Resort^

March 20 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues

March 21 – Houston, TX – House of Blues

March 22 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec

March 23 – Albuquerque, NM – El Rey

March 26 – Tempe, AZ – The Marquee

March 27 – San Diego, CA – Observatory

March 28 – Los Angeles, CA- Fonda

March 29 – San Francisco, CA – Slim’s

March 30 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades

April 2 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom

April 3 – Seattle, WA – Neptune

*w/ support from The Cringe

^Queensrÿche only

More information on The Verdict, Queenryche’s tour in support of The Verdict and all of the band’s latest news is available online now at:

Website: http://www.queensrycheofficial.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/QueensrycheOfficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/queensryche

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Red Reign’s New EP Will Appeal To Classic Rock Fans Of All Ages

Posted on April 22, 2017 by philspicks

Courtesy: Chipster PR

Early last December, Red Reign released its latest studio recording, a five-song self-titled EP. The self-released record is a work that will appeal to any fan of the songs that made up rock’s mainstream during the late 1980s and early 1990s. This applies both in regards to the record’s musical arrangements and its lyrical content. The record’s opener ‘Not That Way’ solidly serves to support that statement. ‘Chains,’ the record’s third entry, is another of its songs which supports that statement. It will be discussed later. The same can be said of the record’s title track. Each song is important in its own right in showing why fans of rock from that bridge between the 1980s and 90s will enjoy this record. The other two songs not noted here are just as important in their own right, too. All things considered, Red Reign proves to be a record that any classic rock fan will appreciate. That is the case even with Red Reign being a more modern act.

Red Reign’s new self-titled, five-song EP is a work that any “classic rock” fan will appreciate. That is exhibited in no small part through the record’s opener ‘Not That Way.’ The song’s guitar-driven musical arrangement takes listeners back to rock’s early 90s era, conjuring thoughts of Queensryche, Joe Satriani, Van Halen and other similar acts. Drummer Sam Bendheim’s time keeping on the song provides the song even more depth as he keeps the song moving solidly forward. Front man and guitarist Carlton McMichael even conjures thoughts of former Queensryche front man Geoff Tate through his vocal delivery. The song’s musical arrangement is clearly an important part of its whole, but is just one key part of that presentation. Its lyrical content is just as important to discuss as its musical arrangement.

The lyrical content comes across as an anti-break-up song of sorts. That is especially inferred as McMichael sings in the song’s chorus, “How things have changed/But it’s not the same/No it’s not that way/You had your chance/And you let it slip away.” If there was any doubt left about the song’s upbeat message, the song’s second verse alleviates that doubt almost instantly as McMichael sings, “All these years have passed/And I’ve found somebody new/I never ever, ever think of you/Then you come around/Cause you thought you could/But I broke those chains so long ago/And it feels so good.” The song’s subject goes on to sing in the verse’s back end about being heartbroken long ago and having moved on. It is a rare message sent in songs centered on relationship break-ups. Keeping that in mind, that positive, upbeat message does plenty to make ‘Not That Way’ stand out. When it is coupled with the song’s equally upbeat musical arrangement, the two elements show clearly in themselves why Red Reign will appeal to “classic rock” fans. It is just one of the songs that serves to support that statement. ‘Chains’ serves as just as much of an example of why classic rock fans will appreciate the record.

‘Not That Way’ is a clear example of what makes Red Reign’s new self-titled EP a work that any classic rock fan will appreciate. That is due in no small part to the song’s upbeat and uplifting lyrics and its equally positive musical arrangement. It is of course just one of the songs that serves to show why this record will appeal to the already noted audience. ‘Chains’ is another example of why that audience will enjoy this new offering from the Richmond, Virginia-based rock act. Its musical arrangement sits at the base of its notoriety. As with the record’s opener, there is an obvious influence from Queensryche in this song’s arrangement. That is obvious right from the song’s outset through Larry Moore’s bass line and McMichael’s bombastic guitar line. The combination of those elements and Bendheim’s work behind the drum kit conjures thoughts of something from Queensryche circa 1986 (Rage For Order’s release year). While the song’s musical arrangement shows a direct influence from Queensryche, its lyrical content is different yet still just as thought-provoking as the lyrical themes presented in RFO.

Whereas Red Reign’s opener was an upbeat anti-breakup song, this piece is much deeper with what seems like introspective commentary centered on someone’s efforts to move forward in life and forget the past. That is inferred as McMichael sings in the song’s lead verse, “Black and pouring rain/I’m running through these streets where no one knows my name/Free/I won’t look back/On all these things that kept me fear/For all these years/I’m gonna break these chains/I’ll break these chains/I’ll breathe again/I’ll breathe again.” The song’s second verse continues in similar fashion as the song’s subject sings about overcoming certain difficult situations. Considering this and the power in the song’s musical arrangement, one can’t help but imagine the song is meant to convey a message of overcoming and moving on in life. That is of course only this critic’s own interpretation of the song and should not necessarily be taken as gospel. It would be interesting to learn the exact message delivered in the song. One can only hope the message interpreted here is somewhere in the proverbial ballpark. Regardless, the power in the song’s musical arrangement and its lyrical content combines to show in whole why it, too plays such an important part in Red Reign’s enjoyment by its target audiences. It still is not the last song that serves to show why classic rock fans will appreciate this modern rock act’s new EP. The record’s title track is one more example of what makes this record an effort that will appeal to fans of rock’s biggest age.

‘Not That Way’ and ‘Chains’ are both key compositions showing what makes Red Reign a record that any classic rock fan will appreciate. That is due to musical arrangements that harken back to the late 1980s and early 90s and lyrical themes that will both uplift and leave listeners thinking. They are not its only key compositions. The record’s title track proves to be just as important to its presentation as the previously discussed songs. As with those songs, the discussion here begins with the song’s musical arrangement. This time out, the song’s musical arrangement is more directly related to music from the early 90s. It hints at influences from Stone Temple Pilots, Brother Cane, and other slightly harder-edged bands from that era. One could even argue that there is a hint of Van Halen circa 1994 (Balance) in this song’s arrangement thanks to its heavy guitar riffs, bass line and equally heavy vocal delivery from McMichael. That overall arrangement is just one part of what makes this song stand out. Its lyrical content will leave listeners thinking just as much as that presented in ‘Chains.’

The lyrical content presented in ‘Red Reign’ will leave listeners thinking (and talking) because of McMichael’s metaphorical language used throughout the song. He sings in the song’s lead verse, “Like a flash of lightning/I burn throughout the sky/Out of the way, I’m running high/I feel the evil coursing through my body and veins/Are you ready to rock this place/Lower the bridge I’m coming through/Red reign down on you.” One can’t help but wonder what exactly McMichael is saying here. The song’s second verse is just as intriguing as McMichael sings, “In this house of pain the storm looms large and black/My sanity is off the tracks/You know I’ve got no more home…I’ve come from grace and I can’t go back/Lower the bridge I’m coming through.” McMichael definitely leaves listeners guessing at his message here. It would definitely be interesting to learn that message and the story behind the song considering that uncertainty. The very fact that the song’s lyrical content can generate just as much discussion as its musical content shows why this song is so important to Red Reign’s overall presentation. When this is all set alongside the musical and lyrical content presented in the previously noted songs the picture painted through the songs is one of a record that, again, any classic rock fan will appreciate. That is even though the band is a more modern rock act.

Red Reign’s recently released self-titled EP is a work that classic rock fans of any age will appreciate. It shows with its arrangements–which bridge the sounds of the late 80s and early 90s—and its thoughtful lyrical themes that a lot of time and effort was put into its creation. That time and effort, audiences will agree, paid off. It resulted in a record that takes audiences back to a specific era without simply being a carbon copy of songs from that era. The end result is a record that modern record that classic rock fans will appreciate as much as any original classic rock record. It is available now in stores and online. More information on Red Reign is available online now along with all of Red Reign’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.redreignband.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RedReignBand

Twitter: http://twitter.com/redreignband

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Geoff Tate Stars In New Independent Horror-Thriller Flick

Posted on February 5, 2017 by philspicks

Courtesy: MVD Entertainment Group/Cleopatra Studios

Geoff Tate is starring in a new independent horror flick.

The former Queensryche and current Operation Mindcrime front man is starring in the direct-to-DVD movie The Burningmore Deaths. The movie, set to be released on DVD and digital platforms on Feb. 14 via Cleopatra Studios and MVD Entertainment Group, is based on true events centered on a group of unsolved murders.

The murders are alleged to have happened in 2005 during the filming of a pilot for a home improvement television series. A man named James Parrish is believed to have murdered the crew filming the home makeover presentation in the house where he is also alleged to have previously murdered his own wife and children.

As the film crew proceeds to record the series’ pilot, Parrish allegedly murdered the film crew, with the whole event being caught on security cameras set up by the show’s crew. Tate takes on the role of Parrish in this gripping horror/thriller from MVD Entertainment Group. Audiences can view a trailer for the movie online now here.

Courtesy: MVD Entertainment Group/Cleopatra Studios

Tate said taking on the role of Parrish was not a big change of pace for him because of his experience. It just meant thinking a little bit differently.

“I think I’ve always done it…In our own shows and with the way I present music,” Tate said. “It all has a bit of a stage acting bend to it. So this wasn’t really a stretch for me. It was just playing to a different audience, to a camera rather than a room full of people, but it’s the same thing. You play-act and you make stuff up and you present that like you would in a stage show.”

The Burningmore Deaths can be ordered online direct via MVD Entertainment Group’s online store and via Amazon. More information on this and other titles from MVD Entertainment Group is available online now at:

Website: http://mvdb2b.com, http://mvdentertainment.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MVDEntertainmentGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/mvdentgroup

Queensryche Unveils ‘Bulletproof’ Video

Posted on December 17, 2016 by philspicks

Queensryche has unveiled the video for its latest single.

The band unveiled the video for ‘Bulletproof’ this week. The video is streaming online now here. It mixes together footage from the veteran rock act’s recently completed year-long Condition Human world tour.

Front man Todd LaTorre explained the band opted to use its live footage for the video in order to illustrate the song’s lyrical theme.

“‘Bulletproof’ is a journey through a relationship gone bad and however painful the relationship is you still find a way to persevere,” LaTorre said. “We elected to present the song in a live setting as a sharp contrast to the videos we’ve done for the Condition Human album to help bring this chapter to a close and start the next journey.”

Courtesy: Century Media Records

More information on Queensryche’s new video is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.queensrycheofficial.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/queensrycheofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/queensryche

Queensryche Announces New Fall 2016 Dates

Posted on June 23, 2016 by philspicks

Courtesy: Century Media

Queensryche is heading back out on the road this fall.

The veteran progressive metal band announced this week that it will embark on a month-long headlining tour beginning in its hometown of Seattle, Washington on Tuesday, November 15^th. The tour runs through Thursday, December 15^th and wraps in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The band won’t be alone on its tour. Armored Saint will be along for the ride as direct support alongside Midnight Eternal. The tour is in support of Queensryche’s latest full-length studio recording Condition Human (2015). The band’s upcoming fall tour schedule is noted below.

QUEENSRYCHE – US Fall Tour w/Armored Saint & Midnight Eternal

Tuesday, November 15th – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
Wednesday, November 16th – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
Friday, November 18th – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
Tuesday, November 22nd – San Antonio, TX @ Alamo City Music Hall
Wednesday, November 23rd – Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
Friday, November 25th – Tyler, TX @ Clicks
Saturday, November 26th – Dallas, TX @ Trees
Tuesday, November 29th – Jacksonville, FL @ Mavericks at The Landing
Wednesday, November 30th – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
Thursday, December 1st – Tampa, FL @ The Cuban Club
Friday, December 2nd – Charleston, SC @ The Music Farm
Saturday, December 3rd – Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage
Sunday, December 4th – Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon Club
Tuesday, December 6th – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
Wednesday, December 7th – Pittsburgh, PA @ Rex Theatre
Thursday, December 8th – Chesterfield, MI @ Diesel Lounge
Saturday, December 10th – Sioux City, IA @ Anthem at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Sunday, December 11th – Peoria, IL @ Limelight
Tuesday, December 13th – Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
Wednesday, December 14th – Overland Park, KS @ Kanza Hall
Thursday, December 15th – Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep

More information on Queensryche’s upcoming tour is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.queensrycheofficial.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/QueensrycheOfficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/queensryche

2015 Saw A Number Of Great Rock Records Released

Posted on December 17, 2015 by philspicks

2015 has been a great year for the rock community. That is because so many standout albums have been released this year. This includes new rock albums both in the underground and the mainstream. There have been so many outstanding rock albums released so far this year that there was just not enough room for all of them on just one list (that is unless one were to make a list of the year’s top 100 new rock albums). Keeping that in mind, it couldn’t have been easy for any critic to develop a year-ender for the year’s best new rock records. It definitely wasn’t easy for this critic. This critic’s list of the year’s best new rock records presents albums from some relatively well-known bands and some that might not be so widely-known. Regardless of how well-known said acts (and albums) are, it can be said that each wholly deserves its spot on this list thanks to musical and lyrical content that is more apt to keep listeners engaged from beginning to end than any other band or album. Enough rambling. Without any further ado here is the list of those bands and their respective albums. This is the Phil’s Picks ‘ 2015 Top 10 New Rock Albums. As with every other list, the main body of the list is made up of the year’s Top 10 Best new records. The bottom five receive honorable mention for a total of fifteen albums.

PHIL’S PICKS 2015 TOP 10 NEW ROCK ALBUMS

BACHMAN – HEAVY BLUES
MICHEAL SCHENKER’S TEMPLE OF ROCK – SPIRIT ON A MISSION
THE WINERY DOGS – HOT STREAK
FINGER ELEVEN – FIVE CROOKED LINES
JOE SATRIANI – SHOCKWAVE SUPERNOVA
BLACKBERRY SMOKE – HOLDING ALL THE ROSES
EVERCLEAR – BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK
SPOCK’S BEARD – THE OBLIVION PARTICLE
QUEENSRYCHE – CONDITION HUMAN
DEVIL CITY ANGELS – DEVIL CITY ANGELS
RUSSKAJA – PEACE, LOVE, AND RUSSIAN ROLL
BARENAKED LADIES – SILVERBALL
POP EVIL – UP
UFO – A CONSPIRACY OF STARS
TEENAGE BOTTLEROCKET – TALES FROM WISCONSIN

Condition Human Shows Why Queensryche Remains Today One Of Rock’s Elite Acts

Posted on December 11, 2015 by philspicks

Courtesy: Century Media Records

The story of veteran rock band Queensryche is one of the most amazing stories in the music community today. Having originally formed in 1982, the band has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in the three decades plus since its formation. Those highs include: releasing fourteen albums (or fifteen depending on whether or not one counts Frequency Unknown (which was recorded by Geoff Tate’s Queensryche after his split from his former band mates in 2013) as part of the official Queensryche canon or as its own recording separate from the official Queensryche canon, selling more than twenty million albums worldwide, and earning just as many fans, if not more, in every corner of the world. It has done this largely without the support of mainstream rock radio or even that of MTV and other music networks. The lows mainly are composed of the band’s lineup changes, including the now infamous split between now former front man Geoff Tate and his one-time band mates. Through it all Queensryche has managed to soldier on and remain a relevant and creative force within the rock and music community. Its latest album Condition Human is proof positive of that. The twelve-song, fifty-three minute record contains what is in the eyes (and ears) of this critic to be some of the best material that the band has released in its more than three-decade life. That is thanks both to its musical and lyrical content. The album’s opener ‘Arrow of Time’ is a prime example of that. ‘Just Us,’ which comes much later in the album’s run is another example of just how relevant and creative the band has remained. ‘Guardian,’ with its mix of classic Queensryche sound and socio-political lyrical commentary is one more example of just how relevant and creative Queensryche remains more than thirty years after its original formation. While all three noted songs show in their own way just how important Queensryche remains within the rock and music community in whole, it would be wrong to note only those compositions. The seven songs that remain unnoted here each play their own part in exhibiting the band’s continued relevance and creativity. All things considered Condition Human is an album that shows just how much this veteran rock act still has in the tank. They show in whole to be one more of the year’s best new rock albums.

Queensryche’s latest full-length studio recording Condition Human is one more of this year’s best new rock records. Regardless of whether one considers it the band’s fourteenth or fifteenth (thanks to the release of Frequency Unknown by Geoff Tate’s Queensryche in 2013), this album still stands as a tribute to the band’s drive and commitment to making music that it and its fans wil enjoy. They show in whole a band that remains both relevant within the rock and music community and just as creative as ever. Of course it would be impossible to cover every one of the album’s songs in one sitting. Keeping that in mind, this review will focus on just a few of what this critic considers to be prime examples of what makes this album stand out so well beginning with the album’s opener ‘Arrow of Time.’ ‘Arrow of Time’ was a good choice for an opener for this record. That is thanks largely to the song’s classic Queensryche sound in its musical content and its thought-provoking lyrical content. Looking at the song’s musical content, guitarists Michael Wilton and Parker Lundgren’s dual guitar attack creates the band’s trademark classic Queensryche sound. At the same time, there is also an obvious modern touch to the duo’s sound that could actually be considered somewhat hard rock-influenced. It gives the song a nice touch that will take long-time fans back in time while also showing those same listeners just how far the band has come and how it has continued to adapt and change. Front man Todd LaTorre, who took over vocal duties for the band in 2013, adds his own impressive element to the mix with his powerhouse vocal delivery. Those that perhaps have not already had the pleasure of hearing LaTorre’s vocals will be blown away by just how similar LaTorre sounds to former front man Geoff Tate. Audiences that are familiar with both vocalists’ styles could even argue that LaTorre is just as incredible as Tate in his abilities if not better. These elements are just one part of what makes this song an example of what makes Condition Human another standout record from Queensryche. The song’s lyrical content is just as important as its musical content in exhibiting this. LaTorre sings in the song, which was co-written by himself, Michael Wilton, and bassist Eddie Jackson, “What will you do/When it’s right upon you/Like a ring of fire/Why ask why/No need to justify/Who really cares anyway/Ethical tragedy/Rabid humanity/Learn from the past they say.” He goes on to sing in the song’s chorus, “Now is the time to make up your mind/And find out what is real/Fight or flight you can’t run/You can’t run from yourself.” LaTorre and company come across as asking listeners, “what are you going to do with those tough situations in life that everyone faces?” There seems to be a bit of sarcasm as he responds in the chorus, “Why ask why/No need to justify/Who really cares anyway/Ethical tragedy/Rabid humanity/Learn from the past they say.” It’s as if the song’s subject is answering the question posed in the song’s lead verse by saying cynically, “Who cares what I do? Look at everything going on. No one has learned their lesson.” This sentiment is echoed in the song’s second verse as LaTorre sings, “One reason to survive/With a thousand ways to die/When you’re living on the wire/Reaching the threshold near system overload/Caught on the red eye again.” This verse sees LaTorre coming across as saying that with so much negativity out there there is so little reason to keep going when one is on the edge thanks to all of the negativity in the world. The song closes with LaTorre singing once more, “You can’t run from yourself.” In other words, we would do well to face ourselves even in those tough situations that seem overwhelming. Trying to escape those problems only causes more problems. This is just the interpretation of this critic. By no means is it to mean that this is the only interpretation. Right or wrong, the lyrical content contained within this song and the song’s musical content together make it a clear example of why Queensryche remains a fan favorite even in its latest new release.

‘Arrow of Time’ proves thanks to its musical and lyrical content to be a good choice for Condition Human’s opener. In the same vein, it also is a prime example of why Queensryche remains just as relevant today as it was in its earliest years. It also serves to show the band’s continued creativity even after so many years. It is just one example of why Queensryche remains so relevant today and a fan favorite, too. ‘Just Us’ is another one of the songs included in this record that shows the band’s continued relevance and creativity. Unlike ‘Arrow of Time,’ this song is much softer but just as powerful through its musical content. The same can be said of the song’s lyrical content. It gives the song its own depth. The song’s musical content harkens back to the days of ‘Silent Lucidity’ or perhaps something off of Promised Land with its dual acoustic/electric approach. The song’s lyrical content set against that dual approach adds even more depth to the song with its seeming introspective feeling. That feeling is interpreted as LaTorre sings, “Reflections of time/They’re still yours and mine/The things that used to be/Remains so fine/Is the face of a child/Your calm embrace/You’re my shining star of the darkest nights/A saving grace/Seeing the signs of the times/Forever is now/There’s no rewind.” It’s definitely a stark contrast to the much deeper, more contemplative ‘Arrow of Time.’ Yes it seems somewhat schmaltzy considering that verse and the song’s other emotionally introspective verses. But when those verses are set against the song’s musical content, the song becomes far less schmaltzy and much more emotionally hard-hitting. Keeping that in mind, it proves why ‘Just Us’ is another example of why Queensryche remains so relevant and creative to this very day. It is not the last example either. ‘Guardian,’ the album’s second song, is one more example of what has kept Queensryche relevant for so many years.

‘Arrow of Time’ and ‘Just Us’ are both good examples in Queensryche’s new album of what has kept the kept such a relevant part of the rock and music community for so many years. They are just a couple of the songs featured in this record that can be cited as said examples. ‘Guardian’ is one more example of exactly that. ‘Guardian’ comes early in the album’s run. It is in fact the album’s second song. Long-time drummer Scott Rockenfield’s driving tempo serves as the song’s foundation. Wilton and Lundgren build on that foundation, strengthening the song even more. LaTorre tops off the recording’s musical side with his powerhouse vocal delivery. What is really worth noting here is the modern rock vibe generated through Wilton and Lundgren’s work. It is fitting that this is the case with this song considering the song’s lyrical content. The song’s lyrical content is especially relevant in a time of so much unrest. That is clear as La Torre sings, “Insurrection/This time we’re playing for keeps/Arming police like the military/It’s obscene/And they’re stalking the streets.” He goes on to sing in the chorus, “It’s time to rise up/United we stand/Divided we fall/Evolution calling.” Such content comes across as LaTorre commenting on the current state of the nation. The mention of police being armed like the military hits home because there are in fact police departments that have in fact received military caliber weaponry and vehicles. It was even a major news item for some time recently. There’s even a mention in the song about the political elite and other topics. It all comes across as a warning of sorts as to the direction that the country has taken socially and politically. The urgent, up-tempo feel of the song’s musical content couples with that seeming lyrical warning to make this song one that will definitely have listeners taking note. Considering all of this, it becomes clear why ‘Guardian’ is another important and impressive addition to Queensryche’s new album. It works with the other songs noted here and those not directly noted to make Condition Human an album that shows in whole why Queensryche is still just as relevant and creative both musically and lyrically as it was in its infancy more than three decades ago. All things considered Condition Human proves to be an album that is one more of this year’s best new rock offerings.

Condition Human is one of the best new rock albums to be released this year. The twelve-song, fifty-three minute album shows where the band has been and where it is headed from beginning to end. This is at least the case in terms of the album’s musical content. The record’s lyrical content shows just as much the band’s continued ability to adapt to its musical surroundings. The combination of both elements in each song makes Condition Human in whole a record that fans will agree is some of the band’s best work to date. And that is saying a lot considering the band’s extensive body of work. It is an album that, again, is deserving of a spot on any critic’s list of the year’s best new rock albums. Queensryche is currently taking some time off from the road before it heads back out in the New Year in support of Condition Human. The band’s upcoming slate of tour dates kicks off January 7^th in San Jose, California. It also includes a date at Amos’ Southend in Charlotte, North Carolina on Tuesday, January 19^th. Fans can see the band’s current tour schedule online now along with more information on Condition Human and the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.queensrycheofficial.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/QueensrycheOfficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/queensryche

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Tag Archives: Queensryche

Queensryche Announces New Album Release, Tour Dates; Debuts Album’s Lead Single

Red Reign’s New EP Will Appeal To Classic Rock Fans Of All Ages

Geoff Tate Stars In New Independent Horror-Thriller Flick

Queensryche Unveils ‘Bulletproof’ Video

Queensryche Announces New Fall 2016 Dates

QUEENSRYCHE – US Fall Tour w/Armored Saint & Midnight Eternal

2015 Saw A Number Of Great Rock Records Released

Condition Human Shows Why Queensryche Remains Today One Of Rock’s Elite Acts