The times they have a-changed since Queensryche formed some 30 years ago, and music has certainly changed. Those looking for 80's style metal will not find it on this album.
Queensyrche have always considered themselves as a "fringe-dwelling, left-of-center group of discontents," and have not been content to just rest on their laurels and stick to one formulaic sound. They are always experimenting with the craft of songwriting, and are still producing fresh, outstanding rock releases.
Their new album and first for Roadrunner, Dedicated To Chaos, is no exception, rich, multi-layered, modern, catchy, fun, and... different.
GOT IT BAD
This is the sound of Queensrÿche marching forward artistically, philosophically and sonically.
The band have chosen to challenge themselves and create new soundscapes, and while may not be the metal you expected, there are enough elements within the music that make it a completely satisfying album.
Far more accessible than American Soldier, this CD has solid songwriting with contemporary lyrics, weaving an auditory dreamscape that melds elements from the 60′s through 2011, while still retaining qualities of the progressive and experimental, falling less on the metal side than in years past.
With former band guitarist Kelly Gray in the producer's seat, the album leans a little more towards radio oriented rock than metal, not a record for those seeking a return to the band's signature guitar-driven hard rock and heavy metal roots.
GET STARTED
Before listening to this record I must first advise you to throw out your preconceptions of what the band are “supposed” to sound like, and listen to it with ears wide open.
Any long-time fan who hasn’t set aside their aural expectations will likely be thrown off by the radio ready sound but they’d be missing the point. Music is the universal language, and Queensrÿche has recaptured that with what may be its most diverse and creative effort to date.
Purists may denounce this record and clamor for another Operation Mindcrime, but this is is another side of the band that is unique and vibrant.
This is a band willing to put their legacy under fire and coming out the other side renewed and inspired.
I still need to pick it up. Queensryche has always been a favorite, but I wasn't crazy about their last album.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I own 2 Queensryche albums, but I can't say I've ever been their biggest fan. Last night I just happen to run across their 1986 version of "Gonna Get Close to You" from the Rage for Order album. They do a pretty fine job with the song, but I still prefer the original version by the song's writer Lisa Dalbello. Are you familiar with any of Dalbello's album. I hadn't listened to her in a long time--she had a great sound.
ReplyDeleteAnyway enjoyed this look at the Queensryche album.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Alex-if you mean "American SOldier," not my favorite, either.
ReplyDeleteLee-I'd not heard Lisa Dalbello-I imagine a different style than 'Ryche?
LC
Actually the Queensryche version was pretty true to Dalbello's though perhaps with a little more metal sound. Dalbello is a rough edged rocker with a bit of David Bowie theatrics thrown in. I need to find my old cassettes of her music and listen to them again. As I said, it's been a long time since I've listened to her. You should try to dig up some of her stuff and take a listen. She has a few cuts on YouTube.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
You might enjoy the series of concert clips of Rockpalast 1985. Great sound quality and film work. You get a better idea of what she's like hearing her perform live. I'd never heard any live clips from her before and I thought she and her band sound pretty impressive. I haven't listened to all the clips yet but #9 is "Gonna Get Close to You".
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
It's a little known fact that Queensryche was inspired by Tiny Tim.
ReplyDelete(htn)
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Lee-I will definitely check her out (even though I am supposed to be cutting back on the CD habit...)
ReplyDeleteStephen-I do recall reading that somewhere...
Actually, Queensryche had recently done some small-theater lunge-type shows that may very well have been TT inspired.
Queensryche doing a lounge act is kinda scary, though.
LC