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Rocking at its best

One of world's best Progressive-Metal bands releases its definitive hits collection

POWERFUL INFLUENCES Queensryche

Though it is not considered in the same league as bands such as Pink Floyd and Genesis, Queensryche, one of most popular Progressive-Rock bands of the 1980s, is a fine example of how the energy and attitude of Rock can be combined with the complex build-up orchestrisation of Progressive music. A band, which was inspired by Dream Theatre, Queensryche wrote songs that spoke of drugs, violence and grief. Interestingly, the 1988 album titled "Operation: Mindcrime" through its selection of songs, told a story of a reckless junkie who, under the influence of contraband drugs, commits repeated assassinations, and his relationship with a reformed nun. Though this album shocked critics, hardcore metal and rock fans were all praise for Queensryche's boldness.

But following the negative criticism, the band made sure its next album, Empire was more mellow, and easy on the themes. Tracks such as "Silent Lucidity" projected the band in an entirely different `avataar'. But at the peak of its success, the band was known for its roughness and insensitive approach to life, which was something Rock was all about, at that point of time. Later, of course, the grunge movement happened, which saw the decline of Queensryche, only to make a thundering comeback in 2003 with an album called "Tribe." What followed was a extensive tour, where the band performed alongside Dream Theatre and Fates Warning.

The current line-up of artistes of the band includes Geoff Tate (vocals), Michael Wilton (guitars), Mike Stone (guitars), Eddie Jackson (bass and vocals), and Scott Rockenfield (drums). But the real fans of Queensryche still swear by their guitarist icons, Chris DeGarmo and Kelly Gray.

Last week saw the release of an album titled The Essential: Queensryche (EMI; CD; Rs. 295), a compilation of 16 tracks that reflect the change in times, music, maturity and attitude of the band over the last 25 years. Though tracks such as "Queen Of The Reich", "Prophecy" and "Warning" are thrown next to each other, a mature Rock enthusiast can understand the shift in mood, theme and aggression. A live version of "The Lady Wore Black" is the last track in the collection, which throws up songs like "Empire", "Screaming In Digital" and "Someone Else", which are unique to Queensryche.

A. VISHNU

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