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Progressive-Metal at its best

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

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL Queensryche stands out as one of the best Prog-Metal bands

Though it is not considered in the same league as bands like Pink Floyd, and Genesis, Queensryche, one of 80's most popular Progressive-Rock bands 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 heavily inspired by Dream Theatre, Queensryche wrote songs that spoke of drugs, violence and grief. Interestingly, the 1988 album titled, "Operation: Mindcrime" told a story through its selection of songs, 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 out of their skin, hardcore Metal and Rock fans were all praise for Queensryche's boldness, and blunt attitude.

But all the negative criticism which the band received made sure that its next album, Empire was more mellow, and easy on the themes and stories. Tracks like "Silent Lucidity" projected the band in an entirely different, and responsible `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 massive live concert tour, where the band performed alongside Dream Theatre and Fates Warning.

The current lineup of artistes that make up 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, who have grown hearing this group, still swear by their guitarist icons, Chris DeGarmo and Kelly Gray.

New album

The recently released album titled, The Essential: Queensryche (EMI; CD; Rs. 295), is a compilation of 16 handpicked tracks from the band, which reflect the change in times, music, maturity and attitude on the band over the last 25 years. Though tracks like "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 as one glides across the tracks in the album.

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.

The album is recommended if you are seriously into Rock and Metal, but for others, it could be a little too heavy on the ears.

A. VISHNU

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