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Band Name: Queensryche
Album Name: Empire
Rating: 4 / 5 User Rating: 3 / 5
Label: Capitol Records
Buy Album: Amazon.com
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Tracklist
1. Best I Can
2. Thin Line
3. Jet City Woman
4. Della Brown
5. Another Rainy Night (Without You)
6. Empire
7. Resistance
8. Silent Lucidity
9. Hand on Heart
10. One and Only
11. Anybody Listening?
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Queensryche had a tough road ahead of them after the brilliant 'Operation: Mindcrime', with a small chance that the group could put something together that would hold a candle to their previous metal masterpiece. However, 'Empire' makes for a fitting successor to that classic record, adding commerciality to this Seattle based group's seeming endless bag of musical tricks. This album has a certain feel about it that is quite laborious to pin down. 'Empire' is very moody, much of the record having a vibe that shimmers, yet remaining as certainly gloomy as the band's hometown skyline.
Geoff Tate continues to prove on this album as to why he is one of the preeminent voices in progressive metal, having matured very much since the days of 'Queen Of The Reich', his attack is subtly refined, warm and alluring on mega-hit 'Jet City Woman' as the group provide a lush tapestry of sounds for Tate to croon over top of. Also scoring big with radio listeners, the title track displays a darker, more sinister side of the band as Tate tackles the tough topics throughout the track's well thought out lyrics. A third, far more massive FM dominator can be found in the engaging ballad 'Silent Lucidity', the band's greatest success to date.
Striking a chord with many listeners, this highly memorable piece remains quite popular in 2002, with recognition befitting of its superbly executed musicianship. The somber, gloomy 'Della Brown' comes through as moody, yet highly melodic. Its textured craftsmanship rivals some of the most intricately beautiful work that the group has accomplished to date. 'Another Rainy Night (Without You)' also does much to add to the album's overcast aura. Coupling a great hook with a brooding verse makes sense here, becoming yet another instant live favorite with its persuasive instrumentation.
Further adding to Queensryche impressive arsenal of cutting-edge progressive metal, 'Empire' is an album that succeeds on many levels, most importantly in its stark tunefulness and quality of performance. An important release that further establishes Queensryche as a highly important group in the ever-changing metal climate.
Review by: EF
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