lambchops's Full Review: Empire [Bonus Tracks] [Remaster] by Queensr?che
Some people may view Empire as a copycat pre-Creed attempt at a thoughtful yet loud rock music. I, on the other hand, feel that this Queensryche album is actually quite meritorious. And, considering it was released during the same era that fans were engulfed in hair metal, the songs and music as a whole have outlasted most other bands from the same period.
When Empire was released in 1990, Queensryche were veterans of the music business. The Washington-based quintet had been around for almost a decade, making music that many people enjoyed. Their sound wasn’t really similar to that produced by most American bands. Rather, they created a sound more akin to that from Queen, Rush, or even Judas Priest. Despite not necessarily being their most ambitious album, Empire would go on to be the band’s biggest commercial success.
Geoff Tate (vocals), Eddie Jackson (bass), Scott Rockenfield (drums), Chris DeGarmo (guitar), and Michael Wilton (guitar) flexed their collective musical imagination with the eleven tracks on Empire. Released by EMI, the album went on to sell an impressive two million copies. Queensryche went on to tour in support of their popular album and subsequent hit singles like Silent Lucidity, Empire and Jet City Woman.
The song that really caused the biggest stir on Empire was undoubtedly Silent Lucidity. Beautifully arranged and performed, the track could be considered the typical rock ballad. But, it’s not. Instead what Silent Lucidity proves is that rock bands can be honest and emotional. A delicately strummed guitar backs Tate’s rich vocals in this song that reminds me very specifically of tracks from Pink Floyd’s epic The Wall. The orchestral elements of Silent Lucidity are brilliant and nearly perfect.
Jet City Woman on the other hand is good old-fashioned rock music. But, with the theatrical and orchestral arranged melodies the track proves richer and more lasting than other songs from 1990. Once again, Tate’s round and unabrasive rock vocals prove a welcome release among singers with much less talent. The guitars and drums are driving and lend themselves very well to this track. Jet City Woman is quite possibly my favorite track on this album…probably because of its energy level.
Another great track is Empire. Once again, Queensryche impresses me with their guitar licks and musical arrangements. Like the last track I mentioned, this one is great hard rock. Empire is loud and unrelenting, showcasing an amazing amount of energy and drive. Maybe it’s not innovative, per se, but the melodies and Tate’s vocals are remarkable. The sound bytes are also great…much like White Zombie used in their horror-themed songs, Queensryche uses the byes as a way to focus their energies toward political goals.
Besides those three tracks, Queensryche also included a few other great songs. Both Resistance and Anybody Listening? are extraordinary rock tracks (even if they didn’t get nearly as much air play or critical attention as some of the other tracks). Both are innovative and prove that Queensryche really had some artistic range and quite a bit of talent. Don’t believe me, maybe this album is for you…
Empire proves that Queensryche was a shining light in the music scene at the end of the hair band era and at the beginning of grunge. Their sound really does transcend anything from any hair band in meaning and musical prowess. Without listening, rock fans may dismiss Queensryche and lump them into unfair categories. I cannot. Silent Lucidity really is a special song, and if you cannot recognize the talent of it’s creators I’d be shocked. Seriously, wipe away the layers of dust collecting on your Queensryche tape or CD thanks to a decade of not listening. I think that there is something special to be said.
Overall, I think this album is pretty darned good. I give it an easy 4/5 stars. Coming in the wake of the opus Operation: Mindcrime, this 1990 album was a bit less fulfilling. It had less of an overall vision despite each track being able to stand on it’s own legs pretty easily.
Queensryche is still making music and touring in support of new albums. Despite never making a full-fledged comeback, the five members should be very proud of their past achievements. I certainly appreciate the band’s tradition and what they’ve given to the rock world.
Track Listing:
1. Best I Can
2. The Thin Line
3. Jet City Woman
4. Dell 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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