QueensrA¿che - Empire

Exploring the uncharted territory between heavy metal and progressive rock, Queensryche has always been difficult to categorize. While Operation: Mindcrime is their most highly-praised album, Empire remains their most accessible, with a somewhat more commercial approach that has no negative impact on the quality of the material. Empire produced a string of hit singles, including "Best I Can," the title track, "Jet City Woman," and "Silent Lucidity" (probably their best-known song, and ironically unlike most of their other work). At times sounding a great deal like Pink Floyd, Empire is an impressive collection that is all substance, no filler. "Anybody Listening?", which closes the album, is probably the best perspective on a life lived on stage since Rush's "Limelight". Highly recommended. --Genevieve Williams Amazon.com

Queensryche

Basically I brought this album for one song but ended up enjoying the whole album. A great C D. September 8, 2008

Proof that just b/c it's mainstream doesn't mean it's no good!

I first bought this album at the age of 11 after hearing (what else) Silent Lucidity on the radio. Queensryche soon became my favorite band and I listened to this album almost every day. The music of Empire was "mainstream" in that it was accessible, but in this case the music wasn't dumbed-down or vapid or any of the other things associated with (some) "mainstream" music. Empire was well-written, well-played and well-sung. In my opinion, this was Geoff Tate's best recording, too; the operatic styles of the early days were impressive, but his singing on Empire was more "real" and had more soul, and after Empire, his voice went downhill (I'm sorry, but it did).

That year I slowly got a hold of all of Queensryche's other albums, some of which were an acquired taste: at first I thought were just weird and didn't understand them, but over the years I grew to love. That year I also got exposed to heavy metal and discovered Dream Theater. To this day, I mostly listen to metal and progressive rock, and I wonder what I would be listening to if I hadn't started out with Queensryche. So, I think of Queensryche as a "gateway" band too.

Mindcrime is pretty stellar, but if I really had to choose, I'd say this was my favorite Queensryche album. I've owned it for years and years and to this day I still enjoy listening to it. I like every song that's on it, and even appreciate different songs at different times. This album changed the direction of my life. Silent Lucidity will always be my #1 song of all time and Queensryche will always have a place in my heart.

September 5, 2008

Is There Anybody Listening

This was Queensryche's commercial pitch, and was a pretty big hit on the radio. Extraordinary vocals, excellent writing, and great hooks on most of the songs. One of the great albums of the 90's. August 30, 2008

Queensryche still rocks

I had to buy this on CD since I don't have a casette deck in my car anymore, and Queensryche is a must have---both Operation Mindcrime and Empire.

CD arrived promptly and perfectly packaged with no damage to product. Great CD! April 29, 2008

BEFORE GRUNGE

Before Grunge took over most of the 'metal sound' Ryche released this CD which boosted them from a flat foundation to a sky-is-the-limit platform. It's an outstanding representation of their music when it was hard and tight. Their image scored points, their tour was awesome, this earned them their "Thinking man's band" reputation due to the complexity of the lyrics and hair raising quality of Tate's vocals. Tribute band often try to replicate the guitar riffs from this CD. Worth every hard earned dollar (and cent). February 16, 2008

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