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P r o g r e s s i v e R o c k W o r l d
Queensrÿche and the origins of Technical Progressive Metal
Queensrÿche are an American band formed in 1980 in Bellevue, Washington, pioneers of progressive metal thanks to the fusion of classic heavy metal (Iron Maiden, Judas Priest) with complex atmospheres and intellectual themes.
Initially born with the names Cross+Fire and then The Mob, the band took on its definitive name in 1982 in homage to the song "Queen of the Reich" contained in their self-titled debut EP from 1983. The classic lineup included Geoff Tate (Vocals), Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton (Guitars), Eddie Jackson (Bass) and Scott Rockenfield (Drums)
After the first LP The Warning (1984), mainly Heavy Metal but already anticipating the Progressive Metal sound, with Rage for Order (1986) more experimental and futuristic sounds arrived, anticipating technological themes and digital sounds that would characterize the following decade.
The band's Golden Era arrives with Mindcrime and Empire (1988–1996):
in 1988 they released Operation: Mindcrime, one of the most important concept albums in rock history, which tells a complex story of love, drugs, and political assassinations, but global commercial success came in 1990 with Empire, driven by the power ballad "Silent Lucidity," which received several Grammy nominations and won the MTV Viewers' Choice Award.
In 1997, Chris DeGarmo, the group's main songwriter, left: he wanted to take a break from music and devote himself to other interests, distancing himself from touring and band life after the great success. Despite this, he contributed to the composition of songs for later albums, remained in touch, and helped write some songs for later albums, showing a bond that was never completely severed, but his priority was to step away from the rock circus.
In 2012, after further internal conflicts, singer Geoff Tate left. For a short period, there were two versions of Queensrÿche, until a legal resolution assigned the name to original members Wilton, Jackson, and Rockenfield. From 2012 onwards, the role of singer has been entrusted to Todd La Torre, with whom the band has regained a sonic stability closer to its heavy metal roots, releasing albums such as The Verdict (2019) and Digital Noise Alliance (2022).
Queensrÿche's legacy is their innovation in heavy metal into Progressive Metal, particularly with masterpieces like Operation: Mindcrime (1988) and Empire (1990), combining powerful riffs with complex narratives, social themes, and melodic sounds, influencing future bands.
The Discography and the Reviews
The Warning - 1984 - Coming Soon
Rage For Order - 1986 - ECCELLENTE
Operation: Mindcrime - 1988 - Coming Soon
Empire - 1990 - Coming Soon
Promised Land - 1994 - Coming Soon
Hear In the Now Frontier - 1997 - Coming Soon
Q2K - 1999 - Coming Soon
Tribe - 2003 - Coming Soon
Operation : Mindcrime II - 2006 - Coming Soon
Take Cover - 2007 - Coming Soon
American Soldier - 2009 - Coming Soon
Dedicated To Chaos - 2011 - Coming Soon
Frequency Unknown - 2013 - Coming Soon
Queensrÿche - 2013 - Coming Soon
Condition Hüman - 2015 - Coming Soon
The Verdict - 2019 - Coming Soon
Digital Noise Alliance - 2022 - Coming Soon
Note: the links to the pages of the artists and bands mentioned here and their albums are available on the"Artisti"" page or using the TAG Queensrÿche