Promised Land by Queensryche

Promised Land does not follow a linear narrative, but develops thematically, focusing on introspection and criticism of the American dream, as well as the "momentum" the band was experiencing at that time. It is a psychological journey through the "dark side of glory," where the band exposes its vulnerabilities in search of a sense of authentic peace beyond materialism.

The album explores the sense of isolation and disillusionment felt by the band after the commercial success of Empire. The "Promised Land" of the title is a metaphor for achieving material prosperity, which turns out to be empty and meaningless once attained. Many songs investigate the gap between the "Real Self" and the ideal image imposed by society, posing direct questions about identity and the loss of oneself in the pursuit of success. Some tracks analyze the alienating influence of the media, advertising, and consumer society, which promise happiness in exchange for material goods, with reflections on mortality. There are also psychedelic moments, such as the sound of an electrocardiogram and a newborn's cry, representing the birth-death cycle, a theme also present in "Bridge," dedicated to the complex relationship between guitarist Chris DeGarmo and his late father.

The isolated and dark atmosphere of the album marked a departure from the compact sound of the '80s, instead embracing an almost psychedelic approach. This fusion of Art Rock and Experimentation combines the power of heavy metal with the art rock of Pink Floyd. Compared to the past, the tempo is slower and the song structures are more expansive.

The album creates an almost cinematic experience thanks to the use of environmental samples, such as forest sounds, water, wind, and industrial noises, anticipating some of the sounds of more atmospheric modern metal. Singer Geoff Tate enriches several tracks, including the title-track, with his saxophone, adding a noir and melancholic touch reminiscent of dark jazz.

Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton opted for a mix of 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars, classical guitars, and less aggressive distortion, focusing on textures and effects like delay and chorus rather than direct riffs. Scott Rockenfield recorded the percussion in large rooms to achieve natural reverb, integrating ethnic percussion and metallic objects to create industrial sounds.

The piano takes on a central role, no longer relegated to simple filler, evoking a sense of solitude and introspection. The opening track, "9:28 a.m.," is a sound collage assembled from real noises to tell a story without words, a typical technique of avant-garde music.

The album opens with "9:28 a.m.," a musique concrète introduction that represents the cycle of life. It starts with the flat sound of an electrocardiograph, symbolizing death, and then arrives at the cry of a newborn, representing birth.

"I Am I" is an experimental track that mixes oriental rhythms and industrial sounds. Geoff Tate's voice is filtered to give a sense of unsettling alienation.

"Damaged" is the hardest track on the album, a dark and violent piece that deals with themes such as psychological trauma and fear. The chorus is powerful and Tate's screams amplify the emotional intensity of the song.

"Out of Mind" is a melancholic acoustic ballad that takes us inside psychiatric hospitals. It deals with the theme of mental health with an almost comforting, yet at the same time sad, melody, creating an interesting contrast.

"Bridge," written by Chris DeGarmo, talks about the difficult relationship with the father who had abandoned him and with whom he tried to mend ties shortly before he died. Musically, it is a melodic and direct rock piece that expresses all of DeGarmo's suffering and hope.

"Promised Land," the heart of the album (almost 8 minutes), is a distinctly Pink Floydian track that criticizes material success. Tate's saxophone solo is a key moment of the piece, which ends with ambient sounds of a bar, almost as if to bring us back to reality after the introspective journey.

"Disconnected" is an alienating piece that combines guitars, synthesizers, and saxophone to criticize American consumer society. A track that invites reflection and awareness.

"Lady Jane" begins with children's choirs and piano, creating a dark atmosphere. The ballad tells the story of a woman unable to adapt to modern society and a victim of the influence of the media, a theme that is still very relevant today.

"My Global Mind" criticizes globalization and the excess of information in the digital age. Despite the complex theme, it features a very melodic chorus, in classic Queensrÿche style.

"One More Time" is an acoustic rock piece that reprises the themes of the title-track, reflecting on the failure of the "American dream" for new generations. A song that encourages not giving up and continuing to fight for one's dreams.

The album closes with "Someone Else?", an ending with only voice and piano, one of Tate's best performances.

The artwork, curated by graphic designer Hugh Syme (known for Rush's covers), features an anthropomorphic totem in the center with a decomposed or fossilized appearance. The being, suspended between human and mechanical, stands in a desolate expanse, a sterile and abandoned "Promised Land." The image evokes the loneliness that accompanies material success, with a palette of earth, ochre, and gray tones that conveys a sense of ancient, dusty, and decaying, in sharp contrast to the bright and technological colors of the band's other album covers.

This album represents their most refined work and the artistic testament of their classic lineup, being the last album to feature guitarist Chris DeGarmo alongside Geoff Tate. After the Promised Land support tour, DeGarmo, the guitarist and main songwriter, left the band.

 

A complex, melancholic album of extraordinary beauty, which requires time to be fully appreciated. In my opinion, it is one of the undisputed masterpieces of progressive metal.

My Version

Label: Back On Black – BOBV484LP
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Repress, Gatefold, Clear
Country: Europe
Released: 2020

Tracklist

1. 9:28 AM (1:44)
2. I Am I (3:57)
3. Damaged (3:58)
4. Out Of Mind (4:36)
5. Bridge (3:30)
6. Promised Land (7:58)
7. Disconnected (4:45)
8. Lady Jane (4:15)
9. My Global Mind (4:22)
10. One More Time (4:19)
11. Someone Else? (4:44)

Duration 48:08

LineUp

- Geoff Tate - vocals, keyboards, saxophone
- Michael Wilton - guitar
- Chris DeGarmo - guitar, sitar, cello, piano
- Eddie Jackson - bass
- Scott Rockenfield - drums, percussion, effects

Link for listening:

Some tracks from the official Youtube channel Queensrÿche

Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists"