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"Queensrÿche has adapted to the times, and with "Empire" offers an album that is certainly less ambitious than its predecessor, but just as effective."
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4/5
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Connoisseurs of old-school heavy metal know that 1990 marked the beginning of one of the most ungrateful decades for the style. The arrival of grunge and so-called "alternative" rock, echoing the punk and hardcore waves, led to the rapid obsolescence of bands who had offered virtuoso, well-crafted music. Two years earlier, Queensrÿche had offered an ambitious concept album with "Operation: Mindcrime", and were one of those bands whose supremacy was now dangerously threatened. Metal bands of the time reacted to this phenomenon in two different ways: Some, like Iron Maiden, made no concessions at the time, even if it meant a commercial slump. Others, like Metallica and its "Black Album", opportunistically bowed to the new demands.
"Empire" falls into the second category. Three tracks made it into the top 10 of the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, and "Silent Lucidity" even made it into the top 10 of the US Billboard chart, while the album came seventh in the same chart. Add to this the fact that production is entrusted to Peter Collins (Rush, Alice Cooper, Bon Jovi...) and you'll understand that Queensrÿche has done everything to stay competitive.
It's no real surprise that the album opens with a synthesizer sound and backing vocals. The track 'Best I Can' shows a band that goes for the essentials, i.e. melody. Geoff Tate's warm vocals and experienced musicians give the band a strong musical edge, even if it means playing flat drums or simplistic arpeggios for the whole track.
The result is obviously very effective, with tracks such as 'Jet City Woman', a tribute to the band members' wives, and 'One and Only', which appeal immediately. What's more, the production perfectly enhances each element, and fans of beautiful melodies will be delighted. What's more, the Queensrÿche atmosphere is present and prevents the tracks from sounding too easy, especially on 'Empire', where the heavy riffs are to the best effect and accentuate the gloomy side.
While "Empire" has everything to seduce the general public, some may have trouble with the double vocals that weigh the whole thing down, or may be annoyed by the opus' lack of risk. Indeed, while no track is really bad, the juxtaposition of 11 tracks calibrated for radio can give the tiresome impression of being subjected to an hour of MTV. Let's be a little cynical and note that the cover is probably the ugliest the band has ever offered us. Nevertheless, it's impossible to pass up this opus. At worst, you'll quickly reduce "Empire" to half of its tracks, to which you'll return with pleasure; at best, the whole will allow you to spend an excellent moment in the company of a band that has made its contribution to the Metal edifice. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Best I Can - 05:33
02. The Thin Line - 05:41
03. Jet City Woman - 05:20
04. Della Brown - 07:02
05. Another Rainy Night (without You) - 04:28
06. Empire - 05:22
07. Resistance - 04:49
08. Silent Lucidity - 05:46
09. Hand On Heart - 05:31
10. One And Only - 05:52
11. Anybody Listening? - 07:39
LINEUP:
Chris Degarmo: Guitares
Eddie Jackson: Basse
Geoff Tate: Chant
Michael Wilton: Guitares
Scott Rockenfield: Batterie
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READERS
4.1/5 (7 view(s))
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STAFF:
4.1/5 (9 view(s))
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