Queensrÿche

The self-titled Queensrÿche is a restart on which Queensrÿche again foregrounds sharp guitar riffs, dramatic vocals and tension-filled development, powerfully reaffirming the band’s traditional progressive-metal image. It is the first studio album after the vocalist changed from Geoff Tate to the new Todd La Torre. The songs, while heavy and hard, firmly place a striking, memorable melody in their choruses. From the powerful drive of the opener “Where Dreams Go to Die” and the drama of “Redemption” to the aggression of “Vindication,” the songs are full of a sharp metal appeal evoking the band of old, while cuts like “Spore” and “A World Without” announce the band’s full revival. La Torre’s powerful, dramatic voice, evoking Tate, was enthusiastically welcomed by fans. Its appeal is beautifully uniting intelligent, precise construction and the direct power of hard rock, and powerfully re-sounding the appeal the early masterpieces held with present-day playing. After a long period of turmoil, it is a record that loftily announces the band’s return to its own origin. It can be strongly recommended to longtime fans who value the exquisite balance of riffs and singing — a powerful comeback.