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Rating:
After the flop (in terms of sales, not artistry) of "Hear In The Now Frontier," Queensryche found themselves in quite a difficult spot. First, they were dropped by EMI. Then, as if that wasn't frustrating enough, they saw their main songwriter, the great Chris De Garmo, leave the band. No big deal. In fact, the first issue was quickly resolved by jumping from one record label to another (specifically, Atlantic); as for the second, Geoff Tate decided to enlist Kelly Gray, a guitarist with whom Geoff Tate played in his previous band, Mynth. The result of these efforts is "Q2K," an album that's nothing short of sublime.
Not a masterpiece like "Operation: Mindcrime" or the colossal "Promised Land". Here, rather, we witness a further evolution of their sound, which ranges from grunge tones (but just a hint...) to rock that owes its greatest contribution to that of the seventies, specifically all the groups that Tate is inspired by (Genesis and Yes primarily). All smoothed over by indie rock sounds and the magical touch of Kelly Gray when it comes to production. We are far from defining the album as a masterpiece, as not all the songs on the album are equivalent. But it’s also true that this isn’t the band’s epitaph, as many ignorant blinkered have dared to define it. If "Breakdown" examines some more metal reminiscences, the opening tracks ("Falling Down" and "Sacred Ground") could teach countless contemporary rock bands the trade, including U2 (the current ones, of course, who seem more feeble than the whining of Giada De Blanc....). Other compositional peaks are "Wot Kinda Man", "Liquid Sky", "When The Rain Comes", while "Burning Man" seems to be made specifically to be played greatly at their live shows. The softer tracks are also beautiful, like "One Life" and "Beside You", which will cradle the listener (especially "One Life") with their melodies. The album closes with yet another masterstroke by Queensryche, namely the magnificent composition "The Right Side of My Mind", which brings to mind "Promised Land".
An intelligent album for intelligent minds. I would dare call it "Intellectual Metal", as within it are numerous sound influences that can be identified (even the usual 'ryche-made psychedelia is not lacking). In short, I bought it blindly after just hearing the opener. And also, after taking a look at the cover, truly beautiful and "futuristic". I recommend the album to those who are not suffering from "blinders" syndrome and to those who love to listen to well-made, inspired music, and, above all, to all those who have now understood that Queensryche is a band that doesn't sell its soul to win over the most extreme fans, those who, rather than eating the ham, prefer to place it over their eyes.
One last note in favor of the reissue of the album, which features 4 bonus tracks. Beautiful.....
Tracklist and Lyrics
01 Falling Down (04:28)
Today is just the same as any other day to me.
Walking wall to wall to pass the time, I picture what it’s like on the other side.
Because I’m here on the inside of blue, without you.
Day in day out on and on ... I’m missing you.
Nothing seems to work as well, my face in the mirror looks like hell. I think I need to see a doctor.
I watch the slow hand move line by line. I can’t even think of the words that rhyme.
Day in day out on and on ... I’m missing you.
Some days it feels, just like falling down.
Some days it’s easy, just like falling down.
Some days it’s real, just like falling down.
Some days it’s easy, just like falling down.
Day in day out on and on ... I’m missing you
02 Sacred Ground (04:12)
Iced over, close your eyes. Whisper the flame, it takes us higher.
Seems our world is closing around. When I’m inside you, you bring me to sacred ground.
When I’m inside you, you bring me to sacred ground.
Now you’re the one that I want, you know it’s true.
Let go of everything, open up to me.
I’m right beside you, I’ll be your watchful eye.
I send waves of devotion over you. You take it all in and give it back, give it back again.
You bring me to sacred ground, when I’m inside you.
You bring me to sacred ground.
Yes we’ll love till there’s nothing left to give...
matching every movement, swimming in an ocean of sweat, and scent of you. It drives me to ...
You bring me to sacred ground, when I’m inside you.
You bring me to sacred ground.
I know I can change your mind. Give it to me the same way.
Giving it all up for love, I know that you feel the same way.
I’d give it all up for you, I swear I would.
Now I’m falling, falling inside ...
You bring me to sacred ground, when I’m inside you.
You bring me to sacred ground.
I’m inside you.
You bring me to sacred ground, when I’m inside you.
You bring me to sacred ground.
08 Breakdown (04:11)
When the whirlwind of noise surrounds and get intense,
and when words can’t hide their anger or intent.
I feel it in my bones and in my head, can’t make sense of what is said.
Ready for the take down, headed for a breakdown.
Fear has me backed against these walls that I follow and pace.
Time moves in and out of phase of everything that I face.
I feel it in my bones they rattle and shake, can’t find a trace of what it takes to stop this take down.
Can’t stop this breakdown!
Welcome to my scene. A place that’s in-between where squares fit the round.
Some affectionately call it ... my breakdown....
When I feel the pressure mounting and my hands begin to clutch, I reach my limit of pain and I’ve had enough.
It feels good to pound on tables and chairs and feel the frenzy start to wear.
Breakdown this take down, gotta stop this breakdown.
Welcome to my scene. A place that’s in-between where squares fit the round.
It’ll never be, never be more than this. Never.
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