Queensrÿche
Q2K

THE REVIEW

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.....