Queensrÿche
Tribe

THE REVIEW

Queensryche are one of the most influential bands in Heavy Metal, often remembered only for their masterpiece "Operation Mindcrime" from 1988. Unlike other metal bands, the four guys from Seattle have evolved their sound over the years, yet remained very much attached to progressive metal, which they have significantly contributed to developing.

Even before guitarist and main composer of much of the band's material, Chris DeGarmo, left the other members of the group in 1997, Queensryche had already executed a notable shift in their sound towards a Heavy Metal-Hard Rock with Grunge components ("Hear In The Now Frontier" is proof of that). "Tribe" (2003) is perhaps the best album "produced" by Queensryche after "Promised Land" (1994), which was somewhat the watershed for the band's sound. This is perhaps partly due to the help that DeGarmo provided in composing many songs of the album and in their initial interpretation during sessions; indeed, he never completely separated from the band and often contributed interesting ideas, which were always accepted by Tate & Co. The whole atmosphere of the album, as suggested by its cover and name, is decidedly tribal and at times oriental (see "Desert Dance" most of all). Scott Rockenfield contributes fundamentally to this task behind the drums, but also Geoff Tate with his vocals, deeply changed from the past yet still very beautiful; somewhat the trademark of Queensryche.

The "accompanying" guitar is well played by Mike Stone, and the solos performed by Michael Wilton are, as always, breathtaking. A negative note is perhaps Eddie Jackson's bass, less present than in the past (see "Operation Mindcrime" or "Empire"); however, we can appreciate his excellent technique right from the first track, "Open", where he performs an excellent solo (followed by a formidable scream from the electric guitar). We can notice, in tracks like "Rhythm of Hope", the excellent accompaniment with the acoustic guitar that helps dispel the poor equation, created by ignorance, metal = noise and screams. Indeed, there's little noise and screaming in this album; rather, there are excellent electric guitar riffs, and a wonderful voice, that of Tate, which is always at the forefront. The atmosphere of "Tribe", as already mentioned, is often very dark and tribal. The title track is perhaps the most representative piece of the album from this point of view. "Losing Myself" and "Falling Behind" are minor episodes of the album, as unfortunately, is the last track "Doin' Fine", which is quite surprising, given that Queensryche has always accustomed us to excellent closures (see "Eyes of a Stranger" or "Anybody Listening").

"Blood" and "The Art of Life" are excellent pieces; the title of the latter song, varied by one letter, would give the name to the live "The Art of Live" released a year after the release of "Tribe", where Queensryche performs almost all of the pieces from the album plus many other old hits, and even two covers ("Comfortably Numb" by Floyd and "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who) together with Dream Theater. I also recommend all fans of both bands to watch/listen to this live. In conclusion, I would say that "Tribe" is not a masterpiece, but it is an album capable of showing how the Queensryche of 2000 are as valid as the Queensryche of the '80s, the important thing is to judge them for the new genre they play, which is no longer the beloved old progressive metal of "Operation Mindcrime" or "Rage For Order". "Operation Mindcrime 2" (2006) was a release compelled by the great anticipation of the fans (who were waiting to find out what happened to Nikki and Dr. X), and despite that, it is a good album.

Let’s hope that the band's evolution will bring to light new masterpieces like Mindcrime.