Delivers it's promises (Promised Land - Queensryche)

Member Name: mpeh

Product:	Promised Land - Queensryche
Date:	25/04/01 (68 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Unique sound, heavy with good vocals (a rarity)

Disadvantages: Vocals could be considered whiney

The first Queensryche album I came across I think it may be the best although rage for order may run it close.

12 tracks, one of which is an intro with modern day noises on which sets the scene for the album. Queensryche have achieved a signature electric guitar sound which distinguishes them immediately. What I really like about this album is the originality, it doesn't really sound like anything else.

Queensryche have been called the thinking mans metal but I think this is a dangerous name to apply, as soon as metal is mentioned a very large proportion of the people who may have been interested immediately discard the idea. The thing which usually distinguishes metal is God awful vocals (and I'm a metal fan) but Queensryche have really strong vocals, he has a good range and manages to pour emotion into his singing when necessary.

The album contains clever 'intellectual' lyrics which to start with I didn't listen to, the total package of sound was so satisfying without knowing what they were actually singing about I didn't find it necessary. The more I listened to the album the more I realised of the lyrics. They are not pretentious and tend to be down to earth and sensible with none of the hyperbole so common to other heavy rock/ metal groups.

This brings me on to another point: Classifying Queensryche, well they supported Iron Maiden on their recent tour of the states which would suggest that they're metal. In fact they aren't as heavy as metal, the guitars aren't that distorted and the vocals are sung not shouted and theres haunting keyboard (I think) none of which sound metally. The overall sound is definitely not something I would associate with metal. On the other hand I think they satisfy the same things musically in the listener as metal bands do which may be a reason I like them.

The album is well put together, if you listen to the songs in sequence to start with I think you
do get something more out of the album than if you hit random on the cd player. The two best songs (IMO- joke) are 'Bridge' about a son talking to his separated father about how their relationship hasn't deteriorated it never started and the last song 'Someone Else' which has a completely different effect to everything else on the album. It starts with a slow piano riff and the whole of the first verse is sung with only piano backing after this eventually the drums and guitars pick up gently. Sung with genuine emotion and not over done I find the track moving and one of my absolute favourite songs.

All in all a very good album, I like their other stuff but this is near Queensryches peak. If you like metal/ rock but get fed up with poor quality vocals try these guys out. Initially you may find them a bit whiney but give them a chance, I bet they grow on you.

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