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After
6 years since all the original line-up had written and recorded anything
as a whole Queensryche return with another lesson on how to write a
concept album. A thing that Geoff Tate and Co manage to do so well time
after time.
A band that people find hard to categorize but way should they good rock
music finds its own category and place in what we call the music
industry.
Queensryche causes a stir back in 1982 with their 12” EP simply
entitles Queensryche. The bands debut “Warning” released in 1984
took the band to new heights. ‘Tribe’ sees the band take up issues
of the modern world, again looking at the frailties of man and the
things that are going on in the world today in the name of mankind.
Geoff is quoted to have said about the first track ‘Open’ … “I
was angry at what was going on in other parts of the world, and angry at
one nation’s response to those same issues. America to me is a tribe
that came together raised on belief in a common idea: Freedom”.
“But since 9/11 this belief system has shifted and as we search for
meaning, we’re ultimately led back to this tribe concept, that pitched
cultures against others, this breeds accomplishment but also breeds
contempt, intolerance and a violent desire to crush an opponents
spirit”.
Strong words and everyone will no doubt agree with Geoff’s thoughts
but who are we to judge? You don’t have to agree just listen to one
man’s thoughts put down in words and music. ‘Tribe’ is just that.
Queensryche fans have been waiting for a mix of anger and exuberations
that will have you thinking about your own morality.
But back to the album, which sees founding guitarist Chris DeGarmo
guesting on the album for the first time since he left the band back in
1997. The first track ‘Open’ will have Queensryche fans watering at
the mouth with anticipation at what the rest of the album had in store
for them mixing heavy guitars with almost torturous lyrics from Tate,
from start to the finish.
‘Losing Myself’ has Queensryche written all over it, a sound that
only Queensryche seem to have mastered that many bands have tried to
copy and failed. Other highlights on the album are the title track
‘Tribe’, ‘Blood’, and the awesome ‘The art of Life’. A true
work of art again by Tate and Co that’s all I have to say on the
matter.
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