Queensryche

Hear In The Now Frontier

EMI Records

Queensryche's latest release is Hear In The Now Frontier on EMI Records. They wrote much of it while on tour for their last album Promised Land. The recording reunited them with producer Peter Collins who produced Operation: MindCrime and Empire. Chris DeGarmo explains, "It's a lean production; I think the songs just dictated that. It's probably the least processed record that we've done. It's a raw experience. We were just trying to stretch the creativity within the core instruments of the band." It is an escape from their themed albums of the past. Geoff Tate says, "We're all very into the now, and done with the past, and moving ahead. I think this album, musically, represents the band right now."

The first track, Sign of the Times, has an up feel which kind of sounds like Last Time in Paris. It speaks of the hope that some day we'll all treat each other a little better: "Someone please let me know how we have spun out of control, has the captain let go of the wheel? oh could we please try to find a way to be a bit more kind? I see the road to tomorrow in the haze."

Hit the Black features special effects on the vocals and an industrial sound. Another highlight is Chris DeGarmo handling lead vocals for the first time on All I Want. Geoff Tate comments about the band, "One thing I think we really share is that we all strive for that challenge of trying to explore new territory. It's tough in this business because everyone wants to put you in a box, which makes sense from a marketing standpoint in order to sell records. So, it's kind of a challenge to live in that box, but expand on it and push the walls out a bit here and there. At the end of the day, you have to really do what you like, what pleases you, and be honest and true to yourself."

Track List: Sign Of The Times, Cuckoo's Nest, Get A Life, Inside, Some People Fly, Saved, You, Hero, Miles Away, Reach, All I Want, Hit The Black, Anytime Anywhere, and sp00L.

Back to CD Reviews

Back to Rock Notes Front Page

Rock Notes On-Line - www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/5014