Queensrÿche

?Queensrÿche never stop progressing.
That's why they remain one of the most revered hard rock outfits in history with over 20 million albums sold globally and 6 million in the U.S. alone. It's why shows continue to sell out everywhere and hits such as "Silent Lucidity" eternally blare across radio waves. It's why they've got one of the most diehard and devout fan bases in music. It's why after three decades their legacy only strengthens with each subsequent evolution.
That brings us to the next phase for the Seattle quintet. In 2012, the band welcomed a new vocalist for the first time since founding in 1981 back when guitarist Michael Wilton and drummer Scott Rockenfield were just high school buddies. Joining Wilton, Rockenfield, original bassist Eddie Jackson, and guitarist Parker Lundgren, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Todd LaTorre entered the fold and immediately galvanized the veteran group.
While attending the annual NAMM Convention in Anaheim, Wilton serendipitously met LaTorre and exchanged email addresses. It might seem random or convenient, but nothing in the Queensrÿche universe is.
After they parted ways with singer Geoff Tate, Wilton reached out about the open spot, and LaTorre humbly obliged, accepting his invitation. Instantly, the musicians harnessed a raw vitality they hadn't felt in years.
"It was like an injection of energy," enthuses Rockenfield. "He brings a new perspective to what we do from both a musical and vocal standpoint. He's a drummer himself, and he can give suggestions on the actual music. We can do things we couldn't do in the past with him."
Wilton affirms, "Todd's a contributor. We're diving into this as a five-person entity creating substance and an entire composition by letting it grow and building it together. Everybody has input. That raises the bar and pushes the envelope. There are no limitations."
They've approached recording their twelfth studio album with that open, "anything goes" mindset. At the same time, the group hearkens back to the heavy metal side that defined classics such as The Warning, Empire, and Operation: Mindcrime—which KERRANG! ranked #34 on their "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All-Time" list and is often uttered in the same breath alongside classic concept records such as Pink Floyd's The Wall and The Who's Tommy.
"It's a return to form," Wilton says of the new music. "We're rebuilding the architecture and setting it back on course. We have the energy I felt when writing 'Speak' and 'The Needle Lies' from Operation: Mindcrime. There was an excitement in knowing we were clicking on all cylinders at the top of our game. That chemistry and our passion for metal and hard rock has kept us together. We're keeping things fresh, while maintaining that thread that got us here in the first
Queensrÿche Bio 2014 Page 1 of 2
place. It may have gone astray, but it's a key element. You'll feel it on the next album. It'll be from the blood of the band more than ever."
Jackson echoes that sentiment, "We want to bring back the sound we started with. As kids, we bonded over listening to Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Rush. That heavier element is a major part of this band. We're revisiting that, and we're having a great time doing it. This is for the fans. We're so blessed to have them, and they're going to love this."
Queensrÿche cultivated that staunch foundation of supporters through tireless touring and an endless commitment to delivering a deeper experience with every album. In addition, it'll come to life like never before on stage. The group's known for immersive, theatrical live performances, and they've toured with everyone from Metallica to Black Sabbath. They're ready to up the ante again though. In 2012, the band mounts a Return to History tour, emphasizing material their audience has begged for presented in a manner they've never seen to date.
Jackson adds, "Visuals have always been a part of Queensrÿche concerts since the beginning. The Empire tour was the first that allowed us to do that. We stepped up our game immensely. We're in the same position now. We're going to once again create a show based around the music."
In many ways, these individuals continue to progress by acknowledging their roots, while forging ahead. "We're taking our experiences in the past and digging in even deeper," exclaims Rockenfield with a smile. "The material we're writing is stuff we haven't done. All bets are off creatively, and we're having fun moving forward."
Wilton concludes, "Queensrÿche is an experience at the end of the day. We want people to remember us every time they listen to the music or go to a show. We're an open book, and we've got a lot to share."
Get ready for the band's next progression. Rock may never be the same again. — Rick Florino, August 2012