THE WARNING

1984's The Warning is the debut studio album by the Seattle Based Progressive Metal band Queensrÿche. It was recorded in London and produced by James Guthrie who is notable for his work with Judas Priest, Pink Floyd and also Pink Floyd members' solo albums.

Compared to all other Queensrÿche albums, it is the most traditionally Heavy Metal of their works stylistically. It is also arguably the least Progressive of their early albums, although it still shows clear signs of ambitious songwriting and a desire to push the boundaries of the genre. 'Road To Madness' for example is an almost ten-minute track with acoustic sections, electric sections, a symphonic sounding back-up and even a few time signature changes towards the end.

Unless you really don't like the sound of classic Heavy Metal in the vein of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Dio and early Overkill then The Warning will be an instantly enjoyable album. The standard of songwriting is excellent and the tracks are all for the most part catchy and memorable with driving riffs, pleasing guitar solos and fantastic vocals from the impressive Geoff Tate.

Highlight include 'En Force' 'N M 156' 'Child Of Fire' and of course the aforementioned 'Roads To Madness.

Overall, The Warning is Queensrÿche's most straightforwardly metal album, and the band excels at delivering that style in a powerful, catchy and intelligent manner. I feel the album is pretty underrated and would happily recommend it to fans from a Metal background. If you like Queensrÿche and aren't only in it for nothing but the Prog and the Prog alone, then you really should give the album a try.