QUEENSRYCHE

"Queensrÿche" is an eponymously titled EP release by US power/heavy metal act Queensrÿche. The EP was released through 206 Records in May 1983 in a very limited quantity (206 Records was the band´s own label), but was originally recorded as a demo tape in June 1982 when the band was still known as The Mob. Lead vocalist Geoff Tate was not a permanent member of the band at this point (he was in a band called Myth), and was therefore a session musician on this release. Shortly before EMI Records signed Queensrÿche in 1983 and opted to reissue the "Queensrÿche" EP, Tate became a permanent member of the band.

Stylistically the 4 tracks (some later reissues feature the bonus track "Prophecy", which was written during "The Warning (1984)" sessions, but not recorded until the sessions for "Rage for Order (1986)") on the 17:31 minutes long EP are in a traditional heavy metal style strongly influenced by an artists like Iron Maiden and melodic early 80s heavy metal in general. It´s hard edged, melodic, and epic. Tate was a world class singer already at this point, and delivers his distinct sounding vocals with both passion, skill, and conviction. Predominantly in a very high pitched and powerful fashion. The rest of the band are very well playing too. Pounding heavy metal rhythms and hard rocking riffs and solos.

The first three tracks are hard edged rockers, while the 6:15 minutes long closing track "The Lady Wore Black" is an epic power ballad type track. To my ears "The Lady Wore Black" and "Queen of the Reich" are the two most memorable tracks off the EP, but both "Nightrider" and "Blinded" are quality material too. The sound production is raw, powerful, and pretty well sounding considering the time of release, so upon conclusion the "Queensrÿche" EP is a very promising start to the band´s recording career. It´s a quality release through and through and a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.