EMPIRE

Empire was my first approach with Queensryche and I was a huge fan of death metal at the time. But I still could appreciate softer metal work if it was really good. So Empire IS good. I listened to this album a lot in early 90's but I discovered it again full decade later. And you know what? It was totally different album then. It makes me feel that Empire is good enough for kids and good enough for adults. Before I mention some songs I must say that production of this record is very clear. It's much clearer than on band's previous release and it's hard to believe the same producer was involved in that. Of course it's not a bad thing. It just fits for these tracks because they sound more optimistic even though most of these songs talk about lost love. Best I Can is very optimistic tune with lyrics about guy on wheelchair who tries to live his life like he was fit. But Jet City Woman, The Thin Line, Another Rainy Night or Hand On Heart talk about love and missing. I simply love these songs cos they are very emotional. They are not over-complicated but still not mellow. It's just perfect. Vocals in The Thin Line amazes me because Geoff shows how deep his voice is. I think he's much better singer than Bruce Dickinson and easily can reach 4 octaves. He's vocal god I swear. Almost every song on Empire is masterpiece and the album ends with gloomy ballad Anybody Listening? which is something like showing direction for the next release fans had to wait 4 years for. Empire spawned few hit singles and hit Billboard 200 reaching position 7. Good album to start adventure with Queensryche. Masterpiece.