EMPIRE

There's no doubt about it in my eyes - Queensryche are at their finest in Empire. DeGarmo shines with maybe his best song ever written (Silent Lucidity) and most of these tracks are hits in their own right. After the success of Operation Mindcrime, I didnt see how Empire could outdo it, and though IMO it lacks the inspiration and passion of Mindcrime, it is definately a great release and brought Queensryche great success.

The songs on Empire are quite commercial, polished and with a sound that seems to last with me for a long time. One notable point is the echoing of Rockenfield's drums which seem to give you a "heartbeat" type feel much like in Mindcrime. Tate also shines with his singing and Wilton, DeGarmo and Jackson never have seemed to fail.

There are some forgettable tracks on Empire, though, Della Brown and Anybody Listening? don't strike me as great, but that's Queensryche. They try something new at least.

Songs of note are Silent Lucidty, the title track Empire, Jet City Woman, The Thing Line, Hand on Heart, Best I Can and Another Rainy Night.. >_> thats a lot.. hmm shows how much form Queensryche are in on this release.

I definately recommend this to even fans of conventional rock, but definately to those of Progressive Metal, to hear the masters of their age at work.