PROMISED LAND

Promised Land is Queensryche's darkest and arguably most emotive album. The central theme is that of wealth and success failing to lead to the "Promised Land". After the Degarmo driven Empire It was Tate's turn to be the driving force behind Promised Land, Queensryche's most Progressive album.

1. 9:28A.M: A very experimental sounding introduction with a melodic blend of textures sets the tone for what is to follow. (8/10)

2. I Am I: A catchy experimental track with strong lyrics and emotive singing. (9/10)

3. Damaged: Some incredible guitar work on this track with a solid rhythm section and an uplifting chorus. Excellent (9.5/10)

4. Out Of Mind: Returning to an Empire-esque sound, this is a very melancholy song however, filled with emotion (8.5/10)

5. Bridge: String Dominated Ballad which talks about Chris DeGarmo's relationship with his father. (8/10)

6. Promised Land: Incredibly Atmospheric, Strong Progressive elements and beautiful musical arrangements make this a great track. (9.5/10)

7. Disconnected: A killer riff and haunting vocals fuel this excellent progressive track. (9/10)

8. Lady Jane: melancholy ballad with an excellent melodic timbre. (8.5/10)

9. My Global Mind: Another Great Melodic Progressive track. "welcome to the information age" (8.5/10)

10. One More Time: a fantastic chorus and stellar performace from Tate along with some nice guitar work (8.5/10)

11. Someone Else: In my opinion Queensryche's best ever ballad, filled with emotion fantastic singing and a beautiful piano. The albums final and standout track (10/10)

Overall: 88/100

After Promised Land Queensryche had a decision to make. Did they continue to follow the Empire style for subsequent albums and try to make commercially successful records or fully express themselves musically as with Promised Land. Sadly the next two releases chose the former and were major dissapointments. In 2006 they finally got it right with O:M2 which was a phenominal return to the Progressive Metal band we know and love.