If anyone ever asks us journo’s what our favourite rock albums are, Queensrÿche Operation Mindcrime is always in my top five and has remained so for 30 years.
Queensrÿche – Digital Noise Alliance (Century Media / Sony Music)
Release Date: 7 October 2022
Words: Sara Harding
I’m a huge fan of epic rock and Queensrÿche always deliver. Over the decades and lineups, they remain consummate songwriters, incredible musicians, powerful performers and anthem makers.
When I discovered The ‘Ryche were going to drop a new album, I was straight onto the Metaltalk bosses to review their latest offering. Digital Noise Alliance is the band’s 16th studio album, and once again, the group teamed up with producer Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Hatebreed). Digital Noise Alliance not only refracts Queensrÿche’s past accomplishments but also pushes into the band’s future. It is the band effortlessly moving from strength to strength: immediate and thought-provoking.
The album kicks off with the perfect opener, In Extremis. Packed with Queensrÿche DNA, it’s so slickly sung and remains true to their sound, which stretches over four decades. If you enjoy epic singalongs, this is the track for you.
“This song is about being on your deathbed surrounded by your loved ones,” the band said. “Clinging to the last sense available, letting them know you will still be hearing them after correspondence or perceived consciousness is visible. Other conceptual metaphors flash in and out, taking note of a world that will not bend to accommodate such suffering, a universe of mockery, and a universe void of such abilities.”
Up next is Chapters which highlights the dual guitar greatness of this band with soaring solos. As I write this, I’m punching the air every now and then and nodding my head along.
Lost In Sorrow is up on the track playlist and is instantly growing on me, a long searing track that takes you on an aural journey and jeez, frontman Todd La Torre’s vocals give me goosebumps.
Sicdeth again is another slice of Queensrÿche genius, and I’m really looking forward to seeing these tracks performed live as they set out on the road with Judas Priest.
Behind The Walls is a standout track. This has everything, the high notes, the big backline set sounds and, of course, their infamous dual guitar with some killer keyboards. And again, La Torre’s vocal range.
Nocturnal Lights is superbly produced. This is one of those tracks that you need to listen to with the headphones on and get that full mix of left ann right production. With nods to old-school Mindcrime, it’s frikkin awesome.
Forest is a nice slow song which gives me a chance to relax from all the aural onslaught that is the rest of the album. I have to say this is one of my favourites. Imagine getting that lighter out at a huge gig? This is that moment.
Realms and Hold On prove there is not one filler on this slice of epicness. The penultimate track is Tormentum, again a huge production and masterclass in rock musicality.
Ending the album is a bonus track, and what a superb extra treat of Billy Idol’s Rebel Yell.
Queensrÿche always deliver. They are a tour de force and are still as relevant as they were when I first saw them at Hammersmith Odeon.
This album is a great touchstone for old and new fans. It’s a journey that keeps on going, and we are so lucky to have this band on the world rock stage.
Pre-orders are available from https://queensryche.lnk.to/DigitalNoiseAlliance
Queensrÿche with Judas Priest
Oct. 13 Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale
Oct. 15 Albany, NY – MVP Arena
Oct. 16 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall Fenway
Oct. 18 Uniondale, NY at Nassau Veterans
Oct. 19 Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
Oct. 21 Kalamazoo, MI – Wings Event Center
Oct. 22 Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theatre
Oct. 24 Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center
Oct. 25 Waukegan, IL – Genesee Theatre
Oct. 27 Green Bay, WI – Resch Center Theater
Oct. 29 Moline, IL – TaxSlayer Center Moline
Oct. 30 Mankato, MN – Mayo Clinic Event Center
Nov. 01 Sioux City, IA – Tyson Events Center
Nov. 02 Rapid City, SD – The Monument
Nov. 07 Ontario, CA – Toyota Center
Nov. 08 Tucson, AZ – TCC Arena
Nov. 10 Loveland, CO – Budweiser Events Center
Nov. 12 Park City (Wichita),KS -Hartman Arena
Nov. 13 St. Charles, MO – The Family Arena
Nov. 15 Corbin, KY – The Corbin Arena
Nov. 17 Southaven, MS – Landers Center
Nov. 18 Baton Rouge, LA – Raising Canes River Center
Nov. 20 Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center
Nov. 22 San Antonio, TX – Tech Port Center & Arena
Nov. 23 San Antonio, TX – Tech Port Center & Arena
Nov. 25 Dallas, TX – The Factory – Deep Ellum
Nov. 26 Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street
Nov. 28 Edinburg, TX – Burt Ogden Arena
Nov. 29 Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
