Queensryche - Self Titled (the version of the band without bonkers Tate)

[MacabreEternal]

It's annoying when one of your favourite bands splits up and falls out to the extent that all hope of a reunion is lost. Queensryche already have two entries in my all time top one hundred albums with "Operation Mindcrime" and "Empire", two largely near perfect releases that showed a band on top of their game and setting real precedents in their sound and style with the bold concept structure of "Operation Mindcrime" and the sheer accessibility of "Empire". Fast forward a few years and all the upset and uproar have (understandably) taken their toll. Todd La Torre is about as near to Geoff Tate as you can get in terms of sound and vocal style and that isn't a criticism as it makes the sound recognisable as Queensryche from the moment his dulcet tones seep in on opening track "Where Dreams Go To Die". Unfortunately the first thing you also notice is how terrible the production on the record is. It is really tinny and flat sounding (either that or the mastering on the download version is non-existent), throughout the album this problem plagues the ear. When moments of brilliance start to show on "Spore", "Redemption" and "A World Without" they are all muted or blunted by the sound constantly making you feel like you are being robbed of some real oomph to carry the moment through. There are still some great moments that show promise - the pre-chorus on "Fallout" for example - but overall I found myself wanting more even though it has grown on me with repeated listens. I read a review somewhere that described this album as a natural bridge between "Operation Mindcrime" and "Empire", although I can see the rationale behind such a statement with it's attempts to mix technique with memorable tunes the fact remains this is along way off Queensryche's best work. For fans only I think.