Biography of Queensrÿche

Queensryche began in early 1981 in the city of Bellevue, playing the clubs and trying to make a name for themselves. Two years later they released a self-titled four-song EP with decent results from the durability of Geoff Tate's voice (easily comparable to Don Dokken or Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickenson), and the great sound of the Michael Wilton (guitar), Chris DeGarmo (guitar), Eddie Jackson (bass), and Scott Rockenfeld (drums). It sold well, and in 1984 they recorded their first full-length album, The Warning. In 1986 they experimented with keyboards and synthesizers on Rage for Order, but their use of it was unlike the methods used by other heavy-metal and hard-rock bands. This sold better than the first album, but not well enough.In 1988, Operation:mindcrime (a concept album) was released with literally no fanfare. The reviews were excellent, some calling Queensryche the new Pink Floyd and comparing the album to Pink Floyd's The Wall and The Who's album Tommy. Some time as an opening act gave them audience recognition. Suddenly radio stations were playing "Eyes of a Stranger," and they made a video clip of it for MTV. Major magazines (who had totally ignored them earlier) now were desperate to devote paper and ink to the group, and Queensryche had arrived.Rather than try to top a masterpiece, they recorded an album with simple yet powerful songs. They released Empire in 1990, supported with a video for the title track. The players themselves were somewhat displeased with their heavy-metal tag because it tends to stereotype the sound of the music, but Queensryche was heavy, and Empire was the album that made them a true rock & roll band. ~ John Book