Here we have a new studio album from the band known as Queensryche. Unfortunately, this "band" is simply a business/money venture for the musicians involved-- and not a creative and artistic passion. That is the only possible explanation for DeGarmo's "guest appearance" return, Tate's return, and the decision for all of them to continue to record under the name of "Queensryche".
This is a largely uninspired recording. Tate sounds more like David Bowie and less like a fire-lit banshee, while the musicians could very well be studio stand-ins, and you'd never know the difference. Most of the songs are slow and plodding, there is very little distortion or aggression, and in many places "metal" cannot be safely associated with what you're hearing. Alright-- the chorus and solo to "Losin' Myself" isn't too bad. There you go-- the album highlights.
Tate, DeGarmo, and company are dragging the name "Queensryche" through the mud of the metal annals, as the unit continues to stray further and further from the sound and creativity which gave it its identity. And you want to know the ultimate hypocrisy of it all? The group's current, 2003 concert setlist is dominated by "classic" tunes from 'The Warning,' 'Rage For Order,' 'Mindcrime,' and 'Empire'. In fact, at most shows, they have played no songs past the 'Empire' album. And why do you think this is?... Because the fans want to hear songs in the style of the older material! And the group knows this, of course. So what does the band do, album after album? Kick dirt in the faces of its fans by playing the older material on tour (in order to get them to attend the shows, you see)... yet they release albums full of garbage (that they'll never play live), and expect people to pay for said garbage. This is truly sad, and shameless to boot. But then again, I guess there's no real shame when you're just out to make money.

TRACK LIST: Open/Losin' Myself/Desert Dance/Falling Behind/The Great Divide/Rhythm of Hope/Tribe/Blood/The Art of Life/Doin' Fine