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Queensryche: Condition Human

After sounding like they were going off the rails Queensryche certainly stormed back on track and dispelled any doubts. As the band showed they were still a very capable and potent unit sounding totally rejuvenated in 2013 with their self titled album and doing the Queensryche name justice. Queensryche was easily the most memorable and enjoyable output by the band in such a long time. Given all the drama and their later output I have little to no enthusiasm for any releases from their former vocalist, as this is the only version of the band that I have any interest in. And it really is little wonder as Queensryche proved that a change was needed, and with the release of their new album Condition Human they have just reinforced that. This isn't a concept album as such but there is a theme running through the album in line with the title.

Once again the band sound totally re-energized having concentrated on what have they done so well back in the past displaying that impressive musicianship all round and great vocals, creating riveting music and captivating melodies. With three original members they haven't forgotten the earlier times as they combine that classic Queensryche sound with the new. With the diversity on offer and that excellent production Queensryche continue to tick all the boxes. Lead singer Todd LaTorre sure was a great find as albums don't sound this good without a vocalist that is up to the task and that he surely is.

Twin guitar harmonies introduce the upbeat rocker "Arrow Of Time" and that is something the band put to great use on this new album driven by an enthusiastic rhythm section. "Guardian" is just so catchy as LaTorre impresses with his vocal diversity, and he really soars high on the excellent "Hellfire". Eddie Jackson's bass is very prominent on "Eye9" and the guitars combine very nicely on this impressive song. The title track "Condition Critical" is also the album's captivating epic and winding closing number with a powerful performance by LaTorre and gripping blend of music. If you didn't get the bonus version then you probably should have, as that extra song is titled "Espiritu Muerto" and really is very good. If anything I have found Condition Human to be more of a grower compared to that last album, though it soon became apparent that Queensryche had cut loose and stepped it up even more.

If you lost interest with the direction they had taken and haven't heard Queensyrche in years, or have a hankering for some classic Queensryche then I suggest you promptly track down a copy of Condition Human, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised as you rediscover that Queensryche magic.

See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!


Track Listing
1. Arrow Of Time
2. Guardian
3. Hellfire
4. Toxic Remedy
5. Selfish Lives
6. Eye9
7. Bulletproof
8. Hourglass
9. Just Us
10. All There Was
11. The Aftermath
12. Condition Human
13. Espiritu Muerto (Bonus Track)

Added: October 10th 2015
Reviewer: Scott Jessup
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 3189
Language: english

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Queensryche: Condition Human
Posted by Pete Pardo, SoT Staff Writer on 2015-10-10 07:12:55
My Score:

It's become apparent very quickly in the war between Queensryche and their former singer Geoff Tate just which side is delivering music that resembles what they did so well throughout the '80s and in the early '90s. Though many fans are still loyal to Tate, and you can say he's earned it after decades of being one of the most incredible vocalists in metal history, recent output shows that the singer has lost touch with what brought him here in the first place, his new Operation: Mindcrime outfit is a bland, lifeless excuse for more of his bland, lifeless music that he had been pushing on his bandmates in Queensryche for years and now venting through this new solo/band venture. Kind of sad really that it's come to this, but thankfully his former mates in Queensryche have added vocalist Todd LaTorre (ex-Crimson Glory) and now delivered their second winner of a record in a row with Condition Human. If you have missed the glory days of The Warning, Rage for Order, Operation: Mindcrime, and Empire, then Condition Human is most certainly for you. Forget all those forgettable albums the band had churned out since the decent Promised Land, as they are back on track with the classic Queensryche sound thanks to the addition of LaTorre. Just give a listen to "Guardian" , "Toxic Remedy", and "Hellfire", three outstanding tracks here that could have easily come off of any of those old favorites, and the band have not forgotten their progressive roots as evident on "Eye9" and the incredible title track.

Soaring vocals, memorable melodies, tasty twin guitar harmonies, crunchy riffs, intricate rhythms...all trademarks of vintage Queensryche and here in spades on each and every song. For all the folks saying "No Geoff Tate, no Queensryche", I URGE you to check out Condition Human, and I'll bet your opinion will instantly change.



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