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Rhino Records – 2009 | |
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Michael Wilton gets the guitar tone that is signature Queensryche in "Silver" as the band begins to tell these military stories. Geoff Tate sings "Welcome To The Show" which you can take a variety of ways. Not only is it part of this albums concept but the first track to lead you into American Solider. Helicopters and sirens escort us into the simple but truthfully account of what most men & women feel when they become soldiers, "Unafraid." I can say this being a four-year veteran of the Army and know what I & others felt while serving time in the armed forces. "Hundred Mile Stare" seems perfect lyric content for a music video. Listening and thinking of the words in "At 30,000 FT" is potent with the consequences of dropping bombs from above. A very different perspective than most of us have ever seen or imagined. One of the best tracks off this disc, for sure. "A Dead Man's Words" tell the story of what it is like for a wounded soldier out in the barren desert trying to survive. The bands metallic edge reinforce the severity of such a situation. "Killer" has a real catchy chorus and I like how Michael Wilton's guitar underlines the tune. Scott Rockenfield is his normal excellent self drumming out beats that will get you hooked into these tunes. His beat kicks "Middle of Hell" off which gets into a tale of madness many soldiers have experienced. The guitars have a psychedelic feel that go along beautifully with what the song is about. Like some of the other tracks, the audio from an actual solider leads us into "If I Were king." This might be the most radio friendly tune off the album and I believe the band released this as the first single. "Man Down!" is a kick ass rocking song. Most aggressive guitars, drums and bass on the disc. Would like more of this type of song from this band. "Remember Me" tells how a soldier tries to put his life back together when he returns back home. Speaking of home, "Home Again" is a touching song about a soldier's promise to his family. Emily Tate does a duet with Geoff Tate, she must be one of his children or relatives (I'm not sure which). Jason (Snake River Conspiracy) Slater and Kelly (former guitarist in the band) Gray do a very good job producing Queensryche's 12th Album. I'm from Seattle and can proudly say they are the best band to ever come from the Emerald City. | ||
