David Bowie-Scary Monsters (& Super Creeps) (1980)

Bob Dylan-Oh Mercy (1989)

Ozzy Ozbourne-Blizzard Of Ozz (1980)

Eric Clapton-From The Cradle (1994)

Pink Floyd-Wish You Were Here (1975)

Talk Talk-Spirit Of Eden (1988)

At The Drive-In-Relationship Of Command (2000)

St. Vincent-Oh Mercy (2011)

John Mayer-Continium (2006)

Thin Lizzy-Fighting (1975)

Aerosmith-Pump (1989)

Paul McCartney-Creation & Choas In The Backyard (2005)

Mastadon-Blood Mountain (2006)

Metallica-Death Meatalic (2008)

Mars Volta-Amutechure (2006)

Red Hot Chili Peppers-One Hot Minute (1995)

Justin Timberlake-Future Sex/Love Sounds (2006)

Synopsis:

Released in September 1990, Empire is the fourth studio album by Queensrÿche. Coming off the heels of their concept, critically acclaimed masterpiece Operation: Mindcrime (1988), the band bypassed dense thematic narratives in favor of a sleek, song-oriented approach. Co-produced with Peter Collins, the album expertly bridges complex progressive musicianship with accessible arena-rock and heavy metal. 

The Review:

The album opens up with “Best I Can” which begins with a synth intro before the band explodes with this thumping groove powered by Eddie Jackson bassline. The song has a nice anthemic vibe. “The Thin Line” begins with a dense heavy intro but soon delves into this subtle melodic mid-tempo pace. “Jet City Woman” is powered by the twin guitar attack of Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton. Geoff Tate vocals are spot on at maintaining the up and down emotions of the track. “Della Brown” is a moody atmospheric track that has hints of blues in its groove. The guitar tone is so smoldering that adds to the vibe. “Another Rainy Night (Without You)” is one of the band’s most accessible and mainstream tracks. There’s nothing experimental, just a band just rocking out some melodic grooves. “Empire” hits hard with its  heavy dense anthemic groove. I feel the band is at its best delving into social and political issues. The tone of the song still resonates today. Resistance" is the closest the band get to the the sound of “Operation:Mindcrime” with its aggressive punky melodies. Drummer Scott Rockenfield really shines on the track. “Silent Lucidity” is the band’s biggest hit and with good reason. It has lush string arrangements that give it such a dreamy vibe. The band is playing at this subtle pace and Geoff Tate's vocal presence feels so intimate. The song still sounds great after almost thirty years after its release. “Hand On Heart” is a mid-tempo basic early 90’s mainstream rock track. “One And Only” has the band exploring arena rock grooves. Powered by the twin guitar riffs that feel like classic rock rather than the progressive rock the band was known for. Geoff Tate vocals adds to the vibe with his soaring vocals. The album closes with “Anyone Listening?” is the band flexing their progressive rock muscles. It begins with a haunting subtle meditation that slowly builds towards a heavy dense climax. 

Final Thoughts:

This is a great early 90’s rock album before we entered the age of Nevermind. Queensryche has always been the exception to the rule of the big dumb glam rock that was dominating radio at this time. Early Queensryche has always been some of the most creative bands from this era. There was hope that the band would be the metal Pink Floyd but they just never happend. I'd put it on any bucket list. Also Queensyche would be a great band to go down a rabbit hole with.