Twelve tracks of classy melodic metal from a band back on top form…
Review by Stephen Brophy
Release date: 2 October 2015
Condition Hüman, the follow up to Queensrÿche‘s 2013 self-titled release, is the second album to feature the excellent Todd La Torre on vocals and these guys are now really hitting their stride. Since La Torre joined, this band have been on the up, and anyone bar the most diehard of Tate fans must realise that quality had improved significantly with the self-titled album. A distinct evolution from the last album and a world apart from the last few albums that contained Geoff Tate on vocals, this sounds like a Queensrÿche album. There’s crunch, there’s no end of wailing guitars, the songs are well written, the vocals are once again absolutely top notch and the whole band is on great form. Scott Rockenfield is as commanding as ever and Wilton and Lundgren’s musical partnership in particular is undeniably solid and unendingly creative.
Twelve tracks of classy melodic metal, from the excellent opening track ‘Guardian’, there’s a mixture of old school (maybe even going back as far as The Warning) and a modern sounding Queensrÿche. Highlights are all over this record. The slightly heavier ‘Hellfire’ sees Todd spitting lyrics over thumping drums and some excellent guitar work throughout. Then there’s ’Bulletproof’, while being the slowest paced offering is also one of those addictive quality songs, beautifully delivered. ‘Hourglass’ is another wonderful song that just winds its way through its story and just bleeds Queensrÿche.
What’s clear is that Queensrÿche are a solid unit again and they are enjoying making and playing music. The results are undeniably positive and if any doubters remain, this release will change their minds (you might want to check out Tate’s “car crash of an album” for a reference point). Look forward to hearing tracks like ‘All There Was’ in forthcoming live shows. As with most of the tracks on this album, it will fit right in. There’s more to come from these guys, and if the next album can better this one then we will all be in for a massive treat.
9 out of 10
Track listing:
- Arrow Of Time
- Guardian
- Hellfire
- Toxic Remedy
- Selfish Lives
- Eye9
- Bulletproof
- Hourglass
- Just Us
- All There Was
- The Aftermath
- Condition Hüman
