Queensrÿche fans might be confused lately and the fan base seems split into two. We’re in the strange situation of “which is which and who is who” having a Queensrÿche A and a Queensrÿche B, both sides accusing each other of the worst.
“Frequency Unknown”, the new Queensryche album it’s due to release on April 23 on Deadline Music/Cleopatra Records. Actually one of the new Queensrÿche albums, the other one have no title yet and it’s recorded by “another” Queensrÿche. Sadly, two quite different bands running with the same name in two different directions.
“Frequency Unknown” featuring original Queensrÿche vocalist Geoff Tate along with an entirely new – all stars kind of – line-up consisting of bassist Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot/Ozzy Osbourne/Whitesnake/Dio/Blue Oyster Cult), guitarist Robert Sarzo (Hurricane), drummer Simon Wright (AC/DC/Dio), guitarist Kelly Gray (Queensrÿche 1998 – 2001) and keyboardist Randy Gane (Myth). The album containing ten new songs (Cold, Dare, Give it to You, Slave, In the Hands of God, Running Backwards, Life Without You, Everything, Fallen, The Weight of the World), and four newly-recorded Queensrÿche classics (I Don’t Believe in Love, Empire, Jet City Woman, Silent Lucidity). Also featuring some well-known guests including guitarists Chris Poland (Megadeth), Dave Meniketti (Y&T), Brad Gillis (Night Ranger), Ty Tabor (King’s X), K.K. Downing (Judas Priest), Craig Locicero (Forbidden) and Chris Cannella along with drummers Paul Bostaph (Slayer/Testament) and Evan Bautista.
On the other hand, the “old” Queensrÿche have a new singer, the Saint Petersburg native Todd LaTorre who previously worked with Crimson Glory. The rest of the band consist of three veterans: guitarist Michael Wilton, bass player Eddie Jackson and drummer Scott Rockenfield, but also of guitarist Parker Lundgren who joined the band in 2009 after the departure of guitarists Chris DeGarmo, respectively Mike Stone.
They recently have been signed to a new label deal with Century Media and is set for release on June 11th. Can read a really extensive interview with Todd at rocketsports-ent.com
I was one of those who enjoyed their previous release, the much controversy raiser 2011’s “Dedicated To Chaos”. It seems the rupture between Tate and the rest of the guys only get bigger and the predictable break became imminent. Till the court will decide definitively who will win the rights over the name, we have two watch out for two Queensrÿche.
Some fans already consider the Tate type of ‘rÿche, nothing but a Queensrÿche tribute band with the original singer, which it’s kind of true, fun and sad simultaneously.
But for now, Tate moved faster and probably a less heavier, more soft and hard rock flavoured Queensrÿche will hit the market in April, while the heavier, more edgy Queensrÿche will strike back only in June. Here is a teaser of what to expect from Todd and the “old” band:
Sounds at least interesting and promising, isn’t it?
The “old” Queensrÿche:
Queensrÿche – Official Site
Queensrÿche @ Facebook
Queensrÿche @ Twitter
The “new” Queensrÿche:
Queensrÿche – Official Site
