REVIEW: Queensryche – American Soldier
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Every time a new Queensryche album is released, the wider rock/metal community asks “Is it as good as Operation: Mindcrime or Empire?” To me this is kind of a futile question: Queensryche have never made the same album twice, and even when they try, as with the recent Operation: Mindcrime II, the results still stand on their own. So there are a lot of things American Soldier is not. It’s not Empire, their 1990 hard rock classic. It’s not Operation: Mindcrime, their 1988 metallic concept masterpiece. It’s not Hear In The Now Frontier, which upon its release in the mid 90s was criticised as being a cynical attempt at appropriating a grunge sound (today it holds up quite well, I might add). But surprisingly, what American Soldier is, is an album which would slip in quite nicely between Empire’s heavier moments and the moody, dark vibe of Promised Land, which happens to be my favourite Queensryche album.
Inspired by a conversation with his father, singer Geoff Tate researched the album by interviewing veterans of various wars the US has been involved in, from World War II up to the current skirmish in Iraq and Afghanistan. The result is a thoroughly researched, painfully up-close look at the experience of war, spoken through Tate’s interpretations and through snippets of the actual interview recordings. Writing about war is certainly not new to hard rock or metal, but while we’re used to bands writing something Slayeresque about battle after maybe watching Saving Private Ryan, the music and delivery of American Soldier is much more personal: you’re hearing these stories from people who actually did it, from the soldiers who actually survived it. And that’s a pretty powerful thing, even for Queensryche who are used to making strong statements.
The Jason Slater-produced (with Kelly Gray) CD opens with ‘Sliver,’ which brings to mind elements of Promised Land. A snaking unison bass/guitar riff and a huge harmonised chorus appear quite early into the song, throwing the listener deep into the thick of the album’s overall vibe almost from the very beginning. It’s no doubt designed to introduce the listener to the album musically as well as thematically, and to reassure the listener that the medium (kickass rock) won’t be overshadowed by the message. In fact there’s a great push-pull between riff-based and chord-based songs on the album.
Track two, ‘Unafraid,’ is one of the album highlights for me, and a continuation of some of the musical concepts the band attempted on its Tribe album. There are a few riffs which may remind some listeners of Dream Theater, while sole guitarist Michael Wilton lets rip with one of his best solos since the Empire days. ‘Hundred Mile Stare’ is more chordal than riffy, and again sounds kinda like something from Tribe. It’s indicative of about half the music on the album, where the music hangs back a bit to serve the telling of the story.
Perhaps my favourite song on the album from a musical perspective is the crushing ‘A Dead Man’s Words,’ which really plays up the Promised Land comparisons. The seductive middle-eastern riffs and scales play in the background while Tate layers his vocals and even throws in a saxophone solo. Parts of this song may also remind some listeners of the band’s Seattle neighbours Alice In Chains.
By the way, check out the cool harmonized solo in ‘The Killer,’ a track which is not too far removed from ‘Flood,’ the opening track of Tate’s self-titled solo album. Wilton does a great job of shifting the emphasis between the high and low harmonies in this solo, recalling Queensryche’s earlier sound and providing a moment of satisfaction for those who just wish the band would stick with its Mindcrime sound.
The single ‘If I Were King’ has thrown some listeners, but in the context and pacing of the album it works well. It may not have been my choice for first single but I can understand why it was selected: while it’s not overly indicative of the musical style of the album as a whole, it’s a good thematic introduction. And although this puts me at odds with some QR fans, I really liked their Q2K album and this track is a bit of a reminder of that sound (and it’s no coincidence, given that American Solider includes production and guitar contributions from Gray, who was with the band for Q2K). But once again, those who may be put off the album by the sound of this single needn’t worry: American Soldier is more riffy, dark and intense than this one track would indicate.
‘If I Were King’ is followed by the powerful and very very loud ‘Man Down!’ which has a huge drum sound and a bed of evolving, churning guitars. There’s also another harmonized Wilton solo which once again recalls the Mindcrime sound without directly copying it.
In ‘Home Again,’ Tate plays the role of a father who is overseas on duty, while his 10-year-old daughter Emily Tate voices the little girl at home, missing her dad. The song is played out as letters back and forth between father and daughter, both saying pretty much the same things to each other while thousands of miles apart. I’m sure that somewhere not too far below the surface the two Tates are drawing parallels between Geoff being off on tour, and a parent being away at war. Emily’s naïve voice expresses the song’s central sentiment in a realistic and naturalistic way which cuts through in a way that perhaps a more theatrical vocalist couldn’t. Finally, American Soldier is capped off with ‘The Voice,’ which includes recordings of Tate’s own father talking about his experiences at war. Musically it’s another strong song, but thematically it’s devastating: a wounded soldier is laying wounded, thinking what may be a dialog with a higher power, or their conscience, or perhaps the distant ghost of comforting memories.
American Soldier may very well be Queensryche’s best moment since Promised Land, and the way the band is handling the marketing of the album is very sensitive and true to the message. Those looking for another Empire may be disappointed, but those with an open mind who are looking to be moved and rocked will have their heart torn by the narrative, and their butts thoroughly kicked by the music.
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24 Responses to REVIEW: Queensryche – American Soldier
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War sucks and so does USA. To glorify men who kill other people in foreign countries for their greedy goverment, is just plain stupid. At least for a band, that released Operation: Mindcrime and Empire. Good bye Queensryche.
Oh yeah! a whole album about a soldier at war! That’s just what we needed in this post-Bush era…Not! Very bad concept choice in my opinion.
Promised Land was very subtile in a dark good way…and unfortunaly, this was their last good album.
All i want to say is listen before you judge,the album is not a pro-war album.
Geoff and Co. were not pro-war or pro-bush. The problem is that all the intellect behind Mindcrime and Empire left the band with DeGarmo. They were supposed to be the thinking man’s metal band. They became kinda of a shadow of themselves. (That’s not even to discuss the loss of an exceptionally talented guitarist.)
I definitley miss DeGarmo but love most all of what these guys have done since. If you are looking for cheeseball rock filled with “hooks” instead of trying to listen to what is going on, go elsewhere you will not be missed here…
btw: The first idiot does not understand how a lot of the American people felt about the war. To say all of the USA is bad makes you as naive the Bush administration itself. Moron.
WOW a bit of misinformed induvuduals are writing here..This album is more about how the solider does his job and how his emotions are brought out and how his emotions sometimes have to be squashed. Neither pro war or pro Bush…This is about the individual. Listen and you will hear the emotion and pain these guys have to deal with to keep our country safe and FREE!
These guys posting are just the usual Libs that actually are the intolerant ones. This album is telling the soldier’s story, but it certainly does not glorify war. QR does a fantastic job of keeping their personal political idealogy out of it. If you want anti-war propaganda, go listen to the Boss or Dixie Chicks…lol
Some of the reviewer’s are hallucinating (and I’m a die-hard Republican). I’ve always appreciated what these guys do, however. Who does it better, especially live?
What band is better live than the ryche??? perhaps maiden is just as good. the new record is good with great moments. tate strains in certain situations but pulls thru in the end. i’m a lil’ put off at the fact that the album was written 99 percent by outsiders. these guys age gracefully like fine wine…
Tate’s anti-war views have been expressed on many other songs, and I don’t really see the album as glorifying war: you can speak about something without glorifying it. The first half of the album seems to be “this is what war is” and the second half is “this is what it does to you and the people around you.”
I’m finding I like the album more and more each day, and every day I’m finding new things to enjoy musically. For instance, Tate’s delivery on ‘Hundred Mile Stare’ is very similar to his approach on Empire, and while I don’t particularly need or want Queensryche to repeat old approaches as a whole, it’s kinda nice hearing that particular aspect of his voice again.
By the way, I’m in the process of organising an interview with Michael Wilton for I Heart Guitar.
This comment is directed for the anonymous writers who think that writing about what a soldier feels and endures during deployment. My name is SGT Mora, US Army, and I would liek to inform these authors that it is not PRO-WAR to describe what soldiers go through emotionally. Are we forgetting that Geoff Tates father is a war veteran and this had a profound effect on him. There is no glorification involved at all. Your ignorance in this matter might be eradicated if you just sat down with a soldier from past wars.
Hi guys. As an Aussie, it always sounds weird when you hear an American talking about their country being “safe” and “free”. It sounds weird because all I hear about is gun massacres, murder, wars, politicians that take the pi*s out of its citizens by lying and using your countries human and other resources to expand their own agenda’s, and allowing corporate fat cats to rip not just yourselves, but now the whole world, completely off over a barrel. Strange country dudes. Having said that I dont blame the soldier doing his job and good on Queensryche for trying to tell something from their side, because your ar*ehole govt surely wont give a flying f*ck!.
Good album – i like it. I have been a fan since their debut EP and apart from 2 or 3 so-so albums they have been a very good band and still are.
Another perfect album from Queensryche! I’m glad, considering the very forced train wreck that was Operation: Mindcrime 2. To the Queensryche “fans” who only listen to Empire and Operation: Mindcrime, you’re not real fans. Real fans at least respect the other music they’ve done. Everyable (besides Operation: Mindcrime 2) is excellent. They’ve always been an evolving band. Why would they want to do another Empire or Operation: Mindcrime? Geoff and gang, keep up the great work making flawless albums! And I loved the small (actually very small) snipets in a couple songs where Geoff’s voice sounded like it did in the 80′s. The most powerful voice in rock music!
bottom line the album is about the soldier….not the government…which I see some here have been confused in thinking. I would think that are about all soldiers not just American. ALL countries have fought in wars…ALL have experienced hell that most will never imagine. THESE are their voices.
Maybe somebody should do an album that would give a voice to the thousands and thousands of iraqi people who were killed by american soldiers. Or vietnamese people. Or Korean people.
Hey, how about you do that then?!?
I abosulutely love this album! It’s powerful and moving. The more I listen to it the more it’s becoming a favorite! QR is an incredibly talented and intelligent band, no one will ever come close to what these guys can create.
As a U.S. Marine and Iraq veteran, I must say that this album was very difficult for me to listen to. There are no politics involved, just the emotional aspect of what U.S. soldiers endure when they’re on the battlefield and then back home. It also explores the family side of those that are married or a child of a soldier. For those of us that have been in a war, it is a very touching album.
For all "real" and "unreal" fans… it depends VERY MUCH when did you listen mindcrime or empire for the first time. If you did that 5 or 6 years ago, it's obvious WHY you don't understand them. These albums ARE the essential Ryche, all others after Frontier are somehow undefined and softened, to the slime point sometimes. I'm a great Ryche fan (for more than 20 yrs) and I must say that THIS is NOT Queensryche, with or without DeGarmo onboard! They should be revolutionary, progressive, heavy on riffs and vocals…and this simply isn't IT! Not bad, but FAR from good (in a Ryche way). 6/10
Wow, seriously guys calm down. Queensryche is in no way glorifying war. And for another thing I think it is rather stupid to decide weather or not people are 'true fans' or not. It really doesn't matter and DON'T ASSUME that you know WHAT queensryche IS. Seriously, saying that this CD is not Queensryche is frankly selfish, because you are basing that opinion on what YOU think Queensryche should be, should sound like. Don't you know that people change and for all you know this is what Queensryche is RIGHT NOW. Queensryche can only be defined by themselves. In MY opinion to be a respectable (NOT 'TRUE') fan of Queensryche you should RESPECT all of their albums equally. I truthfully have not found an album from them that I actually do not like. All of their albums combined paints a picture that is Queensryche, and when you try to categorize them by just two of their albums you are only reading a small part of a bigger story.
I understand if you don't like some of their newer albums, but don't just dissmiss them as not being 'Queensrche' dismiss them as being not what YOU CONSIDER 'Queensryche'.
Not a pro-war album fuckfaces. I officially hate almost all of you.
Queensryche's new album is the sign of the end for them as an accomplished band.
It is one thing to dedicate an album to this Country, but the music surrounding the idea is sub-standard to who Queensryche once was. They simply cannot face the fact that it is the end for them as they once were.
Besides that, war is for making the government and it's elitists MONEY!! Anyone who thinks war is for any real purpose other than making them money is a real moron and needs to WAKE UP!!
I once thought Queensryche was smarter than this. I will NOT be buying this cd.
It's interesting that almost all the posts here are knee jerk reactions to whether or not this is a pro-war/pro-US or not. It is a great album musically and emotionally. I have not been in a war myself but have listened to my Father and Grandfather speak of their experiences (WWII & WWI)and their friends. I find this more just a soldier's point of view than a politic statement. Except for a very few comments from the veterans on the album, I find I could see any soldier making these comments, US, British, Iraqi, Afghani etc… War is war, no matter what side you are on, and I believe the psychological effects are probably pretty universal. Queensryche has done a wonderful job keeping the politics out of this and just keeping it as a soldiers point of view. And they do it with the fantastic butt kicking sound and flair they excel at! I personally think this is their best stuff in years.
If you have not or are unwilling to at least listen with an open mind to this album, how dare you to judge it or to judge the band?
considering how much i admire qr (since its ep), it hurts to see them in such a sharp decline lately-especially w/ their last few albums. q2k-ok, tribe-good, but after that, i havent been realy moved by their material. this was sadly to be expected after the departure of chris, but i never though it would get this bad.
like many other qr concerts,i attended their american soldier tour and was really put off and disappointed overall.
to start with, geoff's wife needs to be stopped. she is the bands manager, but it appears that she is now calling the shots, or at least one might think she is when looking at the bands recent choices in lead guitar picks (her daughters finance) and her younger daughter coming out to sing during the show.
perhaps the band should be renamed the susan tate band. what a joke. fans deserve more and by picking a young kid (i've seen him play-he's not that great at all)and your daughters fiance to play guitar is wrong imo
at any rate, i don't think i'll will be attending another qr show. maybe if they get chris back, but i'm not holding my breath for that one.