Simon Rushworth
Queensrÿche have confirmed their new self-titled album will be released on June 24 with drummer Scott Rockenfield describing the Todd La Torre-fronted material as the band’s finest in years.
The Seattle progressive metallers were involved in an ugly split from long-serving singer Geoff Tate last year with the formidable frontman launching his own version of the Grammy-nominated band.
The Tate-driven Queensrÿche released Frequency Unknown earlier this month in a clear bid to seize the initiative in what looks set to be an increasingly bitter battle for one of rock’s most recognisable brands.
But Rockenfield and co. remain the true Queensrÿche in the eyes of the majority of fans and this summer’s James ‘Jimbo’ Barton-mixed album looks set to up the ante.
“This gets said often by a lot of bands but we believe we have recorded some of our finest music in years,” said Rockenfield.
“The collaborative effort of everyone on this album is something we are extremely proud of.
“Working with Jimbo and the addition of Todd has revitalised the band in ways we never knew until we heard the final results.
“We know people have to wait a little longer but we are excited for all of our fans to hear it. Queensrÿche wouldn’t be in this position if not for the unwavering support of its fans.”
The cover for the album was designed by Craig Howell – who has worked on designs for Star Wars, Slipknot and American Idol to name a few.
Queensrÿche was mixed and mastered by famed producer Barton who is known for working on the band’s classics Operation: Mindcrime and Empire.
The Century Media release marks the debut from the lineup comprising La Torre, Michael Wilton (guitars), Parker Lundgren (guitars), Eddie Jackson (bass) and Rockenfield.
The track listing for Queensrÿche is:
1. X2
2. Where Dreams Go To Die
3. Spore
4. In This Light
5. Redemption
6. Vindication
7. Midnight Lullaby
8. A World Without
9. Don’t Look Back
10. Fallout
11. Open Road
Queensrÿche live:
18.05.2013 Rock Hard Festival, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
12.10.2013 O2 Academy Islington, London, UK
16.10.2013 HMV Ritz, Manchester, UK
17.10.2013 Rock City, Nottingham, UK
18.10.2013 The Academy, Dublin, Ireland
25.10.2013 Teatria Club, Oulu, Finland
26.10.2013 Bürgerhaus Quadrath-Ichendorf, Bergheim, Germany
27.10.2013 Rockfabrik, Ludwigsburg, Germany
29.10.2013 Moonwalker, Aarburg, Switzerland
30.10.2013 Theaterfabrik, München, Germany
01.11.2013 Effenaar, Eindhoven, The Netherlands