Queensryche/Queensrÿche - "The Verdict" (2019) album

Glad to see a new album coming out soon (March 1st, 2019).



QUEENSRŸCHE Releases New Song “Man The Machine” From The Verdict Out March 1st – Queensrÿche

One new track is available to hear:


Sounds pretty good!

 

Have we figured out who is playing drums on this album yet? It's definitely not Scott, since they've been all secretive about it and obviously wouldn't be so if he were on it.

 

I didn't know that. I haven't followed any news about them since the last album. Why isn't Scott playing?

 

He took a leave of absence from the band in early 2017 because he had a newborn, but apparently the guy who has been filling in for him live isn't on the record either. But it's been almost two years and still no word on his status. I mean, members come and go, but to be down to two guys, no offense to Wilton or Eddie Jackson, doesn't really bode well for the band, IMO. I was firmly in the QR camp when they split 5 years ago, since La Torre is a far better vocalist at this juncture (at least as far as ability to sing classic Queensryche songs), but they really can't afford to lose any more members and retain credibility.

 

Now that you mention the leave of absence and newborn, I do remember that. I never thought it would mean he wouldn't be recording the new album with them, though.

There's a forum at the official QR site, and its probably being discussed there, unless mods are killing posts on it. But you can't even view the forum without registering, and I didn't want to bother.

 

Todd is playing drums on the new album

 

the singer?

 

Yep

 

Another new track "Dark Reverie" out now.

 

Dark Reverie didn't do much for me. It's okay, but I prefer the first track. Still glad there is a new album coming and I'm looking forward to it.

 

Todd confirmed in an interview today he plays the drums on the album.

Loved the first single. Second could be a grower. Have liked/loved everything with Todd since he joined. Fresh and vital sounding.

 

Did he say who's playing on the tour?

 

I should I just find you the link, but no. He teases that they thought to have duelling drums sometime on stage, or have Scott and Todd switch spots for a few songs. Nothing about touring in 2019. I would guess it would be Scott's old replacement, Casey Grillo from Kamelot.

 

Bummer that Rockenfeld isn't gonna be on it. He may be my favorite metal drummer. At this point you have to wonder if he is ever coming back. I get why he wanted a break from touring, with a young child, but you wouldn't think that would keep him out of the studio unless he just doesn't want to do it anymore.

 

I actually wasn't too impressed by the first, like the second single better.
Todd sounds too much like Geoff for my liking. I stopped buying after Geoff left, but imo QR already lost it then.

 

Wow, I didn’t know that Grillo subbed for Scott. To be honest, that seems like an odd choice. Grillo is a total pro, but his strengths lie in an area very different from Scott’s.

Anybody seen them live with Grillo? How was he?

 

Yup... that's my gripe with the current QR. Todd just comes off as a soulless clone of Geoff Tate ca. 1980-something. For as frustrating as Geoff became over the past couple of decades, at least he had some charisma as a frontman.

I will be going to see them on their current tour, but it's primarily for the opening act - Fates Warning.

 

I agree. tate has a tone and presence that todd does not no matter how good of a clone he is

 

I thought Condition Human was a good album for the most part. But these singles are awful. Boring and lifeless.

And as a huge QR fan, there is no way they should have billing over Fates Warning at this point in their careers. Maybe 20 years ago. But Fates is putting out much better music with a better lineup. But that's a minor gripe, I suppose.

 

sadly the billing usually applies to who was bigger at some point

 

Sooo... are they just gonna hand him the keys to the whole band?

 

It's all about the money. I've seen both QR and Fates Warning headline shows in the past ~3 years -- QR filled a 1500 head venue, and the Fates Warning show was maybe 300 heads. QR is just a much more widely known band.
The Fates Warning show was possibly the best concert I've ever been to... definitely in the top 3. I'm hoping that they get more than a 30 minute set as an opening act.

 

Man, I would really love to like this, but with those cliched and hakeneyed lyrics I feel there's no message beyond the topics we felt in high school. Well, when I was in high school Queensryche gave us the more thought provoking Operation Mindcrime.

Is it too much to ask for a little thought behind the pen? Ink is plentiful.

 

He did at least

 

If you want to hear Todd's answer on why he's playing drums rather than Scott, go to the 15:00 mark.

Queensryche- Todd LaTorre- Interview-Talks The Verdict- Scott Rockenfield's Absence- The Metal Voice