Queensryche - Queensryche [ep]

"Essential for a 'Ryche fan."

If you're not terribly excited by Queensryche, this isn't for you. It's just not awesome enough to win any converts, I think. But for fans it is a must-have. With their EP, Queensryche was initially placed amongst the legions of heavy metal bands thought they would later break the shackles of convention with more challenging releases. Although the EP is mostly straightforward metal, it's solid stuff. Geoff Tate's vocals are totally overwrought but he's one hell of a singer. His command of high octaves is unmatched, and his pronunciation is impeccable despite the pitch. The music is pretty standard fare, but the energy with which it is delivered is purely frenetic.

It's poorly produced, it only has five songs, and it's fairly standard as far as metal goes. So why would you -- as a fan -- want this? Three reasons:

- "Queen of the Reich" is sort of like the band's anthem. The lyrics are amusingly cheesy (think Iron Maiden), but the song is an awesome rocker with an unforgettable main riff and a brilliant performance from Tate.

- "The Lady Wore Black" is a great 'power ballad' rocker, affixed with lyrics that tell an interesting story with evocative music.

- "Prophecy" is a song taken from the sessions while recording Rage For Order. I don't know why it wasn't put on that album, but regardless...it's available here. Without this song (which is rather good, by the way) Rage For Order doesn't seem complete.

(The other songs are ok, but you could live without them.)

Like I said...fans - get it.