Queensr
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Some think Queensrÿche jumped the shark with Promised Land, which turned 15 yesterday. Some think that happened with the previous album, Empire. Some contrarians even pin that turning point on the much-loved Operation: Mindcrime. However, agreement is universal that at some point Queensrÿche went bad. Once a band plays Rocklahoma, it’s flown the white flag.
Queensrÿche – I Am ILed Zeppelin – Friends
But respect is due where respect is due. I’m in the “good until and including Promised Land” camp. That was one of the records I’ve anticipated most in my life. I loved Operation: Mindcrime and Empire, and was expecting more gleaming night driving anthems. How surprised I was to discover a ground-hugging rock band! They could still soar, though. “I Am I” was a radio favorite at the time, which blows my mind, as there’s no way it would be a “hit” today. It’s sort of like Tool gone aristocratic. But musically, it’s even more like Led Zeppelin’s “Friends” (from Led Zeppelin III), with its swooning, Middle Eastern-sounding strings. I’m a fan of flatted seconds and raised fourths, so this song is tonal heaven for me. It’s how I’ll choose to remember Queensrÿche. No one talks about Uncle Bob after he fell off the wagon; no one talks about Queensrÿche after Promised Land.
