QUEENSRYCHE ‘The Art Of Live’(Sanctuary Records 2004)
The last time Queensryche recorded a live album was in 2001, when they
released the phenomenal double attack "Live Evolution". Three years later,
and after completing another successful tour for the promotion of the
amazing "Tribe" album, the band from Seattle returns with another
masterpiece called "The Art of Live". Recorded throughout the ‘Tribe’ tour,
including in the London Astoria, this fourteen-track album contains some of
the most important songs in the band’s career, with a special reference to
"Tribe", something totally understandable - especially since the band was
touring in order to promote the album.
A very interesting drum theme by Scott Rockenfield will introduce you to
"Tribe", the opening track of the album. The band is in its element, as
always. Tate’s voice, untouched by the influence of time, delivered the
goods once again, and brought the first goosebumps to my body.
I was really happy to see that the band decided to include a song from the "Hear in the
Now Frontier" album, that of "Sign of the Times". I understand that many
people found it quite difficult to bond with this album, but I still believe
that it deserves more appreciation from the fans of the band. By the end of
the day, what we all love about Queensryche, is the fact that they never
subjected themselves to any laws, rules or trends, and for me "Hear in the
"Open" is the second representative of the band’s latest album, and the
first song I really got hooked on .
Do you know the feeling when you’re walking down the street singing ‘that’ tune, thinking that noone can hear
you, and then opening your eyes simply to realise that everyone’s staring at
you? That’s exactly what this track will do to you! Excellent band vocals,
and once again a great performance by Tate.
The parade of songs from the band’s latest studio albums continues with
"Loosing Myself", "Desert Dance" and the "Great Divide", right before
Michael Wilton grabs his acoustic guitar to play the opening theme of
"Rhythm of Hope". It’s songs like this that make you realise the greatness
of this band, and leave you to helplessly move your soul to the rhythms of
such an amazing composition. The acoustic versions of "My Global Mind", the
unique "Roads To Madness" and the quite sophisticated "Della Brown" pave the
way for what I can only describe as a lifetime experience - an excellent
performance of "Anybody Listening".
People should remember that being a real musician is not just a job, it’s a God given gift, and in Tate’s case, God
was more than generous. I was always proud to call myself a Queensryche fan,
but performances such as this make me feel proud of being a human being!
After I managed to pull myself together, the band took me on a small trip
back to the 80’s when they recorded what I consider to be the best Heavy
Metal album ever - Operation Mindcrime. I know that this is a big statement
on my part, but much greater are the feelings I get when I listen to this
album. This time it was "Breaking the Silence" and "The Needle Lies" that
carried the heavy burden of representing this magnificent album, and they
definitely managed to achieve this, judging by the reaction of the crowd.
Being totally unpredictable, the band chose "Best I Can" as the closing song
of this sixty eight-minute album, and left me once again begging for more.
There should be no doubt as to the music abilities of this band. Queensryche
are leaders, not followers. They are one of those band that belong on stage,
and that’s why I believe that "Art of Live" is the most suitable title for
this album.
The only problem that I have, and I can’t see how this would
ever change, is that the band has releases so many excellent compositions
that it would take a five CD album to make me feel satisfied. Queensryche
are on the road as we speak. If you want to experience what a unique live
performance is all about, I would suggest that you buy your tickets right
now. I already have mine and I look at them every time before I go to bed.
It’s not often that you get the chance to take a trip to the world of
emotions, my friends!
*****
Review by John Stefanis
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