Queensrÿche played two intense pool deck shows on the MegaCruise in October 2019. New drummer Casey Grillo is a great fit, whether playing songs from the recent outstanding Todd LaTorre-fronted albums or classics from the band’s first decade. LaTorre was the MegaCruise MVP, tearing through Queensrÿche sets, drumming with Frank Bello and David Ellefson, and guest singing with other bands. Bassist Eddie Jackson is a stud musically and vocally. Guitarist Michael “Whip” Wilton and Parker Lundgren are shredding machines.

One of their sets was an opportunity to learn that when the ship’s Captain is making announcements, the band’s PA system is cut off. Three times the sound cut out for 30 seconds, which turned out to be the crew looking for Randy Blythe of Lamb of God, who was being delayed by Mexican customs (he later apologized during his set). The band played on, with the crowd screaming out the vocals until the sound kicked back in. It was certainly a show to remember.

MegaCruise Queensrÿche

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Queensrÿche on MegaCruise 2019 first appeared on Game On Media.

Queensrÿche and Fates Warning put on an epic show at The Observatory North Park in San Diego, California on March 27, 2019. Both bands have been leading the charge for progressive metal for 4 decades. Fates Warning displayed their technical skill and songwriting talent throughout their hour long set. Vocalist Ray Alder, guitarists Jim Matheos and Michael Abdow, bassist Joey Vera and drummer Bobby Jarzombek are incredible musicians who must be experienced live.

Queensrÿche is touring behind their critically acclaimed new album “The Verdict”, which is the third release with the current lineup. Vocalist Todd La Torre is out of this world, hitting every note, high and low. He even adds percussion to the mix, spicing things up for touring drummer Casey Grillo, formerly of Kamelot. Guitarist Parker Lundgren has been with the band for a decade and he plays the older songs as well as he does the newer ones. The band played several songs off of the stellar new album, and could have played many more. They threw in one from each of the previous 2 releases, and plenty more from the EP and first 5 classic albums.

Founding guitarist Michael Wilton and bassist Eddie Jackson are still 2 of the coolest dudes in metal, and can shred and sing with the best of them. 40 years into their career, they continue to sound and look amazing. The only complaint these days about a Queensrÿche show is that 90 minutes isn’t nearly long enough to play everything that the fans would want to hear. This tour is a resurgence for the band, and the energy on and off the stage is palpable. Queensrÿche continues to leave you breathless, and wanting more, the signs of true entertainers at the top of their game.

Photo gallery of Queensrÿche at The Observatory North Park on March 27, 2019:

Queensrÿche SD19

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Photo gallery of Fates Warning at The Observatory North Park on March 27, 2019:

Fates Warning SD19

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Queensrÿche at The Observatory North Park first appeared on Game On Media.

Queensrÿche has delivered “The Verdict”, their 14th studio album, and 3rd in their current incarnation. Vocalist Todd La Torre and guitarist Parker Lundgren are firmly ensconced in the band’s creative process, and the result is nothing less than extraordinary. The band wrote as a team, fleshing out each member’s ideas into a work of art that demands to be in the conversation about their top 5 albums overall. The mood and intensity closely resembles “The Warning” and “Rage For Order”, while sounding completely current. “The Verdict” is something you can bang your head to and (attempt to) sing along with. As with all Queensrÿche albums, you can also dive deeper into the lyrical content and find brain candy to chew on, ranging from geopolitical conflict to the inner workings of the mind. Founding members Michael Wilton and Eddie Jackson sound revitalized, and the years of touring with La Torre and Lundgren have clearly sparked something from deep inside. Founding drummer Scott Rockenfield remains on extended paternity leave, so La Torre even contributed drums to the effort, channeling the classic Queensrÿche sound. This is a band that is still hungry, still has something to say, and they have unleashed their most complete work since 1994’s “Promised Land”. “The Verdict” will be your first obsession album of 2019.

Go see the band live to feel the energy of this new album in person.  http://www.queensrycheofficial.com/tour-dates/

Queensrÿche “The Verdict” Album Review first appeared on Game On Media.