Queensryche - Rage for Order (1986)

Queensryche are probably the finest band to come from Seattle, Washington. Sure, some would argue that it was Nirvana, or Pearl Jam, or maybe even Nevermore; but for technical prowess and musical competence, Queensryche have stolen my vote.

This is their second ful length studio album, and one of my favourites. It displays a creativity and intricity that was lacking somewhat from their debut album, along with an added dose of intriguing menace.

The cover is pretty plain - the band and the album names written in a ring, surrounding the tri-ryche symbol, overlaid across a fairly crude, lineary map of the world and coloured in what could well be blood red clouds. Inside the lyrics are printed in a bold, san serif font. I found the band photo particularly amusing:

Loving the widow's peak Geoff! The permed hair is particularly entertaining too.

The album starts with the catchy "Walk in the Shadows". Tate's voice is in fine fettle, high and melodic in pitch and power.

The rhythms slow, taking on a dreamlike quality, the guitars plucking gentle melodies as "I Dream in Infrared". Desperation bleeds from the vocals, surging into power and determination.

"The Whisper" is anything but. A solid beat, soaring vocals and a somewhat eerie edge to it. Great chorus, and harsh whispering voices. It has a technical aura to it, making me think of the voice in the computer, calling to the unsuspecting, controlling them.

"Please take my hand, don't be afraid. I am your master, you are my slave..."

Keeping with the creepiness, the eerie openings of "Gonna Get Close to You." The guitars create a dark and gloomy mood, shadows creeping in like fog, hiding all manner of secrets. The lyrics are pure stalkerism:

"I wait by your door til you're asleep at night and when you're alone I know when you turn out the light..."

Another with a menacing edge, "The Killing Words" bring with them a touch of frost, dancing across the drums and guitars. Chorus is filled with desperate anguish.

"Surgical Strike" hits with precision and power. Sharp, determined; Tate's voice is a spear. LYrics related to war.

Echoing, otherwordly, "Neue Regal" brings with it a hint of exotic. Vocals are high, bell-like, looming menace clustering in their shadows. Almost industrial sounds. Towers looming, darking the sky with their acrid smoke.

"Eternal Youth (We Are Rebellion)" strikes me as being a dystopian song, the sort that  makes you think of the general public rising up against the Government, waving banners, shaking fists. Combining shouting, breaking glass and general anarchy with Tate's vocals and a gallopin', rockin' chorus.

Following this is the hauntingly melancholic "London". It sounds like a love song - or to be precise, a loss song. The vocals are melodious, yet tortured, thrumming with loss and loneliness and abandonment.

"Screaming in Digital" is like a soul, trapped inside a computer, technologically imprisoned and crying for help. The vocals have a polished, technical edge to them. The instruments thrumming with pent up emotion.

Another haunting, lost and bittersweet piece, "I Will Remember" is heart-felt and forlorn. Tate's voice feels as fragile as a broken heart, the music playing a slow and solemn counterpoint.

 In a time when pants were tight and hair was permed, and lyrics were all about sex and love (but not necessarily both), Queensryche stomped onto the scene - with the hair and the pants, but they brought with them dark shadows and their own special blend of menace. This would have to be one of their finest albums: 9/10.