 Reviews Archive: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Q
Q2K (EastWest Records) http://www.queensryche.com It took Seattle's finest quite a while to recover from their totally disappointing 1997 release "Hear In The Now Frontier". Main songwriter Chris DeGarmo left the band and QUEENSRYCHE even lost their record deal with EMI America, which all lead to a pretty insecure foundation to create a new album on. But they hired a new guitarplayer in Kelly Gray (formerly of MYTH, which was also the home of Geoff Tate before he joined the RYCHE) and lately got signed by EastWest Records. So, after many delays we finally get to hear some new music. But "Q2K" is the hurting truth that DeGarmo was certainly not totally responsible for the change of direction all on his own. Don't let yourselves fool by big advertising campaigns or false statements: QUEENSRYCHE didn't manage to recapture the old "Operation: Mindcrime" or "Empire" vibes on the new record at all - this is just the continuation of their modernized, alternative influenced style, which made the last two albums so annoying. The production, which had been handled by Kelly Gray as well, is as great as on QUEENSRYCHE's previous albums and the musical talent of each individual member completely out of question. They are just brilliant! But: the songwriting in itself isn't just what it used to be anymore and therefore will (once again) certainly disappoint the real QUEENSRYCHE fan! Too bad, really... Frank Stöver Alive And Well (Axe Killer Records) Wow, what a surprise! I never ever expected that QUIET RIOT would really be able to come up with an album of the same potential as their classic "Metal Health" disc from 1983. But you know what? They just did it! The classic line-up (Kevin DuBrow, Carlos Cavazo, Frankie Banali and Rudy Sarzo) is back together again and the feeling still seems to be there as well. All the new songs could easily have been recorded in the "Metal Health"/"Condition Critical" sessions. No trendy influences here at all - just goodtime QUIET RIOT stuff, which is just great! Among the eight new songs you will also find the tune "Slam Dunk", that Glamrockers PRETTY BOY FLOYD already recorded a version of (it ended up on the soundtrack to the movie "Switch"). The remaining seven tracks are re-recorded versions of their old classics (hey, don't worry - they're still good sounding!) and a cover version of AC/DC's "Highway To Hell". The CD comes in a deluxe packaging which makes it even more attractive. So, if you already enjoyed them in the past, don't miss out "Alive And Well"! An excellent comeback! Frank Stöver |