QUEENSRYCHE (Geoff Tate) / Frequency Unknown (2013)

This is the brand new album by Geoff Tate's Queensryche which is titled "Frequency Unknown". It's been a year, or something, since the divorce of Geoff Tate and his band-mates of this legendary band. But Tate didn't gave up and formed his own edition of Queensryche and finally his brand is releasing its first opus. As you can see on the front cover, there is a fist and three rings; the F (for Frequency), the Queensryche logo and the letter U (for Unknown). So I'll leave the letters F.U. open to your assumptions.


I like this band a lot and in their earlier years they have released some classic albums such as "Empire", the moodier but overall brilliant "Promised Land" and "Operation Mindcrime" to name a few. The new album includes ten new tracks but also four newly recorded classic Ryche tunes. For this release, Tate gathered a bunch of great artists such as bassist Rudy Sarzo, Robert Sarzo, Simon Wright and Randy Gane. There is, also, an impressive guest list of musicians like Brad Gillis, Dave Meniketti and Lita Ford among others.

Allow me to start backwards and from the re-recording tracks. All four tracks are well-played with strong arrangements, except from the 'Empire', and there is a 'fresh' approach in each of them that make them very interesting and enjoyable. Let's see the new stuff now! "Cold" is the opening track and, in my humble opinion, it is a very strong opener. There is a 'hidden' Queensryche vibe but also a modern hard rock 'air' that make this track one of the album's highlights. ''Dare" is heavier with a nice groove in it and Tate's raspier vocal performances while "Give It To You" is the first 'bad' moment!!! Damn, after the two solid tracks this seems out of place!! It has an alternative sound, which is not bad, and a kinda of melancholic vibe in it that confuses you!! After two more average moments comes the interesting and heavier tune of "Running Backwards". Another old 'Ryche' influenced tune with a great solo and Tate's soulful performances. "Life Without You" has the catchier chorus so far and 'Fallen" is another highlight here!!

Not impressed!!! Yes, I had high expectations from this record and the final result disappointed me. There are some very nice tracks here but the majority is average or below average!!!! The musicianship though is top notch and Tate's vocal performances are once again great. I'll keep an eye for the new 'Queensryche' (from the rest of the orinal members and with Todd La Torre on vocals) album which will be released this June. 
Heavy Paradise's Rating : 5,5 /10

Track List :
 01. Cold
02. Dare
03. Give It To You
04. Slave
05. In The Hands Of God
06. Running Backwards
07. Life Without You
08. Everything
09. Fallen
10. The Weight Of The World
Bonus Tracks:
11. I Don’t Believe In Love (2013 re-recorded)
12. Empire (2013 re-recorded)
13. Jet City Woman (2013 re-recorded)14. Silent Lucidity (2013 re-recorded)