Queensrÿche - s/t

If I would create a list of my favourite EPs ever, the 1983 Queensrÿche debut would be very high up on it. Anyway, it easily ranks among the top 100 in this special, which, apart from live albums, covers all release formats.

Of course, the first thing to mention in a review is the phenomenal voice of the then 24-year-old Geoff Tate. With no intention of underrating the fantastic performances of Scott Rockenfield (drums), Chris DeGarmo (guitars), Michael Wilton (guitars) and Eddie Jackson (bass), it is nevertheless true that Queensrÿche would never have become one of the best metal bands of all time without their world-class frontman. Similar statements could be formulated about Iron Maiden with Bruce Dickinson, Judas Priest with Rob Halford or Mercyful Fate with King Diamond.

There's not much I need to say about the four songs on the self-titled EP – in terms of performance and songwriting, we are dealing here with the crème de la crème of progressive heavy/power metal. Only the sound could be improved, but this is a minor point. The opener “Queen of the Reich“ is without a doubt one of the most iconic tunes in heavy guitar music and belongs on every Queensrÿche set list. Whether it's the riffing, bass or drums, you can't get enough of the instrumental performance. As mentioned at the beginning, however, it is Tate who catapults the quintet from Bellevue, Washington, into the metal Olympus.

And there the band remains during the following smashers “Nightrider“ and “Blinded“, before presenting another epic composition for the ages with “The Lady Wore Black“, which probably every fan of classic metal sounds knows and - in the case of good taste - adores.

Even if it's hard to believe given the quality of this EP, Queensrÿche would manage to shine in a similar way over the course of entire albums several more times in their career. 1983 was just the beginning...

Note: As part of this special, I am posting my 100 favorite records. Full-length albums, compilations and EPs are all included. Live albums will be considered in another special. The first 75 records will be posted in no particular order. The top 25 will be ranked.