Queensryche return to their roots
Frontman Todd La Torre reveals latest material is reminiscent of band’s 80’s output
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Queensryche frontman Todd La Torre says their new material is reminiscent of albums the band recorded in the 80s.
And he says the tracks have the dynamic drive that made the group such a success during the early Geoff Tate era.
He tells Metalholic: “The songs that we have right now are melodic. There are some heavy tunes that are really rocking. Some of the songs remind me of Rage For Order and Operation: Mindcrime.
“We’ll probably slip in something with a more commercial appeal, like In This Light from the record I did before. But, overall, I’m hopeful that, when it’s all said and done, this record will have a really good drive, melodic choruses, great guitar parts and be very dynamic.”
He also states that the new material will please Queensryche fans as it builds on the foundations of their 2013 self-titled release.
He continues: “When you’ve got two years between albums, you don’t want people to say, ‘Wow, that’s the best they could come up with?’ You always want, ‘Hell yeah! This is another great Queensryche record.’ And that’s all that you can really hope for.
“But it’s definitely going to have what I consider all of the elements that the true Queensryche fans will enjoy: great drumming, solid foundation, bass driven, great guitar work and harmony. Vocally, there’s some things where I get into the upper register pretty good.”
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Earlier this month, La Torre said he’s been heavily influenced by Alice In Chains on as-yet-untitled album.
The band have lined up three UK dates in August:
Aug 05: Bristol Marble Factory
Aug 06: London Electric Ballroom
Aug 07: Brighton Concorde 2

Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.
