Hear in the Now Frontier [Bonus Tracks] [Remaster]

Performer: Queensrÿche
Artist: Matt Rollings; David Ragsdale
Engineer: Toby Wright
Distributor: EMI Music Distribution

Notes: Queensryche: Chris DeGarmo, Geoff Tate, Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson, Scott Rockenfield. Additional personnel: David Ragsdale (violin); Matt Rollings (piano, keyboards, synthesizers); Steve Nathan (keyboards, synthesizers). Producer: Peter Collins. Compilation producer: David K. Tedds. Principally recorded at Sixteenth Avenue Sound, Nashville, Tennessee and Studio Litho, Seattle, Washington in 1996. originally released on EMI (56141). Includes liner notes by Paul Suter. This is part of EMI Records "Queensryche Remastered" series. Composers: Chris DeGarmo; Geoff Tate. Personnel: Geoff Tate (vocals); David Ragsdale (violin); Toby Wright (recorder); Matt Rollings, Steve Nathan (keyboards, mini-Moog synthesizer). Audio Mixer: Toby Wright. Liner Note Author: Paul Suter. Recording information: MTV Studios, New York, NY (1996); Sixteenth Avenue Sound, Nashville, TN (1996); Studio Litho, Seattle, WA (1996). Unknown Contributor Roles: Chris DeGarmo; Eddie Jackson ; Michael Wilton; Scott Rockenfield. Queensryche took a drastic turn with 1997's HEAR IN THE NOW FRONTIER. Challenging the loyalty of their fans, the group moved in a less prog-oriented, more accessible direction with their songwriting. Perhaps the most notable change occurring on this set is the stripped-down production--a first from a band known for epic, heavily-polished recordings. Likewise, the Beatles-influenced "All I Want," features guitarist Chris DeGarmo's first and only turn on lead vocals. Ironically, HEAR IN THE NOW FRONTIER would be DeGarmo's final contribution as a full-time member of the band (though he later collaborated on several tracks for 2003's TRIBE). This disc opens with screaming guitars that lead listeners to expect another strong Queensr�che release. In fact, the opening cut, "Sign of the Times," feels a bit like the fine R�che rarity "Last Time in Paris," found only on The Adventures of Ford Fairlane soundtrack LP. However, as it carries on, it becomes clear that, like this album as a whole, the song has a tendency to lose its way, and consistency suffers as a result. There are definitely strong points present on Hear in the Now Frontier, but in general it is portions of songs that stand out rather than entire pieces. "Cuckoo's Nest," a hard-rocking piece, is an exception to that rule, though, being one of the most consistent compositions on display here. On the plus side, the album seems a bit harder edged than its predecessor, Promised Land, and that is definitely good for older fans of the band. [This version of the album includes bonus material.] ~ Gary Hill

Entertainment Weekly (3/28/97, p.68) - "...the most down-to-earth music these pretension-metal stalwarts have managed...Flitty harmonies prevent the chunky riffs from sustaining their punch, but the arrangements rarely feel overblown..." - Rating: B

Formed in the early 1980s, Queensryche started their career sounding much like a junior version of Iron Maiden or Judas Priest. However, by the mid-'80s, the Seattle-based metal band had begun to form its own musical identity, culminating in 1988's OPERATION: MINDCRIME, a sprawling cinematic concept album that received widespread acclaim and led to international success. The group's follow-up, EMPIRE, featured catchy melodies and more straightforward songwriting, showcasing the vocals of frontman Geoff Tate and leading to an even wider audience, thanks in no little part to the unlikely top 10 hit lullaby "Silent Lucidity." In the late 1990s, Queensryche experienced a bit of a slump, largely due the departure of founding guitarist Chris DeGarmo, but in 2003, DeGarmo returned to record TRIBE.

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