I’ve been trying to see a Queensrÿche show for the last couple of years. Well, this time around nothing was getting in my way – the only challenge was the Southern California traffic which is always a pain, taking an hour and forty-five minutes for a thirty-seven-mile drive, as Queensrÿche was at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium on Thursday, November 17th in Riverside, California, touring behind their latest release Condition Hüman.
Surprising to see some fans didn’t know Geoff Tate was no longer with the band, Todd La Torre joined in 2012 who is a phenomenal frontman and knows how to work the crowd.
Before I rave anymore about Queensrÿche, opening the show was the symphonic metal band Midnight Eternal – founded in 2014 and based out of New York City. It didn’t take them long to be noticed, sharing the stage with notables such as Kamelot, Dragonforce, Doro and Quiet Riot – to name a few. Releasing their debut self-titled album earlier in the year, vocalist Raine Hilai, guitarist Richard Fischer, bassist Greg Manning, keyboardist Boris Zaks and drummer Dan Prestup gave us a taste of their melodic metal as the fans showed their approval. To all the fans that were mingling outside waiting for the main acts, you missed a good set. Keep an eye on these up and comers.
As the set turned over Armored Saint are ready to hit the stage, this being the first time seeing them. I have heard nothing but rave reviews from their fans, well I can tell you all those accolades are well deserved. Founding members, the Sandoval brothers, drummer Gonzo Sandoval, guitarist Phillip Sandoval, vocalist John Bush, bassist Joey Vera and guitarist Jeff Duncan wasted no time, kicking it in high gear opening with Win Hands Down off their latest release, Win Hands Down, following with March of The Saint rounded out with Nervous Man as they continued covering fan favorites throughout their discography. Closing the set with Can You Deliver… Yes, they can!!! It was great seeing them live, they didn’t disappoint.
The time has come! As the lights dim as you hear the into music playing and you see two video screens start showing the Queensrÿche logo as the lights shine on drummer Scott Rockenfield behind his monster set wearing a coal miners light on his head, to the cheers of the fans, starting the opening song Guardian off their latest release Condition Hüman, as guitarist Michael Wilton, bassist Eddie Jackson and guitarist Parker Lundgren appear on stage, their names are being shown on the screens introducing them to the fans, frontman Todd La Torre appears onstage, the packed crowd got what they’ve been waiting for showing their appreciation with the fist pumping and singing every word. Followed by Operation Mindcrime and Best I Can. Quite the impressive opening.
The talk seems to be about La Torre, well I’m going to join that praise. I have great admiration for his talent, as I stated earlier he is a phenomenal frontman, working every part of the stage, engaging with the fans, drawing them in like he is personally singing to you. Yes, it doesn’t hurt when I get the La Torre smile and point in the photo pit, all is well in my little world. (laughs)
The show stopper for me was mid set, when the spot light was on Wilton and La Torre for the ballad Silent Lucidity, the vocal range and power in La Torre’s voice is extraordinary and worthy of Queensrÿche discography.
Over three decades and fifteen studio albums Queensrÿche has plenty of songs to choose from to make up a set list, tonight show consisted of song from seven albums: The Warning, Live in Tokyo, Rage of Order, Operation Mindcrime, Empire, Promise Land and the recent release Condition Hüman, as the fan enjoyed the ride down memory lane.
Between the technical aspect of the video screens telling a story during the show, the phenomenal musicianship, it’s evident Rockenfield, Wilton, Jackson, Lundgren and La Torre enjoy themselves on stage, writing a new chapter to the Queensrÿche destiny. Catch them on their fall tour you won’t be disappointed. Website: www.queensryche.com and Facebook: www.facebook.com/QueensrycheOfficial
Queensrÿche Set List
Guardian
Operation Mindcrime
Best I Can
Damaged
The Killing Words
The Mission
Silent Lucidity
Arrow of Time
Empire
Eye9
Queen of the Reich
Jet City Woman
Take Hold of the Flame
Encore:
Hellfire
Screaming in Digital
Eyes of a Stranger
All photos by Tammy Greene
©2016. Please DO NOT copy or use without permission.
Midnight Eternal:
Armored Saint:
Queensryche:
