Search - Queensryche :: Promised Land

Last of the essential Queensryche records

S. Baker | Phoenix, Arizona United States | 10/10/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Between their previous commercial breakthrough in 1990 and the release of this record in 1994, the grunge movement had arrived and taken over. Yet, the band seemed to completely ignore the influences of those other Seattle bands (who probably were signed in part due to the commercial success of Queensryche) and continue along the same lines as 'Empire' (1990), with a bit less of a commercial bent:1. 9:28 AM/I Am I. "I Am I" was the first radio release and, with its middle-eastern inspired guitar riff, serves as an appropo introduction to a record thematically focused on an exploration of the human psyche.2. Damaged. Appropriately connected inextricably with the previous song, "Damaged" discusses the process of psychotherapy over some stunning guitar work. (A rather unmemorable live version is included at the end as a bonus track.)3. Out of Mind. After the manic "Damaged", the band goes into an atmospheric musical sequel to "Silent Lucidity" without leaving the lyrical theme of the first two songs.4. Bridge. No doubt inspired by their own MTV Unplugged appearance and the success of that show, this single is a simple, simple, acoustic ditty (uncharacteristic for Queensyrche) narrating a dialogue between a neglected son and a father seeking redemption.5. Promised Land. This is certainly the musical magnum opus of the lot, with lyrics and music of epic proportions.6. Disconnected. The sonic highlight of the record is engined by a groove and some great sounds, making the lyrics (a semi-spoken word dissertation on the narrator's state of mind) someone irrelevant.7. Lady Jane. Bring on the pianos (previously unheard on Queensryche records) for this melodic "ballad" that could have easily been a single if not for its slightly edgy lyrics.8. My Global Mind.9. One More Time. Carrying on in the tradition of such tracks like "Resistance", if there is any filler on this record, it is "My Global Mind" and "One More Time."10. Someone Else? This is a great piece done with vocals and piano. (NOTE: A lesser full band version is included as a bonus track.)Besides the bonus tracks discussed above, this remaster also includes the quality tune, "The Real World" (studio version and live version), which is musicially quite similar to "Silent Lucidity" (even including Michael Kamen's orchestration) and was only available on the 'Last Action Hero' soundtrack (1993).Reasonable minds will differ, but it is undisputed that the four ESSENTIAL Queensryche records are (in chronological order): 'Rage for Order' (1986), 'Operation: Mindcrime' (1988), 'Empire' (1990), and 'Promised Land' (1994). The releases that came before (debut EP (1983) and 'The Warning' (1984)) and after ('Hear in the Now Frontier' (1997), 'Q2K' (1999), and 'Tribe' (2003)) were, in varying degrees, clearly inferior. Plan your purchases accordingly!"

Queensryche's brightest moment.

Michael Stack | North Chelmsford, MA USA | 06/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With the rise of alternative music, the climate into which Queensryche released "Promised Land" was very different. The album fared poorly and was negatively received by audiences, who seemed to be regressing in the face of new musical movements-- indeed, hope that the band would retread the past rather than move forward has been a common thread for Queensryche. But instead, they embraced change and created what a small minority consider to be their true masterpiece-- an album successfully fusing the progressive influences wiht the metal sound the band had honed without sounding pretentious, overblown, or pointless.



But the truth is, this isn't for everyone-- its not a straight metal album, even pieces like "I Am I" and "Damaged", the opening pair that are firmly lodged in metal, have something to them that separates them from the old material. And after these two, there really is a seemingly endless array of textured variety and a large influence of acoustic instruments, from modest hit "Bridge" (a rather personal story about Chris DeGarmo's relationship with his father), washed in acoustic guitars, to building "Lady Jane" and its prominent cello lines (structurally, the piece is reminiscent of "Anybody Listening?") to the stunning piano ballad, "Someone Else?", delivered with a vocal by Tate fulll of passion and power.



Add to this a few really unique pieces-- "Out of Mind" with its gentle harmonies, plodding bass, and beautiful soloing, the indescribable title track, washed in loungey sounds, and the brilliant "Disconnected", rhythmically driven and powerful and you have the recipe for a brilliant record.



Oh, and its wrapped in probably the best cover art Queensryche has ever done as well.



The reissue is remastered, although relatively pointlessly, I don't detect much a difference, and augments the record with four bonus tracks. "Real World" is a great orchestral piece that is explosive and powerful and belonged on the album in my assessment (it was originally in a soundtrack). The full band version of "Someone Else?" is interesting, but lacking in comparison to the studio version, simply because it loses some of the simplicity of the original (live the band did somewhat of a cross between the two that did work much better, however). This is augmented by two live tracks-- "Damaged" and "Real World" from the "Promised Land" tour stop in London that are both superb and enhance the experience nicely.



For fans of unique music, progressive rock, etc, this is essential. For metal fans, this might be hard to digest, but it is a brilliant record worthy of consideration."

Promised Land : A Criminally Underrated Masterpiece

Masked Jackal | Ft. Lauderdale, FL United States | 08/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't know why I ever passed on this release by Queensryche. I heard numerous fans saying that this releases was the begining of the end for Queensryche, and that they've finally sold out.....NOT TRUE!!!



This isn't as explosive, or as heavy as the earlier works, but it doesn't need to be. The musicianship here excellent, and the pure emotion of "Promised Land" is undeniable. This is a masterpiece that just gets better and better everytime I listen to it. It's a wonderful change of pace as well....



The whole overall feel of "Promised Land" is without question the most unique Queensryche has ever accomplished. I don't know any other Heavy Metal band that could have made this sound as good as this does. Don't listen to the other fans who bash this release. This is Queensryche, and even though I prefer their older stuff for it's heaviness, "Promised Land" is still one of their best, and most accomplished releases IMO....

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