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             Screaming in Digital     | ________________*________________
             Volume 160 - 10Oct94     |                ***
          The Queensryche Net-Digest  | __________*__*******__*__________
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        _Screaming_in_Digital______________________________Editor's Note_

                Hi, everybody!  "Promised Land" is out - if you're lucky
        enough to be in the Netherlands.  The rest of us don't have long
        to wait, though.  There are two complete reviews in this issue,
        along with quite a bit of other material.
                In other news, the digest has finally passed the 1,500
        subscriber mark.  Thanks, everyone, for making this so successful
        for all these months!  It seems like it's been a long time, but
        to put it in perspective, the digest started one year _after_ the
        release of "Empire."
                Sorry I'm sending this out so late in the day Monday, but
        I received some last-minute material for it and wanted to make
        sure it was included.

        _Contents________________Contributors____________________________

        New Album       Mitch <mitch.joel@the-wire.com> 
        New Reviews     Michael <mumjp@uxa.ecn.bgu.edu> 
        Radio Show      Yohanna <suczek@guvax.acc.georgetown.edu>
        Review          Dave <dwb4025@rigel.tamu.edu>
        Premiere Party  Ray <rightnow@u.washington.edu> 
        Review          Clive <c.mccaig@queens-belfast.ac.uk>
        Promised Land   Emile <emileth@sci.kun.nl>
        I Am I          Ertan <kertan@bilkent.edu.tr>
        I Am I          Nancy <nancy.host@uc.edu>
        I Am I          Todd <seelytj@sacadem.sunyerie.edu>
        Rockline?       Scott <aa458@freenet.carleton.ca>
        New Single      Mike <thorpjm@mail.auburn.edu>
        Europe Tour?    Luc <maillet@paques.cert.fr>
        Background?     Vincent <naa2354@dsacam.dsac.dla.mil>
        Concert         Charles <plxcep@vax.ccc.nottingham.ac.uk>
        Concert         Jason <jobroin@madge.mhs.compuserve.com>
        Cool Stuff      Dave <dwb4025@acs.tamu.edu>
        Styles          Luc <maillet@paques.cert.fr>
        Early Warning   Dan <shag@arginine.umdnj.edu>

        _Neue_Regel_______________________________________News_&_Reviews_  

        New Album       Mitch <mitch.joel@the-wire.com> 
                I have the whole disc and it is truly different.  It took 
        me about seven listens just to get into it!  It's sort of like 
        "Rage for Order" meets "Empire" with a little Nine Inch Nails to 
        boot, pretty cool!  

        New Reviews     Michael <mumjp@uxa.ecn.bgu.edu> 
                I ran across a review for "Promised Land" in the latest 
        issue of _Flux_ magazine.  I don't remember all of the details, 
        but I do remember them saying that it wasn't as hit-heavy as 
        "Empire" and had a darker feel to it - basically, everything 
        that's already been said.  Plus they loved it.  :)

        Radio Show      Yohanna <suczek@guvax.acc.georgetown.edu>
                Supposedly the Washington, DC radio station DC101 will be
        broadcasting a special live Queensryche show from Seattle on
        October 16th or 17th to inaugurate their new album.  Perhaps
        other stations elsewhere will be doing the same.  I'd heard
        nothing of this live show so if you're in Seattle, let me know
        how it was.

        Review          Dave <dwb4025@rigel.tamu.edu>
                Here is my review of the songs on "Promised Land."
                '9:28 AM' - Just a bunch of sampled sounds.  A heartbeat
        going flatline, a baby crying, the jingling of a child's toy.
        It leads into 'I Am I'
                'I Am I' - Very dark and great.  Lots of sampling on this
        song, as on most of the others.  This track has heavy beating
        drums and quite a bit of orchestration.  Geoff's lyrics are a bit
        garbled; it's hard to pick out what he is singing.
                'Damaged' - Hard and dark, probably the hardest song on
        the album.  Parts of the lyrics are very black - "Mother Mary in
        control, domineering strangle-hold, sowing destructive seeds, for
        the scavenger to feed."  I'm not quite sure what this song is
        about yet.
                'Out of Mind' - Lighter, but with a dark mood to it.  A
        very good pseudo-ballad, about rest homes from what I could
        gather.
                'Bridge' - About Chris's relationship with his dad, I've
        heard.  It's surely about a relationship with a father, although
        you wouldn't be able to tell it's about Chris from the lyrics.  A
        slow song like 'Out of Mind,' sentimental in a sad hopeless way.
                'Promised Land' - Seems to be about the unfulfilled
        promise of the "American Dream."  Parts of the lyrics are
        undecipherable.  This is darker but not as hard as 'I Am I,' and
        very good.
                'Disconnected' - Again, a lot of sampling, especially in 
        the beginning.  This is a very different song, with a funky
        groove to it, and Geoff sort of reading the lyrics.  Geoff sounds
        like he's drugged up, which is what the song seems to be about.
        It has a "Rage" feeling to it.  There's also notable use of a
        saxophone.
                'Lady Jane' - This is a fantastic ballad, in my opinion
        their best ballad yet.  It begins with sampled children chanting,
        then starts with just a piano.  There's a sad feel to it, and
        this is going to be one of my favorites on this album.
                'My Global Mind' - About the information superhighway.
        Another 'Resistance' type of social-awareness song, it's very
        catchy, with a sticky chorus.
                'One More Time' - I think maybe this will become my
        favorite song of the album.  It has a fantastic groove to it that 
        stuck to my mind right away.  It's one of those songs you want to 
        be longer because you end up rewinding it as soon as it's over.
        It's about the failure to succeed in society, it seems
                'Someone Else?' - This is just a piano and Geoff.  It's
        moody and beautiful.
                Overall, there are a lot of keyboards on this album, much
        more so than on any of the others.  It has a very distinctive 
        feel to it.  It took a few listens to pick up some of the songs.
        I am not sure that this album will bring in many new fans,
        because it's not the most accessible thing they've written, not 
        an easy album to listen to just for fun.  It's more detailed and 
        textured than that.  The fans who've been with the band for a
        while will love this album, it's well worth the wait.  I can't
        wait to hear it from CD, as my copy is very bass-heavy, but I've
        not taken off my headphones for the 4 days I've been listening to
        the album.  The single is supposed to be out in a couple of days,
        and I heard there was a commercial for the album on MTV, although
        I missed it.

        Premiere Party  Ray <rightnow@u.washington.edu> 
                This morning, KISW FM in Seattle announced that at 10am 
        this morning there would be free tickets to the first 1500 
        people to listen to the world premiere of Queensryche's "Promised
        Land" Monday, October 10th in downtown Seattle.  I biggest 
        threw on some clothes and ran to my nearest ticketmaster, to be
        the first in line and guaranteed tickets since tickets were gone 
        in 4 minutes.  The listening party will include all of the 
        members of Bellevue's biggest find.  I am at the top of the 
        world.  Sorry everyone else can't come because tickets went fast.
        But, I will tell you about the new album after I hear it Monday.  
        Additionally, the whole album will be debuted on radio Thursday, 
        October 13th at a time to be announced in your city.  The 
        satellite broadcast will include a discussion with the band and 
        will probably be 2 hours in length.  By the way, if you have yet 
        to hear 'I Am I,' - it's great.  Scary but great.

        Review          Clive <c.mccaig@queens-belfast.ac.uk>
                "Promised Land," the long awaited follow up to "Empire,"
        is finally here, and I've been able to give the CD an intensive
        listen.  The first couple of listens, nothing really grabbed my 
        attention, a lot of instrumentation, and what at times seemed 
        like complete chaos.  However, continued listening reveals a 
        complex album, with a lot happening.  The overall mood is fairly 
        dark, and moody and many of the songs seem introspective.
                The album starts off with an intro, '9:28am,' which 
        starts off with heart monitoring machine that soon indicates the 
        subject has died, and we get a kind of eerie, movie theme feel
        before it kicks into 'I Am I,' the first single from the album.
                'I Am I' is an unusual choice for a single, considering 
        the other material.  It has a "Rage for Order" feel to it, lots 
        of textured instrumentation, and a fairly dark mood.
                This is followed by 'Damaged' which is one of the heavier
        tracks on the album.  A deep brooding bass line dominates this 
        one, perhaps in a way similar to 'The Thin Line.'  After a few 
        listens a hook begins to develop.
                The next part of the album has that sort of "Unplugged" 
        feel to it.  The acoustic grandeur of 'Out Of Mind' at times 
        seems reminiscent of "Della Brown", especially in feel, and 
        perhaps the orchestration might reflect shades of 'Silent 
        Lucidity.' 
                'Bridge' is a song about Chris' relationship with his 
        dad.  Another acoustic ballad of sorts, lots of textured stuff 
        going on here too. 
                'Promised Land' is the longest track on the album, at 
        over 8 minutes.  It's probably the darkest and moodiest song on 
        the album.  Heavy riffs, and low-range bass, as well as the 
        kind of textured keyboards that peppered the "Rage For Order" 
        album.  Also, the use of a saxophone here is a very nice idea 
        that fits very well - I wonder who plays it?  All music 
        performance is credited to Queensryche. 
                'Disconnected' is almost a progressive funk jam, with a 
        riff that wouldn't seem out of place on an Extreme album.  Scott
        Rockenfield wrote the music for this one.  Geoff's vocals are 
        very deep, often adopting a spoken tone. 
                The final part of the album is probably the most 
        instantly memorable stuff.  'Lady Jane' is a power ballad, with 
        some nice piano work, and lots of complex instrumentation.  The 
        ending in particular is impressive. 
                'My Global Mind' reminds me of the "Empire" album, not 
        necessarily in sound, but in feel.  It's also got a fairly 
        strong hook.  At other times it reminds me a little of 'London' 
        from the "Rage for Order" album.
                'One More Time' is quite complex, with underlying 
        acoustic instrumentation and lots of textured guitar/vocal 
        harmonies. This is one of my favorites. 
                The album closes with a surprise - Queensryche with no 
        guitar, no bass, no drums.  It's a track called 'Someone Else?'
        and is a simple piano and vocal arrangement.  The melody is 
        beautiful, and Geoff's vocal performance is incredible.  
        Although the simplest piece on the album, it's probably my
        favorite track at the moment.  This will remind everyone why 
        Geoff Tate is the best singer in rock.  I could definitely see 
        this being a hit if released as a single. 
                Overall, another very good Queensryche album, but it 
        may take a little perseverance.

        Promised Land   Emile <emileth@sci.kun.nl>
                I bought the newest Queensryche CD, "Promised Land," on 
        Saturday in The Netherlands.  Before it came out, everyone told me 
        that it would be a CD which would sound more rough than "Empire." 
        But I think they play a very weird, and amazing style.  It isn't 
        very rough, and another thing is that Geoff sings very low, he 
        doesn't scream so often anymore. 
                The song I preferred after one time hearing it was the 
        last one, 'Someone Else?'  Geoff Tate sings a brilliant song, and 
        the only instrument is the piano.  Something very amazing for 
        Queensryche.
                The last thing I would say is that the CD has a very 
        beautiful CD lyric book!  On the outside there is a big totem, 
        with a Queensryche symbol on the head, and behind the totem you
        can see water, smoke and light.
 
        _Speak______________________________________Comments_&_Questions_

        I Am I          Ertan <kertan@bilkent.edu.tr>
                I just listened to 'I Am I' in Turkey.  It was 
        sophisticated, with a lot of effects, but there was something in 
        it that was bothering me.  It shouldn't have been the last point 
        in the evolution of the revolutionary (both in the means of 
        politics and music) music of Queensryche.  I am afraid that 
        'I Am I' can be symbolic for a constant decline in their music.
                Anyway, it's too early to talk about it - we are 
        impatiently waiting for "The Promised Land" in Turkey.  I hope 
        it'd be released on the same date as in Europe.

        I Am I          Nancy <nancy.host@uc.edu>
                Someone had said that 'I Am I' sounded like "Rage for
        Order," but when I first heard it, I wasn't sure it was them til
        I heard Geoff's voice.  I knew it was going to be on because of 
        the DJ's announcement.  I thought it sounded more like the "new 
        age" Robert Plant, something off his "Fate of Nations" CD.
        Don't get me wrong, any Queensryche song is great, but that was
        just my interpretation.  I still plan on getting it on the 18th.

        I Am I          Todd <seelytj@sacadem.sunyerie.edu>
                The new tune 'I am I' is _excellent_ and boy it's hot.
        They sound better than ever!  The song is very busy - everyone in 
        the band is playing something different at the same time.  I 
        really don't think it sounds too much like "Rage," it sounds more 
        like 'Last Time in Paris' type music, with the offbeat drums and 
        guitar.  The guys have yet to disappoint me, and they sure didn't
        this time!

        Rockline?       Scott <aa458@freenet.carleton.ca>
                I finally got to hear 'I Am I.'  It definitely reminds me 
        of stuff from "Rage for Order."  I can't wait until the CD is 
        released!  I heard from various sources that Queensryche is going 
        to be on Rockline soon.  Can anyone confirm or deny this?  If 
        it's true, it sounds like a great opportunity to finally find out 
        those mysterious lyrics on 'The Killing Words!'

        New Single      Mike <thorpjm@mail.auburn.edu>
                I live in the Auburn, Alabama area and the nearest rock 
        station is WVRK, Rock 103 in Colombus, Georgia.  I was wondering 
        if anybody out there knows if this station will receive the new 
        single next week.

        Europe Tour?    Luc <maillet@paques.cert.fr>
                Does anyone know anything about the upcoming tour,
        and especially the European - French, one can always hope - part?
        I want to go and see them on stage.

        Background?     Vincent <naa2354@dsacam.dsac.dla.mil>
                Are there any background tracks available of Queensryche
        songs?  I would like to see if I can find something so that I 
        could go to one of these places that does the recordings of you
        singing and see how well I can cut it.

        _Roads_to_Madness__________________________________Tours_&_Shows_

        Concert         Charles <plxcep@vax.ccc.nottingham.ac.uk>
                A friend of mine in London has informed me that 
        Queensryche have organized a 'one-off' show in England.  It will 
        allegedly take place on October 20th at the Astoria in London. 
        This is a small (around 2-3000 capacity) standing venue.  I 
        haven't seen any listings for this show in the British music 
        press, but my friend assures me that he can get tickets.  I'll 
        let everyone known what the show is like; if it happens. 

        Concert         Jason <jobroin@madge.mhs.compuserve.com>
                Would you believe it!  Queensryche are playing a one-off 
        date in the UK at the London Astoria on 20th October, the day I'm 
        off to see Pink Floyd.  Why couldn't they have played on Friday 
        instead - I could have seen Terrorvision, Pink Floyd & 
        Queensryche all in one week.  Tickets are 10 pounds apparently 
        if anyone else from the digest wants to go.

        _Spreading_the_Disease__________________________Info_&_Resources_

        Cool Stuff      Dave <dwb4025@acs.tamu.edu>
                I picked up some cool stuff this weekend in Houston.
        First I found one  of the static cling window stickers for the
        "Promised Land" release, the guy had an extra one and sold it to
        me.  I also found the radio promo single for 'I Am I' and a small
        promo banner with the totem pole artwork and the release date!
                On eMpTyV Saturday they mentioned the release coming up 
        soon several times, and they played the commercial for "Promised 
        Land."  It was pretty cool!  I got it on tape if anyone's 
        interested.

        _The_Whisper__________________________________________Discussion_

        Styles          Luc <maillet@paques.cert.fr>
                I've listened to Dream Theater's "Awake" album and it
        sounds very strange.  Complex music built alternatively on 
        rampant rhythmic and very eerie keyboard parts.  I wonder why 
        people often cite them alongside Queensryche, whose music is much 
        more compact. 

        _Breaking_the_Silence______________________________Miscellaneous_

        Early Warning   Dan <shag@arginine.umdnj.edu>
                I've recently listened to "The Hero's Dream," a 7-song
        tape by Early Warning, a progressive-metal quartet from Atlanta.
        Somewhat more straightforward and riff-laden than Queensryche's 
        standard fare, the songs on the tape are strong and consistent.
        It's not surprising the band opened for Dream Theater when they
        came to town.
                Aptly named vocalist/guitarist Chris Singer and 
        vocalist/percussionist Dave Re combine on some sharp vocal 
        harmonies, while Singer and dedicated guitarist Frank Carrillo 
        weave intricate combinations of acoustic classical and crunchy 
        electric guitar, and Re and bassist Mark Vignati provide the 
        complex rhythms we expect in prog-metal.  The end result is a
        style reminiscent of Queensryche and Iron Maiden, but also of 
        mainstream metal groups like Metallica.
                While all the songs are likely to be of interest to
        prog-metal fans, 'Narcissus' stuck most firmly in my mind.  Its
        orchestration is excellent, with good acoustic/electric interplay
        and rhythmic complexity, and the lyrics are compelling.  Aside
        from being harder than anything Queensryche or Dream Theater has
        ever produced, this track would fit well on an album by either.
                Early Warning has enough skill and daring to make it big
        in prog-metal, once they're noticed.  Hopefully someone will
        start a prog-metal version of the "ProgFest" festival, so that
        they and other up-and-coming bands can be heard.  Then we could
        buy new albums in years that Queensryche and Dream Theater are
        idle!  I'd recommend picking up this tape if you have the chance.
        I lost the band's address in my recent move, but I'm sure one of
        the SiD readers in the Atlanta area will send it in.

        _________________________________________________________________

                That's all for now - one issue left before the release in
        North America!  Keep those reports and reviews coming.

                'Ryche on,
                                -Shag