Queensryche
Take Cover

December 2007
Released: 2007, Rhino Records
Rating: 3.0/5
Reviewer: Celtic Bob

Queensryce are one of the most talented group of musicians ever to grace the hard rock world. Back in the late 80’s they released one of the ultimate concept albums of all time with OPERATION MINDCRIME. The follow-up album EMPIRE put them on the charts and made them famous outside the Hard Rock/Metal world. After that the band went into a steady decline releasing a few discs without much acclaim. Last year there was much anticipation for their MINDCRIME II and the hype built tremendously but the release didn’t meet that hype. The cd was decent but it never lived up to its expectations. This year we received a great 2 disc “Best Of” with a new track that was quite good and now to close out the year we get this.



While Queensryche are not known for playing cover songs live this set brewed out of some fun games at sound checks. Tate has stated they couldn’t top the originals or try to but they did slightly change some. Some of the songs here are familiar such as “Bullet The Blue Sky”, “For What It’s Worth” and “For The Love Of Money”, the latter one probably due to Bullet Boys covering it many moons ago. These songs are slightly different than the originals but keep some of the same melody and tune. Geoff is a great singer but here his voice seems to be trapped in a certain place with very little movement. The cover of “Synchronicity II” is the best suited cover here as Geoff does an excellent Sting. Their style is very similar but vocally they are two distinct people. Something you'd never think of comparing.



A release for Queensryche fans only. I am a fan of the band myself but this will not get multiple listens unfortunately like my worn out MINDCRIME tape. Hopefully they can resurge next year with a new disc of originals that will blow us all away.