Review: Queensryche 'Digital Noise Alliance' (progressive metal/heavy metal)

[@BigWade57]

This is the fourth album in a row of quality music. I'm glad people are giving Grillo a chance. Anyone who has heard his playing with Kamelot knows he's a top drummer for this sort of music, including playing live. During all those years that QR were putting out lousy albums written by Tate's friends, Wilton was saving up riffs, so that for a decade now he's had plenty of material to form the basis of these Todd-fronted albums. I'm glad they're still productive, touring and putting out albums. I'm going to see them live again in three weeks, it'll be my third time seeing them with Todd and I know it will be a good performance 🤘

[@TheChadTI]

They took a crashed plane, put it back in the air (2013) and have hit NO turbulance since.

[@ScottyKirk1]

Rule #1, save the riffs!

[@TheChadTI]

@@ScottyKirk1 And leave the sampler

[@mixtheo2076]

wilton is responsible for all the lousy albums - Tate was just singing in it...

[@bjrnkarehilmen8406]

@@mixtheo2076 that is just bullshit. You know you are wrong, so why are you writing this horseshit? You are delusional.

[@joshcreasey]

To me, this is the best Todd-fronted album so far. They keep getting better and better. I like the production and the songwriting. Everyone puts in a spectacular performance in here. One of the best albums released this year for sure. Thumbs up from me!

[@billygoth]

These guys continue to put out great albums. They opened for priest and i was blown away how great they sounded. Thanks Pete for your great reviews. ✌

[@purpletemple1]

Those new albums/ products reviews have become my fav show! Lots of great stuff. Thanx for that. Cheers.

[@garyjoyce2160]

I know some diehards won’t give. But, TODD was the correct decision going forward with this band. Saw them in 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ in NYC with Fates Warning opening. Both were tremendous. PETE/ awesome review 👍💯

[@srobbins1973]

I was there too at Irving plaza! Good show

[@garyjoyce2160]

@@srobbins1973 / yes. 👍💯

[@markwilburn4962]

Such a great album! I love Rockenfield but man, Casey is killer on here! Tormentum I think is my favorite for now but they are all fantastic! Definitely a contender for Album of the Year!

[@theDML2112]

This album surprised me. I would say this & Condition Human are my fave of this era. The drums are INCREDIBLE on this one. Cool shirt, Pete!! 😎

[@jonbarto9146]

Drums! Love the fill in Sicdeth when Todd sings "Time to commence a new kind of slaughter!"

[@inmyhouse11]

Kick ass album. Dont ever stop doing these great album reviews. I love discovering lots of great new bands

[@TheChadTI]

It's a perfect Queensryche album. I get the lineup concerns but they made a record I would want from Queensryche.

[@neugey]

I've listened to it once and the songwriting is what stood out to me. They have some moments that call back to the moody brooding nature of OM/Empire era. Not sure if I was quite as taken with the production as Pete, and DeGarmo is still missed, but from a writing standpoint I think this is strongest they've sounded since Promised Land.

[@tmc1054]

Totally agree.

[@srobbins1973]

Thanks for posting Pete, I'm with you 100% on the new QR albums with Todd

[@JackMcLeodJr]

Love 'Lost In Sorrow' a lot also Pete. That's a classic Ryche track! Sounds like a mix between the Rage for Order & Empire records. All in all a damn fine record, cheers from the UK Pete 🍻

[@bjrnkarehilmen8406]

Great album. I hope people will give this record a chance, because this album deserves it. Amzing stuff..

[@MetalHeart8787]

Yes, ive been listening to it & Like to do reviews on Albums i get to know, so my Review even though late will be up tomorrow

[@glts8146]

Album of the year for me, Lost In Sorrow may be my favorite, it sounds the most classic, straight out of Empire, and there’s something so catchy to it

[@TheSimba3062]

I fully agree!

[@jonbarto9146]

Love this album - there is not one filler (barring Rebel Yell lol) on here. Super infectious hooks and grooves. It's so good and everyone in the band sounds amazing. Thank you Queensryche for continuing to create music that makes you think and bang your head - all in one! Love it!

[@billmorgan4327]

My favorite content on SOT, no doubt, please keep reviewing new product.

[@robmlisanti]

Thanks Pete! love this album too, it's been on my repeat playlist this week!! will be on the top 20 for the year, maybe top 10 we'll see

[@treff9226]

Todd is quite simply a spectacular vocalist! Range for days, upper register, lower register....you gotta be special to follow in Tate's shoes....Todd steals the show! Really like everything I've heard on this! Thanks Pete - eloquent review!🔥🔥🔥

[@jonbarto9146]

Queensryche got a special vocalist in Todd. All due respect to Geoff, the metal legend, but Todd is part of Queensryche 2.0 and he is killing it on vocals.

[@treff9226]

@@jonbarto9146 yes sir, Jon! How many singers could replace Geoff Tate, and you would then hear NO criticisms whatsoever, just a seamless transition! I really like everything they've put out - and I'd say the same about Black Star Riders, carrying on that Thin Lizzy vibe. Rock ain't dead just yet🤘🤘🤘. Take care.

[@freedomisslavery6840]

Studio magic, he sounds pretty bad live nowadays.

[@jonbarto9146]

@@freedomisslavery6840 He has good and bad days. Check out the live video from about 4 days ago with En Force and Queen of the Ryche. He hits ALL the high notes!

[@treff9226]

@@freedomisslavery6840 have you seen them live? If Todd is erratic with his vocals, when on stage, that's really disappointing to hear! Especially as compared to studio work, but then, as you say, studio magic tricks can turn mediocre into magnificent. That's a part of music that really bothers me - when artists can't bring what they do in the studio to the stage! Been hearing a lot of negative stories about OZZY, and all the fakery going on in the studio AND on stage, concerning the quality of his voice. No more Milli Vanilli bullshit! Gotta be able to cut it on stage!

[@diannecarpenter7718]

Thank you, Pete for the new Queensryche, release review. All the damn time. Digital Noise Alliance, is worth buying!! Love it !! 🎤🎸🎵🎹🥁 Life is better with music.

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

I wrote Queensryche off a long time ago- haven't listened to them for probably over 25 years. i listened to The Verdict tonight based on this video and really dug it, thank you! In some ways I prefer his voice to Tate's- kind of more versatile with his ability to be a bit darker and more 'weighty' in the lower register, a bit more grit. Going to dig into their last few albums.

[@jonbarto9146]

Did you listen to DNA yet?

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

@@jonbarto9146 Not yet. Looking forward to it as Pete drew some comparisons with Fates Warning, of whom I'm a huge fan.

[@srobbins1973]

Smart move digging in to the new QR stuff with Todd

[@AnthonyLeeBand]

I love this album and it just might be up there with empire stats in ten years your right 🤘🤘

[@mbdowney1]

This album is killer. Loved it the first listen and it grows with each subsequent listen. Sicdeth and Tormentum are just drop dead amazing. Behind The Walls killer and Forest gets in your head and stays there. Just an incredible album from these veterans. Really looking forward to your Vanden Plas review as that live album is killer as well.

[@wallysmith9162]

Pete you sold me on it. I really want to love Queensryche and do love the old stuff. I'm going to place my order. Peace

[@joepalmer3795]

So thanks to prodding from you and a few other youtubers I respect I finally gave Tateless Ryche a shot a couple of weeks ago. I had been so burned out I just couldn't. Totally dug it. Then of course they put a new one out right after. First Queensryche album I've bought in like 15 years.

[@rolandmarckwort]

Well done!! Song writing and production is top notch!!

[@logancollins7097]

Really love this album! Tormentum and Sicdeth are favorites so far! Excited to see them Friday opening for Priest

[@davek6949]

Glad to hear this review. I don't have the album but can't wait to hear it now.

[@shaunsmith3538]

Great show Pete. I'm really digging the album. I honestly think it would've made a better follow up to Empire than Promised Land 👍

[@metallion0738]

Promised land was necessary even if DNA is better, promised land enhanced the sound of Queensryche giving it more versatility music wise, DNA fits percent right after PL it blends in well.

[@stevendavid5370]

When Pete Pardo speaks, it's like E. F. Hutton - people listen. Based upon your review, I am going to have check this album out. I have only one album of Queensryche - Empire and haven't been moved to any other. But your ranking means a lot. Lots of really positive comments posted too. You've never suggested a bad album yet that I've gotten in the past. Thanks!!

[@captainkirk70]

I'd get Rage For Order before this. My favorite. Everyone else thinks Operation Mindcrime is there finest hour too.

[@wolf1977]

For me Empire & Mindcrime are their two best & I like this one a lot, so if you like those I'd say you'll like this one too

[@batphink2655]

I haven't tuned in QR much last few years but saw "Hold On" video and was instantly hooked. To me it's like classic QR with a modern touch. Todd is at the top of his game and the songwriting SO strong on here! 'Lost In Sorrow' is haunting me what a brilliant chorus!

[@SwisstedChef2018]

Excellent album and their Rebel Yell version is pure explosion

[@stevenbruno2752]

Haven't been able to listen to it too much, but I can tell it's very good. Thanks Pete

[@dennisheflin2680]

Love this record, this will be in my top 3 and will be a contender for best of the year for me as well.

[@gwts1171]

I have this, but haven't listened to it yet. I have a road trip coming up and am saving it. I'm happy to hear it's so good! Thanks, Pete!

[@jonbarto9146]

Crank that shit

[@strangeways75]

Good stuff. Seeing them live twice next week.

[@igorkuimov4861]

Really enjoyed the album. The sound reminds me a lot of Empire era, and the quality of the output is good. Really enjoyed the songs Behind The Walls and Hold On. In my opinion it is their strongest record since Promised Land.

[@Animals_And_Nature_Lovers]

With this Album I feel like I did when I first discovered Queensryche. It’s awesome and makes went to go back and here more of Todd’s version of the band. Q2k to Dedicated to chaos we’re garbage.

[@Bevryche923]

Great review of a fantastic album. Kudos to the band and to Zeus.

[@EdwardBox]

Really strong record and their best with Todd so far. The guitars are the best sounding since Empire and Grillo does an outstanding job. Good have Stone back as well, by far the best Degarmo replacemnt.

[@metallion0738]

Great review of my favorite all time prog metal band Queensryche. Queensryche DNA is a great album, there is no bad song on it, and I cannot stop listening to it over and over again, the production is great and the songs were well thought out, this is also the best album with Todd La Torre in the band and the best album post the Promised land album as well. I rate this album out of 5 stars, 5 stars as well, is just excellent.🎸🎵🥁🤘🏻🍻

[@ln4454]

Great review my friend. Have listened once só far, about 15 days ago. It sounded good but weird, só I will listei more and more pretty soon. Some songs are dark, heavier than Queensryche musical standard. Particularly to me the 3 first songs are awesome, very dynamics "In Extremis", "Chapter" (my number one right now) and "Lost in Sorrow". The balad "Forest" is another high point on the album, clear influences from old soft rock that hit the 80's and 90's.

[@guylanglois1802]

Just finally listened to this and Todd's vocal.perfomance is great

[@sharonmorris1333]

Another great album from Queensryche. As a fan of rock ballads I love Forest. Hoping they return to England soon.

[@SpaceAce2022]

I agree with you on how good Condition Human and The Verdict are. I haven’t picked this up, but I just ordered this based on your review. 👍

[@jannerautiainen7837]

Great album! For me, all albums with Todd are right there with the classic Geoff era albums from EP to Promised Land.

[@Houlgravely]

Lost In Sorrow is my favorite Todd-era song alongside Inner Unrest from The Verdict and Hourglass from Condition Human. This post-Tate version of this band doesn't get nearly enough love from people - I hope the Judas Priest tour going on plus all the buzz around the album will open some eyes & ears.

[@djf5937]

Great review. The first 5 songs are fantastic! Can’t quit listening to them. Out of the Black and Hold On in the second part of the album are incredible! I like it better than The Verdict (although that is great too! Just more songs that are better on DNA). I’m bought in on Todd…never thought I would say that. He’s awesome! Wish the band wouldn’t have gone through their grunge period (left them for two decades after Promised Land…the music sucked after that). Finally back to their prog metal roots! Thank you!

[@metallion0738]

I agree with with you 1000% this is the best Queensryche album with Todd on vocals and also the best album from Queensryche after the Promised land album, every after the Promised land album just sucked except Tribe and that's because Chris Degarmo was involved in certain songs.

[@lazarossamaras4427]

What a great album from the band. Certainly in my top5 this year.

[@theaxis2000]

Also, as far as covers, Todd does a great cover of Prince's Purple Rain and Hearts Barracuda, both on youtube

[@mjnation7876]

I have the boxset. I probably like The Verdict more than this one but this album is pretty good. In Extremis, Sicdeth, and Tormentum are some of my favorites on the album. I saw them live last year and they were awesome. I’ll be seeing them again in December.

[@metallion0738]

The Verdict is good but no way better than DNA, I have both and track by track DNA does not have a bad track, the verdict has real good songs but with some that are ok tracks. If I had to rate them from 5 stars, the verdict is 4 stars and DNA is 5 stars. You are one of the few people that prefer the verdict over dna which is fine, both are great albums but the dna is just better.

[@icemike874]

A return to Glory 💯🔥

[@robertpottle5427]

Great review Pete. Pleased to hear you're 'digging' the new QR album 😉. And me likewise. I got it on the day of release and have been giving it a few spins. And it is indeed very good, I think it stands up very well to the other three Todd QR albums. I saw the band live in London on The Verdict Tour and that was a fantastic night, it was great to see the band performing with such high energy on tour. 9/10 for me 👍

[@Nephilim-81]

God. Another one I have to buy. :) Great artwork and packaging presentation.

[@johnmessam831]

Great review, Best album with Todd so far. Totally agree with what you say!

[@ahmadbarqawi8031]

Chris "Zeuss" Harris has been Queensryche's producer/engineer/mixer since Condition Human, he is famous for producing Iced Earth i think.

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

I know him more for working with Hatebreed.

[@ahmadbarqawi8031]

@@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812yeah I just brought up Iced Earth because I thought it'd be more familiar to fans of SoT since I've never heard Hatebreed discussed here.

[@rle440]

This album clicked with me immediately. Outstanding!

[@Starman2112ofKings]

Ya love it love it love it!!! Like last few but this is GREAT!!!! IMO 🤘🤘

[@craigkowald3055]

I enjoy the album after just one listen. It all sounds like Queensryche. Todd is awesome.

[@jodiebrown392]

Love it! This will really be appreciated by the old school long time fans. Reminds me of the Rage/Mindcrime era

[@AndDeathForAll82]

As much as I’d love to see DeGarmo with this lineup, I have to say that I think this is one of the best Queensrÿche albums ever recorded. I think only Mindcrime and Rage for Order top it.

[@dano1962]

PLEASE keep the new album reviews! Favorite part of all your many shows (except Prog Seat). We need to know all about all the great new music coming out. Thanks for all that you do to promote NEW music, besides keeping the flame for all the old stuff.

[@TheSimba3062]

I've listened to this album at least 20 times already. It is brilliant, and the band's best release since Empire. I've been a huge fan ever since the EP was released, and have seen them multiple times. With D.N.A. Queensryche have hit the ball out of the park. Todd is an amazing songwriter as well as one of the best singers in Rock. The whole band is on fire, and are as relevant as ever. This album is a classic, but needs to be listened to more than once to be fully appreciated!

[@guillermomaldonado6277]

Very, very good album; probably the best with Todd at the front 🍺🤘

[@metallion0738]

It is the best Queensryche album with Todd on vocals so far, there's no doubt about that bro. 🍻🤘🏻🎸🎵🥁

[@frankallinson836]

Well I really enjoy watching your new release videos.

[@heavykevhead]

I'll have to check this one out. I just got 3 pretty new releases at once in the mail (Megadeth, King's X, Alter Bridge). I've listened to each twice and have to say that Pawns & Kings is the one that really stands out to me. That one was very immediate and keeps getting better.

[@SwanShadow]

I'm not a huge Queensryche fan, and I haven't listened to much of their music after Empire. That said, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this album. So much, in fact, that I'm considering seeing the band live when they come to town in March (tickets go on sale tomorrow). That's something I've never said about Queensryche before.

[@Shadoestar]

I saw them Sunday night opening for Judas Priest. They were amazing!

[@alisterstrachan7384]

Great review Pete. Much better than the lazy this isn't as good as their classic era review that appeared in the UK's Classic Rock magazine. I agree, this could be the best album they've made with Todd - all of which have been very strong. BTW Zeuss has produced their last three albums starting with Condition Human.

[@amysson5151]

I’ll have to give it a listen. I’m always on the lookout for another album experience as epic as Operation:Mindcrime. There’s not a song I skip on that thing; it’s 100% solid. I place it above Pink Floyd’s Brick in the Wall album. Can you suggest any concept albums that measure up to O:M? Maybe something as good or better? Much appreciated. God bless and Rock on!

[@adamsafranek7407]

@amysson One concept album that totally blew my mind when I bought it as a blind buy in '98 is Tyranny from Shadow Gallery! Sadly these guys didn't get near as popular as they should have and when their vocalist, Mike Baker, died at 45 from a sudden massive coronary it was too much for the band to overcome. Anyhow, Tyranny has an excellent plot and guest vocal spots from James Labrie(Dream Theater) and D.C. Cooper (Royal Hunt) and two tracks with male/female shared vocals (Laura Jaeger) and Mike Baker together. Check out the songs "Hope For Us" "War For Sale" or "I Believe" just to get a taste of it. I got it in '98 and still keep it in heavy rotation to this day! I hope you check these guys out and as for the review I also agree with Digital Noise Alliance being the strongest Queensrÿche offering since Operation Mindcrime. 👍 Bless you too! 🤘

[@ericgorman9942]

I just got the album, and can't put down. They nailed it...Again!

[@MikeTyson_II]

Thanks Pete, definitely gonna have to check ✔️ this out! ✌🏼🤘🏼

[@sanderberkvens6270]

Thanks Pete, thanks to your review I checked this album (I was a Queensryche-fan in the time of Rage For Order…wayyy back in the early days..). This is an amazing album 👍🏼

[@toddhill7483]

Great review Pete. Was wondering if it was logistically possible to reassemble the crew you had for The Cult album rankings to review their new album. (Under the Midnight Sun) Gratitude.

[@StormdriverOne]

Just finished my first listen and it's already my favorite of the LaTorre era.

[@chrisreardon4353]

Ok...I totally agree with Pete but I gotta say I liked his solo disc even more...Todd latorre is now my most favorite vocalist of all time...rejoice in the suffering...check it out

[@mystormyseas]

This album is best out the 4 with Todd , it's more heavy rock its closest to 80s to empire prog era, they finally got it right on this one , no filler , Stone is great add the best fit in long while. Could do without cover .

[@KevinOrtega1980]

I loved it for sure! Todd is a great fit for the band in the vocal department, I cringed a bit when Rebel Yell was played, but I think this album is awesome and alive

[@toneman8478]

Thanks I'll give it a listen to

[@timlodge8267]

Hi Pete I have just picked up the latest Queensryche album as I was seeking out the new Slipknot record. I have seen Queensryche live when Geoff Tate was lead singer at Monsters of Rock festival in the UK back in 1991. Having played Empire quite a lot I was interested in what the band sound like now, and I will have to agree with you the art work on the album is fantastic and I have listen to the album through my speakers and on my headphones the music well produced and the instruments sound great however I found the vocals as exciting as a Jay Powel speech with no stand alone tracks, it’s the sort of vanilla horror film made for kids that you instantly forget after viewing. I have not got the same excitement as your good self, I have just played again and still finding the album very boring, I will hold onto the album in case I have trouble sleeping at night a couple of tracks if this and I will be in the land of nod.

[@TheChadTI]

Pete is a bit of a prog metal authority (being PHD level in both generes) so this is THE review for this album.

[@alexcookson9994]

It's another belter of an album from this era of Queensryche.

[@gregreed3197]

listened to this for a straight week till Alter Bridge came out. really loving this one.

[@a.s.8121]

Absolutely right, Pete, great Album !

[@iainhead9898]

Hey Pete, fully endorse everything you said on here, always been a fan of the band, even sticking by them in the, um, shall we say, difficult years, but Todd has revitalised them and all their product since his arrival has bettered pretty much everything since Promised Land imho... Weirdly, my playlist for work tonight was topped by two things, this, and the Kings Of Mercia album, set up before I knew you were reviewing either of them. Great minds.... Also playing the hell out of the Dead Daisies album, so we'll see what you think of that one next week!!! Cheers!

[@theaxis2000]

GREAT album! To me it ranks right up there with the Warning and the first Mindcrime with the Verdict just slightly behind. Todd is the breath of fresh air the band needed after the crap they putout the last 20 years with Tate at the helm

[@Robdawg1970]

Hell yes! This new album is amazing!!

[@markoliponen2099]

I agree Pete! Great album!

[@williamwalker146]

Love all these reviews! Checking 'em all out. Remember Pete, "prog-like, not proggy" hehe.

[@hevihoo]

Good review of a great album. Not an instant hit but really starts to sink in after a couple of spins. By the way Pete, I think you are familiar with Zeuss' earlier works since he already engineered, mixed, mastered and produced the two albums before this. He also mixed and mastered Todd's solo album.

[@RickNBacker]

I like it! Has a Pagan's Mind vibe, which is a big plus in my book.

[@metallion0738]

Yes, that's because Todd is an atheist, Todd said it himself.

[@patrickcornett3124]

GREAT ALBUM,GOOD REVIEW.

[@Panzersonor1967]

The stuff I have heard from this so far has been pretty impressive. Of course I miss Rockenfield-A criminally underrated drummer.

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

He totally is. What is Scott doing now?

[@Panzersonor1967]

@@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812 If memory serves I think he’s flying helicopters or something? In any case, his drumming on the warning was his Highwater mark and he was probably about 20 years old.

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

@@JIF882 oh wow I hope he is doing ok

[@WoodstockBobbyJ]

Great review! Love the album!

[@jukka-pekkanokkonen3855]

Great Album&Review!thanks!😎🤘

[@mariellegroot3469]

Love this album ❤ and the voice of Todd is so diverse 😍 Also Casey on drums was a good choice 👍

[@philipwittke8491]

Just a solid kick ass hard rock album,they brought their signature "querks" in the deliveries...Chapters should be a hit for them...I'm wearing it out🤪🤟🤟👍🔥

[@MattMcEwen]

Great review Pete! Todd has definitely brought the band up a couple notches 🤘 Any chance you will review Skid Row’s newest release “The Gang’s All Here”? Erik Gronwall is a killer vocalist

[@julio1918]

Amazing record, I really liked the guitarra sound which explodes in speakers. Casey did an amazing job, however I miss Rockenfield swing and “smart” sound. Todd, Eddie, Wilton, Casey and Stone did a very good effort!!

[@nicholasmendonca2716]

.., am a huge fan of this band: Queensrÿche (all the material that they've released between 1983 to 1994 with original front-man: Geoff Tate) those that followed unto prior to the introduction of new vocalist: Todd La Torre had a few memorable song-pieces (..but, lacked a bit of conviction in direction) with the probable exception of the follow-up to "Operation Mindcrime" . Todd La Torre was introduced and they managed to continue to achieve some success with a couple of good releases (this new album is certainly my favourite of the allotted of the band's latter years material) it embraces more of the classic 1980's 'era with the vibe being reminiscent of "The Warning" and "Rage for Order" and in the absence of guitarist: Chris DeGarmo is Mike Stone and drummer: Scott Rockenfield is Casey Grillo (ex-Kamelot) and the lone original members - bassist: Eddie Jackson and guitarist: Michael Wilton

[@matweb8195]

I went and bought it. It's fucking worth every penny.