CONDITION HÜMAN

Best album since "Promised Land" I've been a QR fan since the very beginning and this is one of my faves, all the songs are catchy and infectious Right from the Opener "Arrow of Time" to the progressive closer "Condition Human" this album has every element of a Classic QR album. Superb chrouses , excellent guitar work by Michael Wilton ( aka Whip) and Parker Lundren. superb bass and singing by Eddie "Bass" Jackson , Scott Rockenfield's drumming is always a highlight for me one of the best drummers in the business. and of course Todd LaTorre, not only is Todd a Humble guy but an awesome musician in every aspect. I must say if you really listen to this album he makes it his own , there is no "Clone" here just pure kick ass vocals and great lyrics!

The last album was very good, but this one takes it up a notch, and the production is superb! ( I know many people complained about the last one being over compressed) Zeuss (Chris 'Zeuss' Harris) out did himself on this getting the best for the band!

I don't feel there is one filler on this album, even the ballad "Just Us" is incredible.

My top 5 faves though are: 1) The Aftermath /Condition Human 2) Hellfire 3) eye9 4) Bulletproof 5) All There Was

This is a "Must have" for all classic Queensryche fans! and even for those who love great Melodic Metal/Rock with Progressive elements thrown in. I hear they are already writing songs for the next album! Hoping they continue for yrs to come! \m/ Long Live Queensryche!

"Condition Hüman" is the 14th full-length studio album by US prog/power metal act Queensrÿche. The album was released through Century Media Records in October 2015. It´s the second release with lead vocalist Todd La Torre after Geoff Tate was fired from the band. "Queensrÿche (2013)" was generally well received by fans and reviewers alike, but sophomore releases are sometimes hard (and "Condition Hüman" can in some respects be considered just that).

Fortunately that´s not the case with "Condition Hüman", which is as well balanced, well written, and well performed as it´s predecessor. Stylistically the listener is also treated to music that is similar in sound, so if you enjoyed "Queensrÿche (2013)", there is a good possibility that you´ll find listening pleasure in "Condition Hüman" too. The music is melodic US power metal with occasional progressive leanings. Todd La Torre has a strong voice and a commanding delivery and the band are very well playing.

The tracks are predominantly vers/chorus structured and pretty easily accessible, but not simple by any means. The material on the 12 track, 53:21 minutes long album is generally cleverly composed, detailed, and intriguing. Queensrÿche can both pack a relatively hard punch, but also deliver lighter and more melodic playing, and they often strike a good balance between their playing styles. It´s definitely one of their strengths that they can use stylistic elements from a fair amount of musical styles, and combine them into a sound that is unmistakably the sound of Queensrÿche.

"Condition Hüman" is very well produced. The sound production is professional, clear, and powerful sounding. A perfect match for the music. Upon conclusion "Condition Hüman" is another strong release by the band, and it´s obvious that La Torre has reignited Queensrÿche´s spark. They sound inspired again and maybe most importantly they play metal again, and not dull semi-heavy hard rock like they´ve done on way too many of their post-"Promised Land (1994)" releases. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.

Rush have already shown us that great bands can re-ignite in their maturity, and it is fantastic to see the same happen to Queensrÿche. The paucity of PA ratings for 'Condition Hüman' suggests that many site members have given up on this band. Let me just say that, for those who appreciated the first five QR albums, 'Condition Hüman' is almost beyond criticism. Powerful, driving, yet interesting and sophisticated, this is breathtaking stuff. Core members from the original line-up have of course departed, so the endurance of the trademark QR sound is interesting. The drummer Scott Rockenfield is surely integral and I find myself listening ever more closely to his contribution. Production is lucid and very high quality. The title track is 7:46 and would not have sounded out of place on 'Promised Land', QR have not forgotten about progressive rock.

Verdict: Absolutely essential for any Prog Metal fan.