CONDITION HÜMAN

"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.