THE WARNING

"The Warning" is the debut full-length studio by US power/heavy metal act Queensrÿche. The album was released through EMI Records in September 1984. Queensrÿche was formed in 1981 as The Mob, but changed their name to Queensrÿche in 1983, which is also the monicker which was used when releasing the "Queensrÿche" EP in 1983 (the band´s first label release).

Stylistically the music on the album is US power metal/heavy metal with a slight progressive edge, which is more or less a continuation of the sound introduced on the "Queensrÿche (1983)" EP. At this point in time the term "Progressive Metal" had not yet been coined, so while Queensrÿche are often labelled a progressive metal act it´s actually only half the truth. The music style on "The Warning" is closer to the music of Iron Maiden than it is to the music of Dream Theater and their ilk.

Queensrÿche are an exceptionally well playing act and with a distinct sounding and incredibly skilled vocalist like Geoff Tate in front you have a winning formula. The reverb laded sound production may sound a bit dated today, but back then this was pretty surely perceived as a really well produced album. The material on the 9 track, 48:38 minutes long album is also both powerful and well written and already this early on, Queensrÿche had quite a unique sound.

So the tracks are generally quality material ranging from powerful heavy/power metal tracks to more epic material like the 9:40 minutes long album closer "Roads to Madness". In terms of progressive structures and playing, that particular track, is the track on the album which best represents that part of Queensrÿche´s sound. It´s not representative for the overall style of the album though. In addition to "Roads to Madness" other highlights include "Take Hold Of The Flame", and "En Force", but as mentioned above all material on the album is of a high quality.

Upon conclusion "The Warning" is a high quality release and a great start to Queensrÿche career. The songwriting is still a bit immature and not all tracks stand out equally much although all tracks are of a good quality, but the high level musicianship and the relatively well sounding production pull in a positive direction. A 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is warranted.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)