QUEENSRYCHE - Condition Human Tour Snoqualmie, WA 3/19/16
Queensryche
Snoqualmie Ballroom
Snoqualmie, WA
March 19, 2016
I saw Queensryche at the same venue in 2012 before the self-titled album
was released. I, like many fans, came
back to the band once Todd joined. The
early years of the band are untouchable.
No fan would dispute that. The
latter years of the band are debatable.
I can only speak for myself in that I lost interest with each subsequent
release throughout the 2000's. The band
I once loved had transitioned into something I didn't even really recognize as Queensryche.
With the addition of Todd, the band found a new life and
acknowledged their roots while staying relevant in today's music scene. The band sounds reborn.
The show was sold out - a homecoming show for the band (even
though Todd still resides in Florida).
No opening act.
Launching into "Guardian" off the new album, the
band has really come together on stage.
All the shows they've been playing over the last four years have created
a tight, cohesive unit. Playing a new
set list of tunes, they played a great mix of old and new. From "The Mission" and
"Screaming In Digital" to new classics like "Bulletproof"
and "Eye 9", the band played like a well-oiled machine.
Whip has become the lead guitarist in the band. This has been the case since DeGarmo's departure. Back then, it may have been out of necessity
or even convenience, but today that shouldn't be the case. Parker can play! I'd love to see more of a balance where he
plays more of DeGarmo's old parts instead of Whip playing them. For example - the solo in "Queen Of The
Reich" - Parker could nail that.
Ditto the intro to "Take Hold Of The Flame" - let Parker play
that as DeGarmo originally did it. Yes,
I'm nitpicking. I understand when the
previous guitarists may not have been up to snuff or what have you. Again, that's not the case now. The band used to be five strong. They are five strong now with guitar parts
not evenly distributed. I'd love to see
that go back to more of a 50/50 split in the future between Whip and
Parker. Just my opinion.
Eddie and Scott - what can you say? They are one of the most underrated rhythm
sections in all of music. Musician's
musicians, you know? Great stuff!
I left the venue feeling very satisfied. The band has a short break to rehearse more
new tunes before they head back out on the road in the second half of April and
beyond.
The band's future is bright.
I can proudly say I'm a Queensryche fan once again!
Cheers!
Mark
Thanks to: David at
Concrete for the opportunity and to Fozzy for being a professional about the
guest list and band video interview details!
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