UAWIL #246: Queensryche - Empire

The Ugly American Werewolf in London Rock Podcast · Aug 7, 2025 · 1h 15m

Queensryche were always different from their hard rock & hair metal brethren in the 80s & 90s. Based out of Seattle, Geoff Tate (vocals), Chris DeGarmo (lead guitar), Michael Wilton (lead & rhythm guitar), Eddie Jackson (bass) and Scott Rockenfield (drums) created a more prog rock sound akin to that of Rush or Dream Theater. Tate's soaring vocals against the brilliant guitar work and fiesty rhythm section gave them a sound all their own in a sea of hair, power chords and the occasional power ballad. After coming off 1988's concept album Operation: Mindcrime, the band were confident and ready…