Ahh good old
Queensrÿche...
Rage for order was released back in 1986 and of all their albums this one is my favorite along with Operation Mindcrime. Which one I prefer all depends on my mood. This is their most experimental work to date and it will take some time to get used to the songs and the somewhat convoluted production, which in turn helps give the album its enchanting feel.
A very captivating atmosphere pervades the entire album. From the opening rocker
Walk in the shadows to the beautiful
I will remember a red line runs through the album that gives it a great flow and connects the songs.
Rage for order is very unique and I have found nothing that compares to it. The music is a mix of Rock and Metal with many keyboard elements, brilliant melodies, vocal harmonies and a great drive in all the songs. Geoff Tate's voice has a very intense edge, almost menacing in some songs (
Gonna get close to you comes to mind), and you're never quite sure what to expect next. There is this kind of excitement in every song and when listening closely there are tons of little details to discover.
Every song ranges from excellent to genius and best of all, each song is unique in its own way.
I find it very hard describing each song in detail with this album, so I'll just draw forward a few of my personal highligts.
- The chilling start to The killing words and the way the song builds with the touching lyrics is really fantastic. Especially the way the screaming guitar complements the lyrics
- The fast and furious Surgical Strike, with a brilliant chorus sung in a way that is pure Geoff Tate.
- Neue regel. This is such a weird, yet wonderful song and the way that vocal effects are used is very powerful. The harmonies in the chorus of this song are excellent.
- The beautiful lyrics to London
- The way Geoff Tate sings I will remember gets me every time. The line "And we wonder how machines, can steal each others dreams" is my favorite line of the entire album.
- I dream in infrared has a fantastic atmosphere and the way Geoff sings the emotional lyrics reaches for the heart.
- The album's only cover song, Gonna get close to you brilliantly captures an intense atmosphere and keeps it for an entire song.
The lyrics are as always with
Queensrÿche of very high quality. Some songs are very thought provoking and every song has a strong message. Ranging from society and technology critical, to songs about inner feelings and love, a lot of different aspects are touched upon.
To say that Geoff Tate sings good would be the understatement of the year. His voice is completely amazing and must have been an inspiration for many of todays singers. He commands a huge range that goes from a normal voice with a deep ring, to an incredibly high pitched wail. No matter where his voice is in the scale of sound it always has his trademark emotional edge.
The other instruments work perfectly together. The album is filled with emotional guitar solos and outstanding drum work. Only the bass is very far back in the mix.
All
Queensrÿche releases have been unique in their own way, but
Rage for Order is in my opinion the "most unique" album they have ever done. It is the one which intrigues me the most, due to it's captivating atmosphere and the feeling that even after 17 years something is still hidden in these classic tracks.
Now, I have to go out and get the newly released remastered edition of this one. I have heard that the sound has been much improved and I'm looking forward to getting to know this old friend in a new body...
Written by
Steen Tuesday, August 5, 2003
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