A monumental achievement that opened a new chapter in progressive metal
The intelligent heaviness established by Queensryche.
Geoff Tate's outstanding vocal range and Chris DeGarmo's melodic guitar work masterfully control the complex song structures. "Empire" perfectly blends socially critical lyrics with a heavy sound, and the album has a narrative structure that runs throughout. As a pioneering work that blurred the line between progressive rock and heavy metal, this monumental album had an immeasurable influence on subsequent bands.
