Trust in Todd LaTorre.
Queensryche were a band in crisis when he joined in 2012, like a fundamentally good sports team that had missed the playoffs for a few seasons. Now, after a few solid years of rebuilding and getting stronger, Queensryche are back in championship form. Their return to their best game has been a blessing for their legacy - - and for all of 21st Century Heavy Metal.
Their 16th album, “Digital Noise Alliance,“ may be the heaviest release in their catalogue. This is not a kinder, gentler Queensryche. But the faithful have no cause for worry; the new songs remain true to the band’s core sound.

Modern Queesnryche knows exactly what made them great in the 1980s, but also what it takes to elevate their sound for the 2020s. Sonically, “Digital Noise Alliance” seems like a callback to their first six releases, from the debut EP through “Promised Land.” Every song is a showcase for LaTorre; he’s one of the best singers in the biz, with an ageless, stentorian voice conveying power, intelligence, and wit. The songwriting on this album is bold, smart, energetic, defiant, and edgy. I’m happy to also announce that Floydian touches are back, if slight, and that they are welcome. “Between the Walls,” “In Extremis,” “Forest,” and “Sicdeth” are all new classics. I miss the geeky stuff, the Sci-Fi, the conceptual storytelling from the lyrics of their earliest era - - but I still like this Queensryche very much.
To be clear, LaTorre deserves a portion of the credit for Queensryche’s return to excellence, but it was truly a team effort. At this point in his career, Michael Wilton has destroyed the old saw that Chris DeGarmo was the only great guitarist-songwriter in the band. And with his unmistakable bass tone and style, Eddie Jackson has also pedal-pointed his way to distinction, proving himself as one of the crucial spokes in the Queensryche wheel.
If you have any taste for Traditional/Progressive Heavy Metal, then “DNA” (ha! I just got it!) is a must-listen. It’s worthy of this band’s great history.