Operation: Mindcrime” is often considered Queensryche’s
magnum opus, in fact it is often considered one of metal’s grandest albums.
Debate aside, prior to this legendary concept album, they already had two solid
releases under their belt. Their debut “The Warning” was releases in 1984 and
although this would be the beginning of a long and controversial career for Geoff
Tate and company, the earliest years were filled with some wonderful music.
The music on “The Warning” is a blend of classic heavy metal
with elements of progressive rock and a hint of power metal. Many will point to
some obvious Iron Maiden comparisons due to the band’s twin guitar harmonies
that they employ, but this is neither a clone nor an album playing worship
music. The songwriting on “The Warning” are at times complex, creating song structures
that are both sporadic at times, but are so mainly due to the variety of genres
the songs are rooted in.
On “The Warning” we get to hear the early workings of the band’s
magic. Tate’s vocals are always ranked among the greatest in the business and
they show consistently throughout the album. His voice carries a certain pitch
that, although may share similarities with the likes of Rob Halford, they are unmistakably
unique. His highs are brilliantly clean and on point, while his mid-ranged tone
carry a catchy bounce to their tone that give them a trademarked sound that
Tate would build his career upon. Michael Wilton and Chris DeGarmo create a
dazzling display of lead riffs, catchy rhythms and well executed solos that
make it easy to see why they are often compared to Maiden. Not so much because they
sound alike, but more, the sheer awesomeness they create while playing such well-timed
harmonies. The bass plods along in the background with the twin guitars adding
an additional piece to the rhythm section, while the drums provide a poppy
sound, playing right along with the guitars and adding some unique fills along
the way. The only real downside to the drums would be the lack of power in the
form of a bass drum. With a good pair of headphones, you can detect its presence,
but otherwise is absence is noticeable. To be honest though, I feel the bass
drum would have enhanced the overall sound of the album, but the lack of the
bass doesn’t’ necessarily take anything away either.
As for the album itself, the opener “Warning” starts off
with a mid-pace tempo that showcases Geoff Tate’s legendary wails. The leads play
with a progressive sound, slowly building into a Maiden-esque rhythm section, before
shouts of ‘Warning’ echo into the
distance. We then switch to a straight up, NWOBHM sounding guitar tandem on the
next track “En Force”. The following track, “Deliverance” changes structure
once again and plays with a much more up tempo, speed metal sounding power that
features catchy leads and a memorable chorus, thanks to Tate’s singing and
Wilton and DeGarmo’s harmonious guitar work. Just when you think you might have
gotten a handle of the structure of this album as a whole, “No Sanctuary”
arrives and the changes the pace of the album, yet again. The song opens with
an acoustic guitar and slowly, but progressive builds into a soaring chorus
that features Tate’s ability to capture both the mood of the song and of
course, of the listener as well. The song carries a very progressive rock tone
ala Pink Floyd to its overall sound and delivery. The remaining songs follow a
similar pattern of complexity and switching from progressive rock, to speed
metal and back again to a NWOBHM Maiden sounding style.
Now, with such a complex stable of songs on hand, the only
downside is the actual flow of the album itself. I don’t know if this was how
the band intended “The Warning” to sound, but with the interchanging of various
genre influences at hand, the album plays more like a collection of songs with
not much direction. Personally, this doesn’t take much away from its
enjoyabiltiy, as there are a number of handpicked songs that can easily be
played and enjoyed on their own, but there is something to be said when and
album plays straight through and maintains a consistent ebb and flow of music
and emotion.
“The Warning” may not live up to their 1988 masterpiece, but
it is a solid debut with plenty of catchy and memorable moments that will leave
and 80’s metal and US power metal fan more than satisfied.
Rating: 4
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