"The Warning" is the first/debut full-length studio album by the American Prog Heavy Metal band "Queensrÿche" is was released in 1984 and produced by James Guthrie. This web-page has hi-res photos of the album covers, record label and a detailed description.
Album Description:
Queensrÿche is an American heavy metal band formed in 1982 in Bellevue, Washington. Their debut studio album, titled “The Warning”, was released in 1984, and is considered a landmark album in the band's discography. The album features a blend of progressive rock and heavy metal, and showcases the band's unique sound and style. In this web-page, we will discuss the musical and lyrical themes of the album and the impact it had on the heavy metal genre. “The Warning” is a musically complex album, incorporating elements of progressive rock, heavy metal, and classical music. The band's use of synthesizers and atmospheric soundscapes gives the album a futuristic and otherworldly feel. The album's opening track, "Warning", begins with a dramatic, atmospheric intro before launching into a high-energy, guitar-driven riff. The song features dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity, showcasing the band's technical prowess and musical versatility. The album's second track, "En Force", is a heavy, fast-paced song that features intricate guitar work and a driving rhythm section. The song's lyrics, which focus on the dangers of government control, set the stage for the album's dystopian themes. Lyrically, “The Warning” is a concept album that explores themes of government control, societal collapse, and personal freedom. The album's title track, "Warning", warns of a future where governments have total control over their citizens, and encourages listeners to fight for their freedom. "En Force" explores similar themes, with lyrics like "The strong will exploit the weak, for the cause of peace they'll justify the means". “The Warning” was a critical and commercial success, and is considered a landmark album in the heavy metal genre. The album's unique blend of progressive rock and heavy metal, coupled with its dystopian themes, influenced countless bands in the years that followed. The album's use of synthesizers and atmospheric soundscapes also set the stage for the emergence of the progressive metal genre |
Collector's info: This album includes the original t custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Queensryche and photos of the bandmembers. |
Music Genre: Melodic Heavy Metal Hard Rock Music |
Album Production: Produced by James Guthrie.Mixed by: Val Garay Recorded in London, England |
Record Label: EMI America 1C 064-24 0220 Emi America Records a division of Capitol Records Inc |
Media Format: 12" Vinyl LP Gramophone |
Year & Country: 1984 Made in Holland |
Band Members and Musicians on: Queensryche The Warning |
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Track Listing of: Queensryche The Warning |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
Photo of the five band-members of Queensryche
Black and white photo of the five band-members of Queensryche
Record Label Details: EMI America 1C 064-24 0220 1, 1984 EMI America Records, GEMA, STEMRA
Queensrÿche was a heavy metal band that emerged in the 1980s and quickly established itself as one of the most innovative and musically accomplished bands in the genre. Their unique blend of progressive rock, heavy metal, and hard rock earned them a dedicated following, and their albums have become classics of the era.
Formation and Early Years
Queensrÿche was formed in 1980 in Bellevue, Washington, by guitarist Michael Wilton, drummer Scott Rockenfield, and guitarist Chris DeGarmo. They were soon joined by bassist Eddie Jackson and vocalist Geoff Tate, who would become the band's defining frontman.
The band's early years were marked by a series of lineup changes, but they steadily built a following in the Pacific Northwest club scene. They released their debut EP, "Queensrÿche," in 1983, which caught the attention of major labels. They signed with EMI Records and released their first full-length album, "The Warning," in 1984.
Musical Style
Queensrÿche's musical style was characterized by complex song structures, intricate guitar work, and sophisticated lyrics. Their sound combined elements of progressive rock, heavy metal, and hard rock, and they were known for their use of unconventional time signatures and complex arrangements.
Their early albums, including "The Warning" and "Rage for Order," were heavily influenced by the progressive rock bands of the 1970s, such as Pink Floyd and Rush. However, they also incorporated elements of contemporary heavy metal and hard rock, which gave their music a unique edge.
Concept Albums
One of the defining features of Queensrÿche's music during the 1980s was their use of concept albums. Their third album, "Operation: Mindcrime," released in 1988, is widely considered to be one of the greatest concept albums of all time. The album tells the story of a young man named Nikki who is brainwashed by a political organization to become an assassin.
The album's intricate storyline and complex arrangements earned critical acclaim, and it helped to establish Queensrÿche as one of the most innovative and ambitious bands in the genre. They followed up with another concept album, "Empire," in 1990, which dealt with themes of power, corruption, and morality.
Commercial Success
Queensrÿche's innovative approach to music and their willingness to experiment with new sounds and concepts earned them a dedicated following, and they enjoyed considerable commercial success during the 1980s. "Operation: Mindcrime" and "Empire" both reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, and their music videos were frequently played on MTV.
Legacy
Queensrÿche's legacy during the 1980s is that of a band that pushed the boundaries of heavy metal and helped to redefine the genre. Their unique blend of progressive rock, heavy metal, and hard rock paved the way for other bands to experiment with new sounds and concepts, and their influence can be heard in the music of countless bands that followed.
Although the band has undergone numerous lineup changes since the 1980s and their sound has evolved, their early albums remain classics of the era and continue to inspire new generations of musicians. With their musical innovation and uncompromising approach to their art, Queensrÿche stands as one of the most important heavy metal bands of the 1980s.