Queensryche Opens the “50 Heavy Metal Years” Tour

Philadelphia, PA – Queensryche opened for Judas Priest at the Met Theater in Philadelphia, PA on March 29^th, 2022.

Having seen Queensryche back in the summer of 1991 in Philadelphia and then again in 1997, as well as covered Geoff Tate and his solo act twice before Covid, I was excited to see and hear the two original band members, guitarist Michael Wilton and bassist Eddie Jackson with the lead singer since 2012, Todd La Torre (of Crimson Glory), guitarist Mike Stone (QR 2003-2008, 2021-present) and internationally acclaimed drummer Casey Grillo replacing Scott Rockenfeld in 2017.

Queensryche has recently released their third LP “The Verdict” with singer Todd La Torre;  the band is on fire, heavy with guttural vocals and at the top of their game.

Opening with “Queen Of The Reich”  released in 1982, LA Torre’s soaring vocals left no doubt the frontman came to play. We walked back to 1984 with “Warning” followed by a newer release in 2014 – “En Force” – a lyrically darker song. “NM 156” from the Warning album also snuck into the set followed by their top single and largest selling album of the same name, Empire, and they crushed it.

This revved the crowd up and what better time to unleash “Walk In The Shadows” from the Rage for Order album circa 1986. “The Whisper” was followed by “Operation Mindcrime” which, to this day, I still have the cassette. It was the concept metal album that I was addicted to in the early 90s.

Todd doesn’t shy away from or cut short any notes, his range and endurance are incredible as he hits every high from the older QR songs with boundless breath and energy, to sing with that intensity for an hour-long set is remarkable. Michael Wilton and Mr. Stone work that dueling guitar combo like black magic exchanging licks back and forth, connected and in tune.

“Take Hold Of The Flame” is always a benchmark song for me. Can the singer go from low in the first intro and climb that ladder smoothly, stretch that high, and hold it without busting a hernia? La Torre nailed it as Grillo’s drums came crashing in! That is one hard heavy song with Wilton handling the lead with perfection.

Queensryche has always had a unique heavy, tight, and at times melodic sound to them along with a unique voice that brings it all together. Lineup changes aside, this band was on  fire tonight.

Queensryche is currently touring with Judas Priest. Check out that review from our South Carolina correspondent HERE. 

SETLIST

1. Queen of the Reich
2. Warning
3. En Force
4. NM 156
5. Empire
6. Walk in the Shadows
7. The Whisper
8. Operation: Mindcrime
9. The Needle Lies
10. Take Hold of the Flame
11. Screaming in Digital
12. Eyes Of A Stranger

Show Date: March 29^th, 2022