The Verdict: Decent but with unused potential - A review of Queensrÿche's The Verdict

The Verdict is certainly Queensrÿche's best album with new singer Todd La Torre to date. This is mostly due to the album's prominent progressive vibes. The melodic, imaginative and technical guitar play by Michael Wilton and Parker Lundgren in particular is very warm, rich and creative. The album also features two session keyboard players who enhance the cinematic, conceptual and narrative parts of several songs. Speaking of narrative parts, two tracks include such passages which further add intellectual vibes to the record. Highlights include the angry up-tempo rocker ''Propaganda Fashion'', dreamy and melancholic power ballad ''Dark Reverie'', complex and progressive grower ''Bent'' as well as psychedelic and smooth closer ''Portrait''.

However, the record isn't without its occasional flaws. Todd La Torre's vocals still sound much too similar to Geoff Tate's efforts and a more unique, personal and charismatic approach would finally distinguish the new line-up from its past. The rhythm section is decent but rarely shines on this album. The bass guitar isn't audible, dominant and influential enough and the drums sound surprisingly unremarkable, uninspired and tame in several songs. The songwriting also has its issues. The Verdict is overall a mellow progressive rock album which is fine but it's certainly missing the grit of its predcessor for instance and especially of the band's early years. The fans who appreciate the band's heavier sounds might be in for a disappointment here. Furthermore, a truly catchy or memorable song is certainly missing here. The record works cohesively as a whole and has the potential to grow over time but certainly doesn't include any future classics or single candidates.

At the end of the day, the excellent execution of The Verdict's strengths prevents it from being only an average release which makes for Queensrÿche's greatest album in a long time. However, the band doesn't unfold its entire potential yet due to exchangeable vocals, tame rhythm section and at times unremarkable songwriting. The group needs a solid dose of energy in order to take the next evolutionary step. I firmly believe that Queensrÿche still has the potential to release an excellent progressive metal album that could stand the test of time but they aren't quite there yet. The Verdict is however as step in the right direction and should especially please progressive rock aficionados.

Final rating: 75%