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         Volume 162 - 24Oct94     |                ***
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Editor's Note

   Hi, everyone! Sorry this is a few hours later than usual, the new
   release resulted in a lot of material coming in for this issue. As you
   might notice, the layout is a little different in this issue than it
   has been. This is because I did the original layout in the HTML
   hypertext language, and then transferred it to plain text. If you
   don't know what HTML is, don't worry about it. If you do, the URL is
   http://130.219.44.141/queensryche/sid-v162.html
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Contents

   New Album Review - Gus
   Promised Land Review - Neil
   Media Coverage - Greg
   Media Coverage - Dave
   I Am I and Promised Land - Mike
   Impressions of Promised Land - Steve
   Newspaper Article - Dave
   Media Coverage of Premiere - Angelique
   Promised Land - Windigo
   New Album - Christina
   First Impressions
   Queensryche on Rockline - Mike
   Promised Land - Chris
   Free Stuff - Jim
   Promised Land - Steve
   Promised Land Comments - Vincent
   New Album - Matt
   Album Length - Jim
   Video - Jason
   Kirking It? - Michael
   Promised Land Ponderings - Scott
   Queensryche Down Under? - Taj
   Promised Land Comparisons - Todd
   Promised Land - Kevin
   Promised Land - Jon
   Promised Land - Andrew
   Geoff Smoking - Kevin
   King's X - Eric
   Floyd Comparison - Jim
   Singles? - Terry
   CD-ROM Info? - Keith
   Cool Stuff - Dave
   Scan Totem Postcards? - Seoman
   Styles - William
   Styles - Windigo
   Lady Jane - Doug
   Lady Jane - Anne-Marie
   Voice in Lady Jane - Doug
   Voice in Lady Jane - Timothy
   MTV Tape Wanted - Michiko
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
News & Reviews

   New Album Review - Gus
   
   Hello from Greece! I bought the new album on vinyl, and I think it's
   fabulous. it's a limited edition white vinyl but there are no lyrics
   included, which is kind of disappointing. It's not really as hard as
   has been mentioned, but it isn't Empire. While listening to the album,
   I have to admit I experienced a feeling of deja vu on some songs,
   particularly Bridge. If I had to pick my favorite song, it would
   probably be Promised Land for its haunting rhythm.
   
   In October's issue of the Greek edition of Metal Hammer magazine,
   there is a interview with Chris DeGarmo who says that the album is
   like a view to the soul of how Geoff is seeing his past and simple
   spiritual images, and recording them honestly as thoughts on the tape.
   When asked about the new tour he said that the shows will be more
   theatrical and even better than those of the Building Empires tour. He
   also mentioned that there are a couple more versions of Someone Else?
   with full orchestration, so perhaps we can expect one of these as a
   B-side.
   
   About Geoff's new image, I think he shouldn't have followed the trend,
   but perhaps a reason for doing that - besides his personal preference
   - is to show that Queensryche is a band with some attitude, so they
   can catch up with the grunge bands in the rest of the Seattle scene.
   Perhaps I'm exaggerating a bit, but that's a possible interpretation.
   
   Promised Land Review - Neil
   
   This is the Queensryche I like the best, harking back to the days of
   Rage for Order. The new album contains layered vocals, samples and
   darker text - no love songs on this one. The production is clear,
   solid and room filling, especially if you turn it up a bit! Nice cover
   artwork. I'm tempted to get a second copy so I can put it up on my
   wall.
   
   The opener, 9:28 a.m., sounds like somebody reincarnated, going from a
   flatlining heartbeat to the sound of a baby crying. Then the real
   music starts. The intro to I Am I reminds me of Suite Sister Mary, but
   that's as far as that comparison goes. If I had to compare it to
   anything, it reminds me more of Screaming in Digital with its complex
   overlaid vocals. This song has been going round my head since I bought
   the album! Strange choice for a single, though, I thought. Next comes
   Damaged which is probably my favorite track at the moment - love
   that crunchy riff. This track explains the guy with the nail in his
   head on the lyric sheet, and sounds like it's about someone trying to
   face the future in spite of the damaging experiences of his past life,
   including those of religion.
   
   Out of Mind for me is quite a sensitive song about people who are
   locked away in mental institutions. It has that distinctive
   Queensryche acoustic guitar sound written all over it. That sound
   continues into the next track, Bridge, about Chris's relationship - or
   rather lack of it - with his father. Then comes the title track, which
   is also the longest on the album at over 8 minutes. This is a slow
   atmospheric track about the disillusionment of the "American Dream."
   Listening with headphones reveals some background murmurings later on
   in the track and what sounds party conversation - time to guess what
   Geoff says again!
   
   Probably my second favorite track comes next in the form of
   Disconnected. A distinctive 5/4 time drum intro from Scott leads
   into slightly funky guitar. There's no real singing on this track
   except for the "chorus." I think it has a great feel. I'm not sure if
   this song is about disillusionment or drug abuse, but the next number,
   Lady Jane, has a psychedelic influence and certainly sounds to me like
   a song about an hallucinogenic experience.
   
   The next two tracks are bit more "accessible" than the others. My
   Global Mind is about being prepared to take hold of the new
   technology that is being forced into our lives, rather than running
   away from it. Incidentally there is a credit to someone called Martha
   about making them global or something. Has she got anything to do with
   the archives? The penultimate track, One More Time sounds like
   something from Empire and will probably make a good choice for a
   single. The last track is an introspective piano ballad called Someone
   Else which is an unusual line for Queensryche to take. It gave me
   goose pimples when I first heard it.
   
   The total running time is just over 48 minutes which is a little
   shorter than most albums tend to be these days. Still, it's quality
   listening, not quantity and I think they more than delivered the goods
   this time. I wouldn't say this was a concept album, but I found a lot
   of the tracks were definitely introspective in nature, about learning
   lessons from the past in order to face the future. It will be
   interesting to see how they handle some of these tracks live. Oh, by
   the way, did anyone spot the deliberate mistake on the lyric sheet? In
   the discography section, they refer to a video going by the name of
   Building Empress, whatever that might be!
   
   Media Coverage - Greg
   
   I happened to catch Headbanger's Ball this weekend, which focused on
   Queensryche and the listening party for Promised Land. They also
   debuted the video for I am I. Hate to say it, but the video, directed
   by Mark Isham, is rather dull and kinda silly, as are most of Isham's
   videos.
   
   A local radio station played the entire album this weekend, too. I
   only caught a few songs, but loved what I heard. It's obviously much
   darker, with more emphasis on acoustic guitars and other instruments,
   and lots of layering, too.
   
   Media Coverage - Dave
   
   The MTV special was cool, except for Rachtman's usual ineptitude. In
   the 2-hour Z-Rock special this past week, Geoff said the CD-ROM is
   slated for release in February, and it's really cool, with half of it
   dedicated to the making of Promised Land, filmed by Chris's brother
   who I believe is named Mark.
   
   When asked about Nikki in Mindcrime, Geoff said that "he's been
   wanting to make a return," or something similar, basically that the
   band has been considering continuing the storyline.
   
   Chris touched upon the meaning of Lady Jane, saying that it's "kind of
   a tune of expanding the possibilities of the mind. Jane is the
   character that gets to be the recipient of a rather special day by
   herself inside with a little coaxing by someone talking into her ear
   to try and realize all of the possibilities, really, and break down
   the internal barriers that she may have built up over a lifetime.
   Yeah, yeah, that is what it's about."
   
   As far as the artwork goes, they used a totem pole because it's a time
   line in the Native American culture, and they feel that they couldn't
   have written Promised Land without writing all of the previous albums
   - it is a look back at their past. Each character on the totem
   represents a supernatural character, and the reflecting pool that it
   rises from represents tranquility and reflectiveness. Since the album
   is about self-reflection, looking inside one's self, it fit with the
   mood of the album.
   
   Also, I heard Queensryche was supposed to be on Rockline?
   

                {I checked with EMI's publicity department, and they
                aren't sure when that show will air, yet.  -sh}

   
   
   I Am I and Promised Land - Mike
   
   I finally heard I Am I on Rock 103 out of Colombus, GA, and it was
   really cool. I tried to pop in a tape to record it, but I was too
   slow. The song did remind me of Rage for Order. I was surprised at how
   heavy the guitars are in this song, I think this is their hardest song
   since The Needle Lies.
   
   I picked up Promised Land, and wow! It is really different and it does
   remind me of Rage. I think the heaviest song is Damaged. What does
   everyone think of Disconnected? I was surprised at Queensryche's
   attempt at, dare we say, funk? I really like Someone Else, and wonder
   if Geoff will sing it on the tour.
   
   Someone told me that Scott Rockenfield uses a "clicker" for the live
   shows. I believe this is a device that helps a drummer keep time, and
   I find it hard to believe that Scott would use one. Do any drummers
   out there know what I'm talking about, and whether he uses one?
   

                {Mention has been made in the past of Scott playing not
                to a clicker, but to a click-track, which is a rapid
                clicking usually used for synchronizing audio and video
                in movies and such.  I believe that's what he did on the
                last tour, to keep the songs properly synchronized with
                the video projection screens.  -sh}

   
   
   Impressions of Promised Land - Steve
   
   I bought Promised Land, I've listened to it, and my first impression
   is "This is weird, but in a cool way." I can see some of the
   similarity to Rage that people have been commenting on, but on the
   other hand, it's also very different from Rage.
   
   One thing that strikes me first off is that a number of these tunes
   are much less flowing than in the past. I like the way they've done
   it, too, especially in Disconnected. The song's composition follows
   the theme of the tune perfectly, including the way the lyrics are
   sung, with one voice singing half the lyrics, the other voice the
   other half.
   
   I don't remember if anyone's already mentioned it or not, but My
   Global Mind seems (lyrically) to be about the Internet. I won't quote
   lyrics here, but take a read-through, and see if you agree.
   
   Also, did anyone else notice the lack of a listing of band members and
   instruments played? I was looking to see if Geoff was doing whistles
   or "no whistles" this album.
   

                {I didn't hear any whistles, but Geoff's joined me in the
                ranks of saxophonists.  -sh}

   
   
   Newspaper Article - Dave
   
   I saw an AP article on the new album this past weekend. It said that
   after the end of the Building Empires tour, Michael had a battle with
   alcoholism - this might partly explain why it took so long for the
   album to be released. The article also quoted Chris as saying that
   they are all still carrying around baggage from their childhood, and
   that the album is introspective, searching for answers to the
   unresolved problems from their childhood. It also mentioned that
   Chris's dad left when he was only 2 years old.
   
   Media Coverage of Premiere - Angelique
   
   At the premiere, the cameras - including MTV - did not cover the
   entire audience, but who they thought looked like the ideal rock
   listener. They were coached and encouraged to act out for the cameras
   - swaying, banging heads, dancing, hollering, waving to the camera,
   you name it. When the media left, it was silent, everyone was focused
   and listening. It was nothing like the media represented it. I even
   heard a camera-person thank a fan who did exactly as he was
   instructed. It was fun, but instead of capturing the mood, the media
   spoiled it.
   
   Promised Land - Windigo
   
   It seems I heard Promised Land a bit earlier than most radio
   listeners. It was premiered, not in a satellite broadcast, at midnight
   the Wednesday before it was released, on 100.5 The Fox - a station
   that deserves to be sainted on this basis alone, not to mention the
   fact they play both Queensryche's I Am I and Dream Theater's Lie in
   heavy rotation.
   
   I must say, the four-year wait has been worth it. My first impressions
   were - yes, I know it sounds so cliche now, but I'm gonna say it -
   that the album has a much darker mood to it than earlier Queensryche,
   and reminds me of Rage for Order, with a pinch of the good bits of
   Empire. The lyrical quality is incredible as always, and the music
   is some of the best I've ever heard from them.
   
   It would sound nasty to say the band had discovered its cojones again
   - especially a prog band :) - but they do seem to have their soul
   back. I see a spark in the album that was entirely missing from
   Empire, but not in other Queensryche albums. The 'Ryche is back with
   a vengeance.
   
   It is a good thing the CD came out Tuesday, 'cause the tape I recorded
   off the radio was liable to be in ribbons by then. It comes very close
   to Operation: Mindcrime as being my favorite Queensryche album at the
   moment, something I couldn't say for Empire. I doubt anything would
   ever push Operation: Mindcrime off the top, since I think it's damn
   near the best album ever crafted by mortal hands. It's good to have
   the old 'Ryche back.
   
   New Album - Christina
   
   I agree 100% with Anne-Marie, that the new album is disappointing,
   leaning more toward progressive rock than metal, although the singing
   is very nice with Geoff's large vocal range, of course. It's also only
   48 minutes, pathetic for an album made on a 4-year plan!
   
   First Impressions
   
   Some things in life you can always count on: Death, Taxes and a
   Queensryche album that knocks the fan for a loop. I'd like to see the
   looks on the faces of the folks who expected Promised Land to be
   little more than Empire II. Quite the contrary; this is the group's
   darkest album to date, with brooding, hypnotic melodies and the
   ever-present lyrical brilliance Queensryche fans have come to expect
   over the past decade.
   
   Standout tracks after the first few listens are I Am I, Disconnected,
   Bridge and my favorite thus far, Damaged. The overall sound combines
   the best from the Rage for Order and Empire albums and infuses it with
   the frankness of Operation: Mindcrime. In a word, haunting.
   
   To be honest, I don't see Queensryche gaining many new fans with this
   album, and may in fact lose some who joined the campaign after the
   Empire release. Fans from the beginning should get a kick as they
   take a ride down memory lane, however, at the same time marveling at
   the latest incarnation of the best band Seattle has to offer. It's
   been a long time coming, but at last we've reached the Promised Land.
   
   Queensryche on Rockline - Mike
   
   On the radio concert digest, Queensryche are listed as guests on an
   upcoming Rockline show.
   
   Promised Land - Chris
   
   Four years ago, I vowed that when the new album came out, I'd be the
   first person around me to get it. I sat outside of a local record
   store Monday night until around 11:20 PM when the shipment came in,
   and the owner let me in to buy it.
   
   One thing I'll say about the album is that it stays consistent with
   their previous albums in that none really sound alike. There are some
   vocal similarities here and there, but as far as songwriting goes, it
   is unique.
   
   When I first heard it, I tried to block out everything I've read so
   far to get a fresh perspective. I Am I is immediately catchy, the
   video is good also. Someone Else and Lady Jane will be radio hits if
   they promote them well. Disconnected, which I had doubts about, being
   a non-funk fan, is great, proving that Queensryche do well, whatever
   style they choose. Promised Land has grown on me, and One More Time is
   a well-arranged song.
   
   Overall, the album covers the extremes of the best sides of the band,
   from chaotic industrial rock to the powerful vocal ballads. One thing
   I noticed that was somewhat disappointing was the low amount of
   writing done by Michael Wilton. He wrote some of the band's most
   distinct heavier songs from Revolution Calling to Empire. That may
   have a lot to do with the fact that while Promised Land is certainly a
   heavy album, it really isn't metal.
   
   While this is probably their best written album ever, there is one
   possible critique. I have noticed that some of the parts sound like
   other group's song. As Anne-Marie said, Lady Jane sounds a little like
   Space Oddity by Bowie. Also, one verse in Damaged sounds like Wherever
   I May Roam by Metallica, and the vocal melody of Out of Mind is very
   much like that of The Cure's At Night, though I highly doubt this is
   intentional.
   
   Free Stuff - Jim
   
   When I purchased Promised Land, the store clerk gave me a free
   keychain with the tape. It was a one-time special on the release date,
   October 18. Basically it was a keychain with the Queensryche totem
   pole and the album name and release date. Pretty cool for all $5.99!
   The clerk also set me up for a drawing of the Queensryche limited
   edition poster, basically the artwork inside the sleeve of the album.
   Supposedly, it's a limited edition of 300 posters throughout the US.
   The drawing is supposed to take place in January of 1995. I hope to
   win!
   
   Does anyone know if a possible making of the album on CD ROM with
   documentary of the group and songs of the album is gonna be out?
   
   Promised Land - Steve
   
   I picked up Promised Land on Tuesday. I am a bit disappointed. I think
   that the guys are mellowing out in their old age :^) It's safe to say
   that Mindcrime might have been the pinnacle of their careers. That
   aside, I would say that this album is definitely better than Empire. I
   would not say that it's a "dark" album, though it is depressing on
   some of the songs. Whereas Empire seemed to have been optimistic for
   the most part, the songs on this album cover more depressing and
   distressing subjects, with no real hope for resolution. Perhaps, in
   that aspect it is indeed a "dark" album.
   
   The album has been growing on me over the past few days. Two songs
   that I like quite a bit are Damaged - correctly called the hardest
   song on the album - and Promised Land. As much as I like I Am I,
   eMTpyV will more than likely kill the song with overexposure. At least
   it won't get killed on the Top 40 radio stations.
   
   The more that I listen to the album, the more I begin to like it. Then
   again, as a Queensryche fan, and having waited this long for a new
   album, do I have much choice?
   
   Promised Land Comments - Vincent
   
   I disagree almost totally with the comments that the new release
   sounds like Rage. I see little, if any, similarity between Rage and
   Promised Land. While several songs are definitely mainstream
   Queensryche, several others come to mind, such as Someone Else?, that
   are definite ground-breakers for the guys.
   
   At first I really didn't like Promised Land. However, the more I
   listen to it, the more I like it. I especially like the way the band
   is showing their overall versatility by mixing conventional
   instruments like the piano and sax with their usual weapons of choice.
   It projects a very unique flavor which I have not seen in the band
   before.
   
   Now for my tracks of choice. I Am I, for obvious reasons. Damaged,
   mainly for the rather unique style presented. Bridge, because I can
   somewhat relate to the story being told, as my father and I have never
   been very close, One More Time, and Someone Else, for its ground
   breaking approach. Over all I like Promised Land very much. With
   respect to the comment that was made regarding Lady Jane and its
   suggestion of children and sex or drugs, I don't think that is what
   the guys had in mind at all. It very well could be that Jane is
   reflecting on her childhood, thinking of a happier time in her life as
   she tries to cope with her life as it is now.
   
   New Album - Matt
   
   I got the new Queensryche 5 minutes after it was officially for sale
   and eagerly ran home and listened to it. I was very, very impressed.
   After reading some of the opinions that suggested disappointment, I
   thought I'd better add my two cents worth.
   
   The entire album is very excellent, and the song Out of Mind is
   perhaps the best song I have heard in, well, a very long time. When I
   first heard it, it made me so emotional I almost shed tears. Perhaps I
   was just in an emotional mood, but that song definitely has power.
   Very, very impressive. And of course, the rest of the album rules.
   
   It does take a few listens, though. When I first heard Disconnected I
   was somewhat disappointed, same with I Am I. But now after listening
   for five times or so, I just love all the songs on there. It's awesome
   to hear Geoff's voice once again singing new material.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Comments & Questions

   Album Length - Jim
   
   I think maybe the new album is only 48 minutes long so that they can
   play the whole album live with a multimedia backdrop. This would be an
   awesome show, and would leave time to play other songs as well,
   yielding a theatrical and aural onslaught.
   
   Video - Jason
   
   I finally saw the I Am I video. Since I missed Headbanger's Ball last
   week, this was my first glimpse at Geoff's new look. It's not as bad
   as people were saying. I think the goatee suits him, but that's me.
   
   The video itself was really bad in my opinion. Considering Wayne
   Isham's work in the past - for many bands, including Queensryche -
   this one really was not up to his standards. The only video I could
   compare it to would be the first version of Another Rainy Night, but
   with less cheesy effects. You know, it could be possible that they're
   trying to avoid prime-time MTV airplay - which is currently
   succeeding. :) Promised Land is an amazing album, but I'll save my
   review for another time!
   
   Kirking It? - Michael
   
   Is it just me, or does Geoff sound like he's doing a really bad
   William Shatner impression on Disconnected? It's one of the first
   things that struck me when I first heard the song. I know the guys are
   trying to branch out on Promised Land, but don't you think maybe this
   is going a little too far? Just a thought.
   

                {Or maybe James Kirk was on drugs?  -sh}

   
   
   Promised Land Ponderings - Scott
   
   I noticed a few things right away about Promised Land. First, the
   publishing company was changed from "Tri-Ryche" to "Melodisc." When
   and why did this happen? Also, Scott Rockenfield sure contributed a
   lot more to this one than to Empire. And why are there no pictures of
   the band and no instrument credits?
   
   Queensryche Down Under - Taj
   
   Argh! How are we supposed to get Promised Land in Australia? I'm
   dying, and I've got no Queensryche to keep me company. Also, can I
   find Queensryche merchandise here without having to pay the monumental
   shipping and handling charges that I would have to pay to get it from
   the US?
   

                {I spoke to EMI about this, and they said they do expect
                it to be released down under, but the person wasn't in
                who would know when it would be released.  -sh}

   
   
   Promised Land Comparisons - Todd
   
   How can you say the new album sounds like Rage? I've listened to it
   several times now and by no way is it like anything they've done
   before. There are little tidbits that do sound somewhat like Rage, but
   it definitely is an album of its own. Damaged is absolutely
   incredible, and Geoff has outdone himself as usual. You should try
   focusing on the music on the new album, instead of constantly
   comparing it to old albums - and that's what they are, old albums
   (which are excellent of course).
   
   Saga's Security of Illusion is a lot like Promised Land. The guitar
   work is a little more intricate, but the attitude and vocal harmonies
   are similar. Promised Land might be a little darker, though. I wonder
   if the guys have been listening to Saga?
   
   Promised Land - Kevin
   
   Promised Land, to me, seems to have Mindcrime lyrics with Rage for
   Order music. The lyrics are dark, and the music contains lots of
   sampling. Disconnected and Bridge are my favorites so far.
   
   Promised Land - Jon
   
   I got Promised Land and I am utterly impressed! The guy at the record
   store said he was disappointed about it not being heavy, but in my
   mind's, it doesn't need to be. Queensryche has mastered a wonderful
   album here, one that is perfect for sitting in your lazy-boy and
   listening to, loudly, on repeat, for hours. It's candy for the ears!
   It flows wonderfully, both out of the speakers, and through you, and I
   think that the guys have done an absolutely wonderful job!
   
   Promised Land - Andrew
   
   I got Promised Land and haven't stopped listening to it! Although it's
   not Empire, I feel I Am I, Damaged, and Lady Jane are a cut above the
   rest of the album. I also believe Disconnected is one of Queensryche's
   worst. The rest are about average for them.
   
   I think the idea that Lady Jane is about child molestation is absurd.
   I believe it tells of a young girl who is not accepted like the other
   children, and the reality that kids must face and realize the world
   isn't the candy-coated picture their parents paint it to be, it's
   really a "scary ride," and Janie's eyes are wide today because she is
   is shock from reality. I'm interested in hearing other opinions, and I
   think this song will be the blockbuster on the album.
   
   Geoff Smoking - Kevin
   
   One of my friends told me that Geoff was smoking when Queensryche was
   on Headbanger's Ball. I was under the assumption that he had quit.
   

                {I thought he had quit too.  If he hasn't, I hope he does
                for the tour, as last time around his voice sounded
                pretty tired after several months.  -sh}

   
   
   King's X - Eric
   
   I have been reading the digest for some time and a great number of
   other bands have come up for discussion. Dream Theater seems to be the
   favorite. In the media, though, I constantly read that along with
   Queensryche and Dream Theater, King's X is guilty of pushing the
   creative envelope. They don't have the sound, but they do have the
   complexity and skill. There are also two lesser - but still good -
   King's X protoges, the Galactic Cowboys and Atomic Opera. If you want
   to talk about any of these bands, drop me e-mail.
   

                {There was a King's X digest for some time, but I haven't
                heard anything from it for quite a while now.  It's a
                shame, as it had very good connections to the band and
                their management.  -sh}

   
   
   Floyd Comparison - Jim
   
   I think the Lady Jane starts out sounding a lot like one of Pink
   Floyd's songs, and Someone Else ends with a spoken word, similar to
   Goodbye on Pink Floyd's The Wall.
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Info & Resources

   Singles? - Terry
   
   Does anyone know for sure if they'll be putting new tracks on the
   singles? Or will it just be mostly live version and poorly
   edited/hacked versions? And if they do put new tracks on them, how
   hard will they be to get in Canada?
   
   CD-ROM Info? - Keith
   
   Has there been any more news on the Queensryche CD-ROM? With the album
   out this week - the same day the new mall opened here! - and the new
   Dream Theater CD out on the 4th of the month, money for music is kinda
   tight.
   
   Also, everyone watch for the CD Sunshine Reign from The Schmill. The
   guitarist is heavily influenced by Chris Degarmo, and it shows. They
   sound incredible, with a definite Queensryche-influenced sound.
   
   Cool Stuff - Dave
   
   I picked up the US vinyl of Promised Land at a record show. There is
   one bit of promo material I'm desperately in search of for the new
   album. It's a giant CD mockup, probably 4'x4'x4". If you happen to
   come across one of these or any info on where i might get one, please
   let me know.
   
   Scan Totem Postcards - Seoman
   
   To those lucky enough to have gotten postcards from EMI, could you see
   your way clear to scan the art and post it for the rest of us? I know
   my screen would appreciate it immensely. :-)
   

                {The /pub/incoming directory on Arginine would also
                appreciate any scans of images from the new album.  -sh}

   
   
   
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Discussion

   Styles - William
   
   I agree that Dream Theater and Queensryche's albums are varied. Awake
   is much heavier, but just as technical and complex. It seems Geoff
   Tate and James LaBrie have practiced together, and take voice lessons
   - from the same teacher if I remember correctly. I'd say Dream Theater
   has surpassed Queensryche in some ways, although I'd be shot for
   saying that here! And they know how to fill up a CD.
   
   Styles - Windigo
   
   I agree that Queensryche and Dream Theater's musical styles are
   somewhat similar - and you can even throw in Fates Warning on this -
   but the reason I feel most people compare Dream Theater to Queensryche
   is the fact both bands evoke very powerful images in the minds of
   their listeners.
   
   As for a tour by Queensryche and Dream Theater - or, gods of prog help
   me, Queensryche, Dream Theater and Fates Warning - let's just say if
   they came to Louisville, I could die happy. If they even came as close
   as Cincinnati, I'd drive the 100 miles there and then I could die
   happy.
   
   Lady Jane - Doug
   
   The post in the last issue about how Lady Jane was a sinister song
   with pretty music took the words right out of my mouth! The first time
   I listened to it, I thought it was cool. The chorus melody is really
   catchy. The second time I listened, I thought about the post, so I
   paid closer attention to it.
   
   Whatever is happening to the song, it is sinister. The "narrator" of
   the song seems to be talking in a evil, knowing voice - sinister is
   the best word to describe it. Like something unspeakable and hidden is
   going on that the listener is supposed to feel tense and suspicious
   about it - uneasy might be the best word.
   
   Lady Jane is probably the song I will remember the most from this
   album. The album is very different than Mindcrime and Empire. It
   sounds like they're experimenting with jazz, new age, and rock all
   thrown together. Lady Jane is one of the eeriest songs I've ever
   heard.
   
   Lady Jane - Anne-Marie
   
   From an interview with Geoff published in the Dutch metal magazine
   Aardschok I understand that Lady Jane is about how women are
   "forced" by the media to comply with the ideal image of how one should
   look, what one should eat, etc. This kind of surprised me, because
   that was certainly not what I understood from the lyrics. I thought it
   was about child abuse or child molester, as someone on the net has
   said before.
   

                {That description in Aardschok sounds an awful lot like
                the description of Della Brown.  -sh}

   
   
   
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Interpretation

   Voice in Lady Jane - Doug
   
   As usual, the band has put a lot of random voices into their music on
   the new album. There's one voice in particular that I can barely make
   out, and I wanted to know if anyone else heard it and if they could
   understand it. The voice is in the song Lady Jane, and it comes just
   before the piano starts playing, while the children are chanting. It
   sounds like Geoff whispering, "Wait for me..." and something else, but
   I can't make it out. Can someone else?
   
   Voice in Lady Jane - Timothy
   
   If you listen to the beginning of Lady Jane carefully, someone
   whispers into the left channel "With... to pay." Has anyone figured
   out what the other word is? What other messages have been hidden in
   their past albums and are there any more on this one? You could hide
   the entire text of War and Peace in I Am I and no one would notice.
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Advertisements

   MTV Tape Wanted - Michiko
   
   I didn't think watching a video tape would be a bad idea since Dream
   Theater was to be on, and guess what? I missed Headbanger's Ball. If
   anyone has a complete tape, please write me.
   
   I did get most of Z-Rock's Road to Promised Land on tape. I ran out of
   tape during Damaged and had to put in another, but otherwise it is
   complete. So if you want all the jabber between Geoff, Chris, and
   Crankin' Craig, drop me a line. I am working on a copy without
   commercials.
   
   
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   That's all for this time. Comments on the HTML bit are welcome, of
   course. Have a good week!
   
   'Ryche on,
          -Shag