Tate; Geoff: Kings & Thieves

It would be fair to suggest that the last couple of years have been incredibly controversial as far as former and, well current, Queensryche frontman Geoff Tate is concerned. 2011 saw the release of the lambasted Ryche record Dedicated To Chaos, which was (maybe slightly) unfairly ridiculed, maligned and hated by fans and critics alike - in all honesty I can think of few rock/metal albums which received such harsh treatment right across the board. Since then, amidst rumours and allegations of being the perpetrator of physical and mental abuse towards his bandmates, as well as curtailing what songs from their catalogue the band could perform live and all other manner of other accusations, Tate was ousted from the band he had been a part of for over 30 years. Whatever the truth behind the stories, the fallout has been massive and far reaching, with Queensryche continuing with singer Todd La Torre (Crimson Glory) behind the mic, while Tate announced his own version of the band alongside the likes of Rudy Sarzo, Bobby Blotzer and ex-Rychian Kelly Gray. Confused? It looks like we will be......

All the while, it would appear, in the background and with the help of respected prog label InsideOut, Geoff Tate has been preparing his second solo outing Kings & Thieves, with its cover depicting a fleur-de-lis morphing into the Queensryche "tri-ryche" logo. His first venture outside Queensryche, 2002's simply titled Geoff Tate saw the singer hoping to illustrate his less obvious influences, with the results being, shall we say inconsistent. However this time, wisely, Tate has stayed closer to home in terms of style and it would be fair to suggest that much of K&T would sit comfortably and confidently in the latter half of the Ryche's catalogue. Although even that will not excite some long time fans of the band and the man. Kelly Gray handles all guitars and bass on the album, with Randy Gane playing keyboards and Gregg Gilmore manning the drums, making for an album that certainly sparkles as far as the performances are concerned, while the production by Tate and mixing by Gray are simply sublime. Tate as ever gives a peerless demonstration of heartfelt vocals, with his deep, resonating voice still holding an impressive range and convincing attack. Add to that some well though through vocal arrangements and the only thing left to make Kings & Thieves a complete triumph is a collection of captivating songs. Something that is for the large part just about achieved.

At this stage of the review, we'll have to split into two camps. Those who have bought into Queensryche from 1997's Hear In The Now Frontier through to the excellent American Soldier (2009) (let's leave Dedicated To Chaos to one side shall we??) and those who have seen these years as something to be more endured than enjoyed. If you are the former, then step into Kings & Thieves and settle down for a journey across some enigmatic, mid-paced songs with thought provoking lyrics and lofty ambitions. If you are from the latter school of thought, then I doubt I can convince you to engage with this album, as a quick skim through will basically confirm your fears as to its direction. "She Slipped Away" starts things off in upbeat fashion musically, if not lyrically, with sublime harmony vocals jostling with singing guitar motifs and a feeling of dark claustrophobic hope, while the overly repetitive "Take A Bullet" grunts and riffs in a modern, atmospheric manner. Adding samples and effects "Say U Luv It" stretches the Tate palette, without really convincing, while "Change" brings sumptuous strings and a stunning guitar display to the party. Although it is "These Glory Days" with its Blackmore like solo that really allows Gray to shine the brightest.

Stomping with intent "The Way I Roll" bristles sharply, while "Tomorrow" and "Dark Money" continue in a similar vein. And even for long time followers of Tate, there is the biggest problem with Kings & Thieves. It all sounds very similar. Yes, the lyrics dance from themes such as corporate greed, political ambivalence and society's crumblings (although some of the words could sound like more of a comment on his previous band 'When it feels like you've gone mad, With a loss of truth gone bad, You hold on tight with all your might, To the good times that you've had, But everybody tells a different story, In These Glory Days' from "These Glory Days"), but musically things are very single paced and the overall atmosphere is overbearing and intense. None of that is necessarily a bad thing and the bright, punchy production helps immensely. However there's no getting away from the fact that it is possible at times to shut off from the music, as it fails to continually hold your attention.

Far from being the car crash that circumstances (and Dedicated To Chaos) suggested that this album might be, Kings & Thieves will satisfy many, yet possibly frustrate even more. That doesn't stop it from being an album delivered from the heart and assembled in fine style. Those expecting Queensryche's glory days (no pun intended) will be disappointed and misguided, those with a more open mind towards what Geoff Tate has served up in recent years will be rewarded, although not quite as richly as hoped for.

Track Listing
1. She Slipped Away
2. Take A Bullet
3. In The Dirt
4. Say U Luv It
5. The Way I Roll
6. Tomorrow
7. Evil
8. Dark Money
9. These Glory Days
10. Change
11. Waiting

Added: October 29th 2012
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Geoff Tate Online
Hits: 3916
Language: english

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