Q2k

Q2k

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Seattle vets Queensryche breach the new millennium with heads held high, their music ever-straddling that uneasy middle ground between 1980s big-hair metal and '90s shaved-head sludge. In other words, they've managed to keep their originality intact. The band's sense of taut drama remains, with "Falling Down" and "Sacred Ground" setting the tone. Melodic (if not overwrought) vocalist Geoff Tate manages to evoke R.J. Dio without all the medieval kitsch that comparison implies. "One Life" proves they've learned a trick or two from angst-ridden younger Seattle cousins Alice in Chains and Soundgarden, though not enough to keep them from the occasional lapse, like the bitter-saccharine "When the Rain Comes." But by sticking to their guns, especially in the epic-scaled "Liquid Sky," Queensryche may yet share the same last, ironic laugh that Def Leppard did on Euphoria. --Jerry McCulley

Tracks:

Falling Down
Sacred Ground
One Life
When The Rain Comes...
How Could I?
Besides You
Liquid Sky
Breakdown
Burning Man
Wot Kinda Man
The Right Side Of My Mind
Until There Was You (bonus track)
Howl (bonus track)
Sacred Ground (live) (bonus track)
Breakdown (radio edit) (bonus track)

Album Description

Originally released in 1999 on Atlantic, Q2K both captures Queensryche as a mature musical machine in its prime, and finds them breaking new ground after a personnel change. They redefine themselves artistically and their dazzling musical interplay reaches new heights.

Customer Reviews:

Vastly under-rated.......2007-06-01

While the band was going through a rough patch, they put out this album. Kelly Gray was brought onboard to fill in for Chris DeGarmo, whom had left after 1997's "Hear in the Now Frontier".

The disc is solid, except for perhaps "Wot Kinda Man". "Right Side Of My Mind" was the band's first video in years, and other tracks such as "Liquid Sky" and "Falling Down" are as good as anything from the Empire/Promised Land albums.

If you think Queensryche is a one trick Mindcrime pony, steep yourself in the melodic strains of "When The Rain Comes" or "Besides You". The band has great depth, and this album seems to get short shrift. An unrecognized gem.

Again, not the favorite queensryche album, but a part of their development.......2006-09-26

As the reviewer below me states, this is the re-issue of Q2K, originally released in 1999 on atlantic, just after EMI folded and queensryche was without a label. Kelly gray had also replaced Chris Degarmo. Really a mess of different styles, which I believe spilled over to Geoff Tate's solo album in 2002, queensryche had taken a different route with this album, but progressing through styles that had changed from Promiseland, to Hear in the Now Frontier, and then continued on Tribe. Many bands evolve, and this album is an example of that for queensryche, and many fans may dismiss a band for changing. Also, this album never was heavily promoted by the label, so that was part of it undoings a well. As mentioned prior, the 2 bonus studio tracks are suprisingly good, and a nice addition to this album, one was the previous japanese bonus track. So, as a queensryche fan, this album is worth it for the new songs, but for the casual fan, I would not spend extra to get this if you have a copy of q2k.

Ages well..........2006-08-31

Back when Q2K was originally released, I would have rated it two stars. With the passage of time, I see it as a stronger, though by no means great, album and have given it three stars. It has some good tracks, including "Falling Down," "Sacred Ground," "Liquid Sky," and the fantastic "Right Side of My Mind." It also has some terrible tracks ("Wot Kinda Man" indeed). Just prior to Q2K, the band had lost it's label and it is clear they were on a downhill slide artistically. The departure of Chris DeGarmo did not help matters in any way, shape or form. They've continued to struggle, though their recent Operation Mindcrime 2 is their best album since "Promised Land."

2006 REISSUE: Given the fact Q2K was out of print, it's great that this remastered version has been released, (though it is likely it didn't really need to be remastered). The two bonus tracks are quite good, and I'm frankly astonished they weren't included on the original release. It would have benefitted from their inclusion.

Average customer rating:

A Rage for Order album;
Not Nearly As Bad As People Say
Queensryche's Downward Spiral
Another keeper for Queensryche lovers
Q2K - An Oasis

Q2K
Queensrÿche
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

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Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Hear in the Now Frontier
Promised Land
Hear in the Now Frontier
Promised Land
Empire

ASIN: B00000K3GX
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

Falling Down
Sacred Ground
One Life
When The Rain Comes...
How Could I?
Beside You
Liquid Sky
Breakdown
Burning Man
Wot Kinda Man
The Right Side Of My Mind

Amazon.com

Seattle vets Queensryche breach the new millennium with heads held high, their music ever-straddling that uneasy middle ground between 1980s big-hair metal and '90s shaved-head sludge. In other words, they've managed to keep their originality intact. The band's sense of taut drama remains, with "Falling Down" and "Sacred Ground" setting the tone. Melodic (if not overwrought) vocalist Geoff Tate manages to evoke R.J. Dio without all the medieval kitsch that comparison implies. "One Life" proves they've learned a trick or two from angst-ridden younger Seattle cousins Alice in Chains and Soundgarden, though not enough to keep them from the occasional lapse, like the bitter-saccharine "When the Rain Comes." But by sticking to their guns, especially in the epic-scaled "Liquid Sky," Queensryche may yet share the same last, ironic laugh that Def Leppard did on Euphoria. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

A Rage for Order album;.......2006-12-04

As I said on my 'Warning' review, play the album loudly and on a good sound system.

If you can't get into queensryche, I'm wondering why you listen to music.

Not Nearly As Bad As People Say.......2006-09-23

I Think They Should Have Wiated More Than 2 YearsAfter Hear In The Now Frontier This Could HAve Been Less Ordinary (It Is Still Better Than Promise Land Though..Im Sorry I Know Ryke Fans Worship That Album But It's Just too Slow For Me)Takes A bit To Get Going But Any Song After Breakdown Is Just As Good As Other Ryke Songs, Wouldnt Reccomend It For Newer Ryke Fans Try Mindcrime Or Warning

Queensryche's Downward Spiral.......2006-07-30

After the refreshing "Hear in the Now Frontier," Queensryche has returned with an unfortunate change of style. After years of playing prog metal, it is odd that they waited until 1999 to begin picking up elements of industrial and grunge, even if they are from Seattle. The result is a forgettable set of songs and a major misstep. There are no highlights here to mention and die hard fans only need buy this one.

Another keeper for Queensryche lovers.......2006-05-29

Frankly, I've grown a bit tired of a slew of negative reviews of Queensryche records in recent years, which trash the band's growth and essentially discredit any work the band has done which is not entitled Operation Mindcrime or Empire.

People who are able to view the group's post Empire records with some objectivity will note that the group never fails to deliver a pretty solid if not spectacular alblum.

Q2K is simply another one of the group's records which was overlooked by many. Years later thses songs can still hold their own. "Breakdown, Liquid Sky, Sacred Ground, When the Rain Comes and Falling Down" are just a few of the memorable songs here which would easily hold their own in a Queesnryche set list on any of their tours.

I'd be lying if I said this was Queensryche's best record, but even if you think this is their worst record, there is still plenty here to like or love.

If you are a fan of the group's music this is a must have alblum and if this is your introduction to the group's music you will leave satisfied.

One of the nice things about this record is that few of the songs fall flat..The only real slight clunker here is One Life...That leaves about 95% great music....

With Queensryche can you ever really go wrong?

Q2K - An Oasis.......2006-05-04

Though certainly not the only yardstick, I've always felt that one true test of an album's greatness is it's longevity in terms of what songs you still listen to years down the road. In the case of Q2K, after several years, I listen to more songs per capita off this album than any other QR offering, save of course OMC, which is sans pareil.

Even as a diehard QR faithful, I must admit the band certainly hit a low point in their career between Empire and OMC II. Promised Land, HITNF, and Tribe were disjointed efforts that contain only a couple songs that I still want to hear. Q2K is the exception to this nadir. It is the oasis in the middle of the desert.

While certainly not perfect, it seems to me that Q2K has some very intelligent songs sporting superb guitar work and inspired percussion. "Falling Down" contains one of the most spirited solos QR has written in years; I'd listen to this opener just for the solo alone. "Sacred Ground" is driving and melodic, great to listen to in the car. Both of these songs could have been on Empire and not missed a beat. "When the Rain Comes" is a very thoughtful piece, probably what the goal of HITNF should have been. "Beside You" is one of 'mature' songs that QR has done, among the songs obviously inspired by going through marriage and parenthood (which many QR fans might feel are very odd topics for this band to cover), but nonetheless is a really good song with some unusual vocals from Geoff. "Liquid Sky" is another song worthy of Empire, good lyrics, great guitar work, some eerie sounds lending a mystic tone. It has a great opening lick and drum roll. "Burning Man" has the best bass and drum work on the album; Eddie and Scott are really in the groove, and this is another track great to listen to in the car. Would love to hear this live.

Lastly we come to "The Right Side of My Mind", which ranks as one of my favorite QR songs ever. It is quintessential QR, upholding the great traditions of songs like "Roads to Madness" and "Is there Anybody Listening?" This is the thoughtful progressive metal that made this band who they are. If anything, maybe there should have been more of this type of music on the album.

It's not perfect, it has a couple low points. Two of the songs later in the album are ok at best, forgettable, and there are two early on that I usually skip, but they are no worse than several of the "B" side songs on Empire. But I think that's the point....even on Empire, certainly one of QRs best albums, there are basically six songs that I go back to listen to. On Q2K, there are no less than seven, and by comparison they are just as solid.

Obviously just one man's opinion, but if you were offset by Promised Land, HITNF, or Tribe, give Q2K a few spins and just let it soak in. It is a highly underrated album and definitely worth the purchase price.

Average customer rating:

Q2k
Queensryche
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000LY2CKQ

Average customer rating:

Q2K
Queensrÿche
Manufacturer: Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000OZ2GSA
Release Date: 2007-07-09

Tracks:

Falling Down
Sacred Ground
One Life
When the Rain Comes...
How Could I?
Beside You
Liquid Sky
Breakdown
Burning Man
Wot Kinda Man
Right Side of My Mind
Until There Was You [#][*]
Howl [#][*]
Sacred Ground [Live][*]
Breakdown [Radio Edit][*]

Album Description

Digitally remastered Japanese pressing of the Metal band's 1999 album features four bonus tracks: 'Until There Was You', 'Howl', 'Sacred Ground [Live]' and 'Breakdown [Radio Edit]'. Q2K both captures Queensryche as a mature musical machine in its prime, and finds them breaking new ground after a personnel change. They redefine themselves artistically and their dazzling musical interplay reaches new heights. Warner. 2007.

Average customer rating:

Japanese Edition
Great Tracks
I had hope

Q2K
Queensryche
Manufacturer: Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00003Q4BG
Release Date: 1999-11-16

Tracks:

Falling Down
Sacred Ground
One Life
When The Rain Comes
How Could I?
Besides You
Liquid Sky
Breakdown
Burning Man
Wot Kinda Man
The Right Side Of My Mind
Sacred Ground (Live)

Album Description

Japanese edition of the 1999 album by Seattle's premier prog metal group with a live version of 'Sacred Ground' added as a bonus track. 12 cuts total. 1999 release.

Album Details

Japanese Version featuring Bonus Tracks.

Customer Reviews:

Japanese Edition.......2006-03-16

Q2K is the second album in Queensryche's unofficial "trilogy of mediocrity". As much as I love the band, since Promised Land their albums have been a major disappointment. I know vocalist Geoff Tate has been trying to distance the band from its metal roots, but I think he took them a bit too far. Queensryche has gone from being a progressive metal innovator to just another rock band, and not even a very good one.

Of the band's most recent albums, Q2K is probably the best of the bunch. It's as schizophrenic and uneven as Hear in the Now Frontier and Tribe, but it does have a few shining moments. The album certainly starts out with a bang. Tracks like Falling Down and particularly Sacred Ground are great songs, and When the Rain Comes is a ballad worthy of Empire. Unfortunately the rest of the album just fades into a blur of nondescript rock songs. I understand that the band is progressing and continuing to update their sound, but it just doesn't sound like Queensryche anymore.

Just when I was ready to walk away altogether, I learn that Operation Mindcrime II is on the way. Will it be the triumphant return to form that many of us are anticipating? Perhaps, but after the last three albums I'm not getting my hopes up.

Note - the Japanese import version of Q2K has a bonus live version of Sacred Ground. Sacred Ground may be the best song on the album, but I can't see a live version making this average album worth the import price.

Great Tracks.......2000-07-11

These are some great licks. I hope keeps to this path of rocking on their next album. Sacred Ground and Falling Down are hard hitting. Beside You and Right Side... are instant top 40 material.

I had hope.......2000-06-15

I had a lot of hope for this album. I must say that I liked it better than "Hear in the now Frontier". Queensryche is definately taking a different path musically (again). I can't say that I'm as enthusiastic about them as I was before. The bonus live track is nice. As always, they are great live.