QUEENSRŸCHE never stop progressing.

That's why they remain one of the most revered hard rock outfits in history with over 20 million albums sold globally and 6 million in the U.S. alone. It's why shows continue to sell out everywhere and hits such as “Silent Lucidity” eternally blare across radio waves. It's why they've got one of the most diehard and devout fan bases in music. It's why after three decades their legacy only strengthens with each subsequent evolution.

That brings us to the next phase for the Seattle quintet. In 2012, the band welcomed a new vocalist for the first time since founding in 1981 back when guitarist Michael Wilton and drummer Scott Rockenfield were just high school buddies. Joining Wilton, Rockenfield, original bassist Eddie Jackson, and guitarist Parker Lundgren, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Todd LaTorre entered the fold and immediately galvanized the veteran group.

While attending the annual NAMM Convention in Anaheim, Wilton serendipitously met LaTorre and exchanged email addresses. It might seem random or convenient, but nothing in the QUEENSRŸCHE universe is.

After they parted ways with singer Geoff Tate, Wilton reached out about the open spot, and LaTorre humbly obliged, accepting his invitation. Instantly, the musicians harnessed a raw vitality they hadn't felt in years.

“It was like an injection of energy,” enthuses Rockenfield. “He brings a new perspective to what we do from both a musical and vocal standpoint. He's a drummer himself, and he can give suggestions on the actual music. We can do things we couldn't do in the past with him.”

Wilton affirms, “Todd's a contributor. We're diving into this as a five-person entity creating substance and an entire composition by letting it grow and building it together. Everybody has input. That raises the bar and pushes the envelope. There are no limitations.”

They've approached recording their twelfth self-titled studio album with that open, “anything goes” mindset. At the same time, the group hearkens back to the heavy metal side that defined classics such as “The Warning”, “Empire”, and “Operation: Mindcrime” - which KERRANG! ranked #34 on their “100 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums of All-Time” list and is often uttered in the same breath alongside classic concept records such as Pink Floyd's “The Wall” and The Who's “Tommy”.

“It's a return to form,” Wilton says of the new music. “We're rebuilding the architecture and setting it back on course. We have the energy I felt when writing “Speak” and “The Needle Lies” from “Operation: Mindcrime”. There was an excitement in knowing we were clicking on all cylinders at the top of our game. That chemistry and our passion for metal and hard rock has kept us together. We're keeping things fresh, while maintaining that thread that got us here in the first place. It may have gone astray, but it's a key element. You'll feel it on the next album. It'll be from the blood of the band more than ever.”

Jackson echoes that sentiment, “We want to bring back the sound we started with. As kids, we bonded over listening to Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Rush. That heavier element is a major part of this band. We're revisiting that, and we're having a great time doing it. This is for the fans. We're so blessed to have them, and they're going to love this.”

In 2013 QUEENSRŸCHE returned with their new record simply titled “Queensrÿche”. From the opening sound of the intro of “X2” to the final notes of the closer “Open Road”, it is apparent that the signature sound that captivated fans for over 30 years is alive and well.

The cover for the album was designed by Craig Howell who has worked on designs for Star Wars, Slipknot and American Idol to name a few. “Queensrÿche” was mixed and mastered by famed QUEENSRŸCHE producer James “Jimbo” Barton who is known for working on the band’s classics “Operation: Mindcrime” and “Empire”, as well as for bands like Metallica, Rush, Fates Warning and many more.

“This gets said often by a lot of bands, but we believe we have recorded some of our finest music in years. The collaborative effort of everyone on this album is something we are extremely proud of. Working with Jimbo and the addition of Todd has revitalized the band in ways we never knew until we heard the final results. We know you have to wait a little longer but are excited for all of our fans to hear it. QUEENSRŸCHE wouldn’t be in this position if not for your unwavering support,” exclaims drummer Scott Rockenfield.

And now get ready for the band's next progression!