CINCINNATI, OH- Queensrÿche is back on the road with the Origins Tour, delving into the beginnings of their storied career. Fans are treated to live performances of their self-titled EP and the full-length debut, “The Warning,” in their entirety.
The Cincinnati stop took place at Bogart’s, a venue steeped in history, dating back around 120 years structurally and hosting numerous iconic bands over the past four decades. Its theater-like ambiance affords concert-goers an intimate experience.
Direct support for this tour was provided by the one and only Armored Saint, whose explosive set perfectly set the pace for the evening. The band’s lineup includes John Bush on vocals, Joey Vera on bass, Jeff Duncan on guitar, along with the Sandoval Brothers – Phil on guitar and Gonzo on drums. Their setlist spanned their impressive 40-year career.
Watching this dynamic and engaging band was a real treat. Bush, constantly on the move, hit every note with precision, never slowing down throughout their nine-song set. Vera, animated and engaging, captivated the crowd, while the guitarists played flawlessly. Gonzo’s metronomic drumming was standout. Rumor has it a new album is expected in 2024, and the anticipation for future releases is high.
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Following a brief intermission, Queensrÿche took to the stage as Pantera’s classic “Walk” faded out. With the iconic intro of “Queen of the Reich,” vocalist Todd La Torre captivated the audience with a pitch-perfect scream, instantly recognizable to fans. Although I discovered Queensrÿche later in their career, beginning with “Operation: Mindcrime,” I’ve since immersed myself in their earlier works. Hearing both the EP and “The Warning” performed live was astonishing. La Torre has truly made the songs his own while honoring the original vocals, a difficult task considering Geoff Tate’s remarkable range. Again, kudos to Todd.
Knowing the setlist didn’t diminish the experience; time seemed to stand still, allowing full immersion in the music, yet the concert flew by at lightning speed. Original members Michael Wilton (guitar) and Eddie Jackson (bass) have maintained the band’s integrity and intensity over four decades. Even during sound checks, Jackson’s distinctive bass tone was unmistakable. With guitarist Mike Stone and drummer Casey Grillo, they form a seamless unit.
Standout moments of the night included “The Lady Wore Black” and “Queen of the Reich” from the EP. From “The Warning,” tracks like “Take Hold of the Flame,” “Child of Fire,” “Deliverance,” and the main set’s finale, “Road to Madness,” were stellar. It’s exciting to consider the possibility of a live album from this tour, showcasing the best of Queensrÿche’s eras and featuring contributions from the current lineup—a fan’s dream, certainly, but one I’d eagerly embrace. The encore, featuring “The Prophecy” and “I Don’t Believe in Love,” left the audience yearning for more, a testament to Queensrÿche’s enduring global appeal and the anticipation for new material.
Queensrÿche and Armored Saint’s 34-date tour concludes on May 12th in Fort Myers, FL. Following this, Armored Saint will embark on their Saints Will Conquer World Tour in the summer of 2024. If you have the chance to see these incredible bands live, do not hesitate. Opportunities like these are not to be missed!
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