Queensrÿche
Live Evolution DVD
Review by Greg Olma
Queensrÿche has always been a favorite of mine since hearing the first EP way back in 1983. Over the years I have always flown their flag, but I have to admit that I was really disappointed with their Q2K record and subsequent tour. Thank fully, the band decided to put out a career spanning live album and DVD. They even embarked on a tour for this release that saw them returning to their earlier majestic state. This performance was shot in their hometown of Seattle in 2001, making this DVD almost two decades old. Even though it is quite old by today’s standards, I’ll put this product up against anything that is being released today. The stage show may be a little smaller than their Empire or Promised Land tours, but musically, they are just as good. What makes this concert video so enjoyable is the fact that the band touch on every record up until that point. Even the overlooked Hear In The Now Frontier gets an airing with “Hit The Black,” and they dusted off some other deep cuts like “London” and “NM 156” for this DVD performance. Pamela Moore also reprises her role as Sister Mary during the Operation Mindcrime Suite, making this truly a celebration of the Queensrÿche legacy in 2001. Visually, the camera work is spot-on in capturing the whole mood of the show, and the lighting person was able to add additional drama to the material. The whole concert has an intimate feel, giving the viewer a sense of being there, which is the main point of concert videos.
The extras include a very forgettable “Behind The Scenes” segment, but the “Interviews” segment is worth watching. I have revisited those a number of times throughout the years and still find them enjoyable and informative. There is also a photo gallery, but honestly, I rarely even check those out more than once. My interests are always focused on the main feature, and Live Evolution is a “must buy” for any Queensrÿche fan. I would recommend it to new fans who need to get exposed to their earlier material, as well.
This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2021 Volume 3. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2021.
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