The Verdict
Queensrÿche · 2019
44 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal
Progressive metal intricacies collide with heavy riffs and thought-provoking lyrics in a compelling exploration of contemporary issues.
Top tracks — play these first
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Blood of the Levant Start here — As the opening track, it sets a powerful tone with its urgent rhythms and incisive lyrics about conflict and resilience, embodying the album's thematic focus.
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Man the Machine — This track showcases a blend of aggressive instrumentals and introspective lyrics that critique modern technology’s impact on humanity, highlighting the band’s progressive edge.
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Dark Reverie — This song stands out for its haunting melodies and contemplative lyrics, addressing themes of inner struggle and societal unrest, reflecting a core emotional current throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines intricate compositions with heavy riffs and relevant themes, appealing to both metal fans and those seeking depth.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a heavy riff in 'Blood of the Levant' that sets a driving pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in 'Dark Reverie'.
- Lyrically, the songs tackle contemporary socio-political issues, with verses often structured to build tension before resolving in the choruses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing with climactic moments
- exploratory themes of inner conflict
- thought-provoking lyrical depth
- engaging full-album experience
- introspective reflections on society
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone radio hits
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance in their sound and themes.
- Themes
- modern technology critique· societal unrest· conflict and resilience
- Career context
- Released on March 1, 2019, The Verdict marks Queensrÿche's fifteenth studio album and their second since the return of original vocalist Geoff Tate. It follows 2015's Condition Hüman, continuing the band's evolution while reaffirming their signature sound amidst lineup stability.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dream Theater· Fates Warning· Symphony X
Tracklist
- 1 Blood of the Levant Start here 3:27
- 2 Man the Machine 3:51
- 3 Light‐Years 4:09
- 4 Inside Out 4:31
- 5 Propaganda Fashion 3:36
- 6 Dark Reverie 4:23
- 7 Bent 5:59
- 8 Inner Unrest 3:50
- 9 Launder the Conscience 5:15
- 10 Portrait 5:16
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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