Before establishing themselves as both a commercial and a progressive metal force, Seattle's
Queensrÿche dealt classic metal steeped in English tradition. In fact, their 1983 self-titled debut EP, while largely ignored in America, became a sensation in the U.K. and Europe. The band displays an obvious
Iron Maiden influence in their early songs, which often featured "dungeons and dragons" lyrical themes. Their classic "Queen of the Reich" is one such example (with a hilariously primitive adventure video to boot), while "The Lady Wore Black" displays more maturity -- a sign of things to come. EMI scored an extra point when issuing the CD version by adding "Prophecy," a phenomenal outtake from the
Rage for Order sessions that helps make this a must-have release for
Queensrÿche fans. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia