Queensryche Start Writing for New Album, Book Summer 2014 Dates
With legal matters no longer hanging over their heads, the members of Queensryche have returned to work on new music. The five-piece of Todd LaTorre, Eddie Jackson, Parker Lundgren, Scott Rockenfield and Michael Wilton have begun the writing process for the follow-up to their self-titled 2013 album.
The disc is tentatively slated for a summer 2015 release and guitarist Michael Wilton has shared the positive vibe felt after putting their lawsuit with former frontman Geoff Tate behind them. He explained, "The Queensryche internal dynamic has certainly changed in terms of musicianship. It's more of a cohesive team and the chemistry we have now is making what we can do creatively limitless."
Wilton adds, "For Queensryche, it was always about being able to write together as a band. We didn't have that for a long time, but now it's back and we feel extremely liberated. We've already begun the writing process for the next album and have a few songs demoed that we feel really good about. We're taking the songs in the classic Queensryche direction, but maybe a little more progressive and heavier at times."
Queensryche recently reached a settlement with Tate concerning the future usage of the Queensryche name. While Tate maintains the rights to perform the 'Operation: Mindcrime' album and its sequel, the band has secured the rights to the TriRyche logo and all other album images aside from the 'Mindcrime' releases.
In addition, Tate will be able to bill himself as "the original lead singer of Queensryche" or 'Formerly of Queensryche" for a period of two years and the text referring to the qualifier must be at least 50 percent smaller than his name in all promotional materials. After the two-year period concludes, there must be no mention of Queensryche in his promotion. In addition, Tate will still be able to use the Queensrychre name on all previously booked dates, but once his tour ends on Aug. 31, there will be only one band officially referred to as Queensryche.
As for Queensryche's current plans, not only do they include writing, but they'll also take some time out to hit the road during the coming months. See where and when they are playing below.
Queensryche 2014 Tour Dates
5/23 -- Tucson, Ariz. -- KLPX Desert Rocks Beach Bash
5/24 -- El Paso, Texas -- Speaking Rock Casino
6/4 -- Solvesborg, Sweden -- Sweden Rock Festival
6/6 -- Mt. Pleasant, Mich. -- Soaring Eagle Casino
6/7 -- Salt Lake City, Utah -- Salt Lake City Harley Davidson
6/13 -- Rothbury, Mich. -- JJ Resort
6/21 -- Idaho Falls, Idaho -- Rock The Falls
7/19 -- Waukesha, Wis. -- Waukesha County Fair
8/8 -- Three Forks, Mont. -- Rockin' The Rivers
8/31 -- Wauconda, Ill. -- Farm Rock 2014
10/11 -- Las Vegas, Nev. -- Eastside Cannery Casino