Search - Queensryche :: Empire

Golden Empire.

Lord Chimp | Monkey World | 01/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"(The review title is a bit cheesy, but it sounds good, right?)This is the first 24 karat gold disc that has become a part of my collection. It was also the only one I really wanted. However, I delayed for a long time. After all, Empire is one of the best recorded rock albums ever (and one of my favorite albums). Could the gold disc be that much better? It professes to "reproduce the ultimate sound of a classic recorded performance without the digital harshness and irregular plated surface of standard aluminum discs." This is supposed to have a great effect on the recording. (Until recently I foolishly thought these discs were just funky items for ostentatious collectors.)I received this CD as a gift, and now I can assuredly say I was stupid for the hesitation. As good as Empire was recorded before, this is way better. Every last instrumental ingredient is remarkably strong and identifiable. The hard rocking songs, like "Empire" and "Jet City Woman," have so much more punch. The clarity of the rumbling bass, coruscating guitar lines, and shivery hissing cymbals call even more attention to the band's superb instrumental ability. (I've gained much more appreciation for Scott Rockenfield as a drummer because of this). The "human instrument," Geoff Tate, has never sounded better. On "Silent Lucidity" it sounds like he's in the same room with you. On the same song, the orchestra's cadence glimmers with ten times the intoxicating power. Beautiful! The greatest effect of the gold disc is heard on one of my favorite 'Ryche songs, "Anybody Listening?" It is definitely the best song ever written about being in the spotlight. I like Queen's "The Show Must Go On," Rush's "Limelight," and the pertinent songs on Marillion's Afraid of Sunlight album, but this is way better. The heavy, textured arrangement sounds more visceral and penetrative, increasing its emotional resonance.More casual fans may not be willing to buy the gold disc, but anyone who loves Empire should definitely invest in this indispensable release."

A real treasure.

Archel | Sydney, Australia | 10/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every Queensryche fan, everyone who appreciates the brilliance of 'Empire' and every audiophile should discover this treasure -24 Karat Gold disc.You will HEAR the difference (with a good sound system).Here's a note from DCC Compact classics for those wondering whether 24 Karat Gold discs are more than just collectors' items:"You've never heard your favourite music sound this good! The clarity is exceptional, the separation ... amazing. You will hear deeper lows and crisper highs. ... Our 24 Karat Gold discs reproduce the ultimate sound of a classic recorded performance without the digital harshness and irregular plated surfaces of standard aluminium discs. Only the original two-track master is used for the digital transfer, and is played back on a specially reconstructed tube reproducer. Without any further sonic manipulation, the master is shipped directly to the manufacturing plant for etching onto the glass surface by laser. The end result of this unique mastering process is a compact disc with the warm sound of the original master tape combined with a 24 karat gold surface free of any type of defect.""