Queensrÿche – American Soldier

Legendary American heavy metal and progressive rock act Queensrÿche is back for their tenth studio release.  While the thought of a concept album might be daunting for most bands, Queensrÿche thrives on them.  From their earliest attempt in 1988 with Operation: Mindcrime, to a series of tracks on 1990’s critically acclaimed Empire, and 2006’s long awaited sequel to Operation Mindcrime, Queensrÿche has nailed the art of story telling.

Their latest release, 2009’s American Soldier, is probably their most ambitious concept album to date.  On American Soldier the band set out to engage in first hand research about the effect of war on the psyche.  To make the album as authentic as possible lead vocalist and lyracist Geoff Tate interviewed veterans from wars ranging right from World War II through to Vietnam and the US’ current conflict in Iraq.  Tate used his findings to create a deeply personal journey into the mind of a soldier.

The album starts the journey abruptly with a drill sergeant screaming “On Your Feet!”  From here the track begins the breakdown of the civilian and the construction of a disciplined soldier.  “Unafraid” ups the stakes, presenting the psyche of a freshly trained, overly confident soldier with “all of the answers,” establishing the naivety that bolsters the shock value of the horrors of war that follow in “Hundred Mile Star.”  Up until this point Tate’s voice is sturdy and confidant, and the guitars strong and controlled.  But once “A Dead Man’s Words” hit, combat is well under way, chaos unfolds, and the once confident soldier finds himself questioning his path.  For the first time the instrumentation feels uncertain, and the bridges set an almost eerie atmosphere.

From here on in the American Soldier explores how a soldier must cope with his commitment to the war.  Combat experience has removed the glamour, and the soldier realizes that his tour is above all else, a fight for survival.  A few more songs in and “Man Down!” hits.  Probably the narrative’s most important turning point, our faceless protagonist losses a close friend in battle, and begins a journey of guilt, grief, and anger.

Queensrÿche does an admirable job of honouring the experiences of those who were open enough to share their darkest moments.  Each track has a clear purpose and works at developing both an appreciation and disappointment for those heading to war.  This album isn’t pro or anti war, but a documentation of the tough choices soldiers face, and how these experiences shape them as individuals.

While an astoundingly solid release, I can’t help but wonder how often most listeners will pick up American Soldier for a casual listen.  The serious subject matter makes each listen quite a commitment.  But maybe that’s the point.  In today’s western society the average citizen takes so much for granted; surely one can take a few minutes out of their day to reflect on the personal sacrifices of this century’s soldiers, past and present.