In April 2022, QUEENSRŸCHE completed a five-week North American tour supporting Judas Priest. This tour marked more than just a return to the stage after a two-year COVID-19 pause; it symbolized a rebirth for the band. Members approached it with renewed energy, their sound more cohesive than ever. “The Priest tour was a great springboard for us to get back onstage in what’s essentially a new world,” explains guitarist Michael Wilton. “We had momentum from our 2019 record The Verdict, but then the world halted. We had to survive, pick ourselves up, and get back to being QUEENSRŸCHE.” This resilience is embodied in their 16th studio album, Digital Noise Alliance.
Throughout their career, QUEENSRŸCHE has demonstrated resilience and innovation. With over 20 million albums sold and numerous accolades, they remain influential across genres. Produced and mixed by Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Hatebreed), the album blends their roots with modern progressive elements. From energetic opener “In Extremis” to haunting “Behind The Walls” and epic closer “Tormentum,” the album showcases their classic sound, echoing landmarks like Empire and Operation: Mindcrime with sonic ambition, lyrical depth, and social commentary.
The pandemic spurred creativity within the band. “Being left to your inner thoughts brought up a lot of feelings,” Wilton admits. “It was a strange, uncertain time, but it also sparked ideas for the new record.” In early 2021, Wilton collaborated with vocalist Todd LaTorre at LaTorre’s Tampa studio, laying down raw riffs. “It was chaotic and uncertain,” says bassist Eddie Jackson, “but we focused on creating music amid adversity.”
Their writing process was organic, with all members contributing in real time. LaTorre highlights face-to-face collaboration: “We started from scratch with Zeuss. Nothing came from old sessions; it was all immediate and fresh.” Recording began in January 2022, drums tracked in Hulk Hogan’s former Florida mansion using Zeuss’ mobile rig. Wilton used vintage Marshalls from their early days, which Zeuss describes as “awakening a beast,” capturing nostalgic yet powerful tones.
Digital Noise Alliance blends the band’s past and present. Over the years, QUEENSRŸCHE has experimented with orchestral arrangements, innovative staging, and genre-expanding ideas. LaTorre notes, “They’ve always been forward-thinking—the ‘Thinking Man’s Metal Band’—changing the landscape with albums like The Warning, incorporating strings and orchestral elements that were groundbreaking.” The current lineup—LaTorre, Wilton, Jackson, Mike Stone, and Casey Grillo—continues this legacy while exploring new musical horizons.
Jackson, a founding member since 1982, emphasizes their shared DNA: “With two original members, classic QUEENSRŸCHE elements are in our DNA. But it’s also great to hear fresh ideas from Todd, Casey, and Mike.” LaTorre adds, “We aim to blend our history with a modern sensibility, preserving what makes QUEENSRŸCHE unique while pushing forward.”
Digital Noise Alliance is quintessential QUEENSRŸCHE—rich melodies, intellectual lyrics, and emotional depth. Since their debut EP in 1984, they’ve crafted cerebral, thought-provoking music. LaTorre explains, “We’ve always been cerebral. While others focused on sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll, we wrote about politics, religion, social injustice—a relevance that’s even more pronounced now. Our goal isn’t to tell people what to think, but to encourage thinking.” Looking ahead, QUEENSRŸCHE continues to honor their legacy while evolving creatively, ensuring their place as a vital force in rock and metal.
Part of the Pepsi Rock Series Handcrafted by American Metal
You may also like the following events from The Ridgefield Playhouse:
Also check out other
Music events in Ridgefield,
Entertainment events in Ridgefield,
Sports events in Ridgefield.
