Album Details

• Artist: Queensryche
• Album: Live Evolution
• Label: Sanctuary Records
• Year of Release: 2001
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: gwhill on 2013-03-13

By the time this album was released in 2001, Queensryche hasd been around for quite some time, but this was their first full live album. When the Operation Livecrime box set was originally released it included a CD of a live performance of the Operation: Mindcrime album, but this is more of a real live album. The group performed two one-off shows chronicling their 20 year career, and this double disc set is the result. The songs are in a generally chronological order with material grouped in two album periods. The set is divided into suites based on the album pair they come from. The material and performances here are quite strong, but some songs are weaker than others. Also, some of the performances seem a little off kilter at times. The only other complaint is that there are some errors in the song listings on the CD. Still, this is a killer live performance by a band with a very dynamic and long-lasting legacy.

Which songs one considers highlights in many ways has a lot to do with which albums are personal favorites. So, it’s a bit tough to weigh in with a definitive answer that way. However, some performances seem to work better than others here. “Road to Madness” is one of those that works particularly well here. The same holds true of “The Lady Wore Black.” “Take Hold of the Flame” is another from the early days that is well represented on this set.  “Screaming in Digital” seems to stand out more than some of the others.  “The Mission” seems to vary a bit from the studio version, but it’s quite strong. Looking to the more modern (at least at the time) side of the band, “Another Rainy Night” works quite well here. Another from the same album, “Jet City Woman” is also a standout. “Falling Down” also stands tall in this mix. The rest of the music here is delivered in performances with varying levels of effectiveness. Overall, though, it’s a solid double CD live album.  

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