Queensrÿche – Empire (1990)

Released on August 20, 1990, Empire catapulted Queensrÿche into the mainstream and remains their most commercially successful album to date. Building on the conceptual depth of Operation: Mindcrime, Empire took a more polished, accessible approach—balancing thought-provoking lyrics with powerful hooks, lush production, and arena-ready anthems. The album tackled themes of social decay, violence, love, and the disillusionment of the American dream, all wrapped in soaring melodies and tight musicianship.

Anchored by the iconic power ballad “Silent Lucidity,” which earned a Grammy nomination and heavy MTV rotation, Empire solidified the band’s status as one of the most intelligent and sophisticated acts in rock.

Band Lineup:

• Geoff Tate – Vocals, keyboards
   
• Chris DeGarmo – Guitar, backing vocals
   
• Michael Wilton – Guitar, backing vocals
   
• Eddie Jackson – Bass, backing vocals
   
• Scott Rockenfield – Drums, electronic percussion
   

Track List:

1. Best I Can
    
2. The Thin Line
    
3. Jet City Woman
    
4. Della Brown
    
5. Another Rainy Night (Without You)
    
6. Empire
    
7. Resistance
    
8. Silent Lucidity
    
9. Hand on Heart
    
10. One and Only
     
11. Anybody Listening?
     

Empire is where artistry meets anthem. With its rich sonic textures and lyrical depth, Queensrÿche crafted an album that not only dominated charts but left a lasting legacy. A masterclass in progressive-minded hard rock.