Queensrÿche is one of my favourite bands... They've released some really good albums and I have high hopes regarding their upcoming studio album "Operation:mindcrime II". However, this live album made me doubtful. What if Queensrÿche has lost its magic?

Well the songs are what they've always been: melodic hard rock with some progressive edge. Unfortunately this live album is full of songs from their latest album 'Tribe' which wasn't as good as their earlier albums (Promised Land, Hear in the Now Frontier). However, it makes sense: Queensrÿche's has earlier covered all of their classics on 'Live Evolution' (a double CD live album).

Production was the biggest disappointment regarding this album... There's occasional distortion (mastering error, which occurs quite often on vocals) and the sounds are thin... they lack presence and dynamics. I would have never expected such poor production from Queensrÿche. This must be the worst Queensrÿche album to ever come (at least I hope so). Live Evolution is one of the best live albums I've ever heard... Unfortunately I can't say the same about the Art of Live.

All in all, I'm very disappointed at Queensrÿche's latest effort. I expected a new Live Evolution, but the Art of Live is nowhere near its predecessor's quality. Only the most hardcore Queensrÿche fans should consider buying this album. If you want to check out Queensrÿche, I recommend you to check their best of album (or the Live Evolution). Those albums prove what Queensrÿche has been (and hopefully will be in the future).

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- MAGE (13.09.2004)

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LINE-UP:
Tate, Geoff: Vocals Wilton, Michael: Guitars Stone, Mike: Guitars Jackson, Eddie: Bass Rockenfield, Scott: Drums
Producer:	Mercuriadis, Merck
Mixing by:	Janko, Eric
Mastering by:	Waldrep, Mark

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Tribe 02. Sign of the Times 03. Open 04. Losing Myself 05. Desert Dance 06. Great Divide 07. Rhythm of Hope 08. My Global Mind 09. Roads to Madness 10. Della Brown 11. Anybody Listening 12. Breaking the Silence 13. The Needle Lies 14. Best I Can