EDITOR NOTE! Hi, everyone who suddenly is stumbling upon this story. This piece is almost 9 years old. It’s based on one bad Tate solo album and how poor his voice sounded at the time. It seems fans of Tate (Taters? Tatians?) are very upset about this nearly decade-old story because I guess he sounds better live now? Which, if he does, great! I’ve been a fan since “Rage for Order” was released. I hope he IS sounding better now. Anyway, the comments section has been a good time, and feel free to ignore this and still fire away. Just figured I’ve give some context and a reminder of how old this story is before you lose your mind over it. I love you.
When long-standing bands change singers, it’s generally never a good thing. That’s usually a symbol of decline, that the meaty years are over, and that desperation has set in. It seems other positions can be switched out, like guitarists, bassists, drummers, and things can go smoothly. For the most part. A singer change almost never ends up as a positive.
That said, why the hell did Queensryche wait so long to part ways with Geoff Tate? He’s been the epitome of badness for more than a decade now, turning in flat, emotionless vocal performances, with nary a hint of the razor-sharp, high-pitched wail he used to possess. At one time, Tate was one of the greatest, most dynamic, most charismatic singers in heavy metal, but some time after their heyday with “Empire,” he unraveled and hasn’t been the same since. It was a shocking decline that happened so fast. The band hasn’t been the same since, and they’ve put out some downright putrid albums. Only 1994’s “Promised Land” possessed anything approaching listenable vocals, though the rest of the material was sub-par, and after that, it was the pits with that band. I take no great pleasure saying this either, as Queensryche made two of my favorite albums ever — “Rage for Order” and life-changing “Operation: Mindcrime” — and were a gateway to heavier music for me. Their fall pains me greatly.
Most of the reason the music sounded so lifeless of late was Tate. He was a shell of his former self. I saw them live in 2000 opening for Iron Maiden and was blown away by how much of the group’s live act depended on pre-recorded high vocals since it was obvious the frontman could not hit those notes anymore. That was an eye-opener. Since then, I’ve taken a chance to listen to at least some of the band’s more recent records, and none have approached passable. “Operation: Mindcrime II” should not exist. Ronnie James Dio’s appearance aside, I do not acknowledge it. “Tribe” is an abomination. Finally, everything came to a head this past year when the band and Tate allegedly had a physical altercation in Brazil.It was said threats were made, perhaps weapons made an appearance, and Tate found himself out of the band. He, of course, protested that decision and decided to carry on with his own version of Queensryche. The other members did the same, replacing Tate with Todd La Torre. It’s all a big fucking mess.
Over the summer, a video that acted as a promotional tool for Tate’s revived solo career popped up online, and it was desperate and pathetic. It screamed mid-life crisis. It practically required promotional shots with Tate dressed in Tap Out gear, it was that silly. It was the Tom Cruise Scientology video of metal. Then came a new tour and a new album “Kings & Thieves,” released on Century Media’s prog-centered Inside Out imprint. My hopes and expectations were as low as you can imagine, and Tate still managed to find a way to disappoint me with his artistic output.
One of the things with which Tate accused his former Queensryche mates was that he was responsible for all the musical material as of late and they brought nothing substantive to the table. They disagreed and said their ideas were voted down for Tate’s much-worse compositions. I wasn’t around to hear these two parties’ ideas pitted against each other, but if I have to judge based on “Kings & Thieves,” my guess is Tate is a liar. This record isn’t just bad. It’s the worst metal album of 2012, bar none. It’s practically impossible to handle the whole way through, but somehow I managed. Barely.
Tate’s voice remains lifeless. He can’t hit the high notes at all, and when he tries, his voice just fades into an uncomfortable, off-key moan. His lyrics are embarrassing, out of touch, misplaced, and very, very creepy. He tries to spark sensuality in a song like “Say U Luv It” — and can we quit with the improperly misspelled song titles, for fuck’s sake? — but he sounds more like a guy who should be on a sexual predator list. He sounds old and borderline criminal, at least based on the lyrics. Tate is 53 and pretty damn smart. He can do better than this, at least lyrically.
“The Way I Roll,” a saying reserved for old folks who think they’re up to speed on the way kids talk but are like a decade behind, is humiliating. It’s Tate trying to convince you he’s an edgy, bad guy, and he loves danger. Sometimes he stays up all the way until 11 p.m.! Stay out of his way! It’s like some guy at the bar talking your ear off about his modern misadventures, and you know none of his stories are true. It makes him sound like a sad old man clinging ever so desperately to his youth. “Evil” is another song where he’s trying to be a bad ass. Plus the song has unnecessary, weird vocal effects. Ballad “Change” just doesn’t work at all.
“Tomorrow” is a breezy mid-tempo cut, but wow does Tate just strangle the song with his vocals. You know how sometimes you’ll hear someone sing karaoke and in your head you’re like, “That guys needs to come down a few registers. He’s killing himself up there.” How did anyone hear these vocals and find them acceptable for release? Terrible song. He struggles like crazy on “Dark Money,” and it’s another example where his voice just won’t let him do what he was capable of doing 20 years ago. It’s tough to hear. The harmony behind “These Glory Days” defines tone deaf. Who OK’d this?
OK, let’s be nice? Car crash opener “She Slipped Away” isn’t pure torture. Tate goes lower and deeper and sounds fine, but there are more stupid effects that just pop in, and it’s not all that memorable. But it didn’t turn my stomach. And that’s it. That’s where any hint of a compliment ends.
It’s not my business to demand Tate retire and stop making a fool of himself. That’s up to him, and he’s earned that right. He doesn’t need a moron like me giving him career advice. That said, it can only get worse from here unless Tate has a miraculous recovery vocally, which just doesn’t happen at his age. This is a sad, misguided tragedy of an album that encapsulates just how far Tate has fallen. Avoid this album at all costs, if you know what’s good for you.
For more on the band, go here: http://geofftate.com/
To buy the album, go here: http://www.insideoutmusic.com/
For more on the label, go here: http://www.insideoutshop.de/Item/Geoff_Tate_-_Kings_-_Thieves_-Ltd-_Edition-/15833
Meat Mead Metal 
What exactly IS the proper way to misspell words?
I have no idea what you’re talking about, but comment approved!
He’s referencing this (you mean you don’t remember every word you ever wrote five years ago?!):
“He tries to spark sensuality in a song like “Say U Luv It” — and can we quit with the improperly misspelled song titles, for fuck’s sake? — but he sounds more like a guy who should be on a sexual predator list.”
Great review, by the way. I laughed out loud at several points, including that one, despite having never actually heard the record. Thanks to your ever so descriptive narrative, I can spare myself the aural agony!
I think this commentary is bull shit.
That’s your right. Tell me what you don’t like about it.
I was told that in the idle time between Empire and Promised Land (my favorite release) was that he smoked a lot of cigarettes
That’s what I heard or read years ago.
I thought Hear In the Now Frontier was actually pretty good considering it was very grungy. But I liked their spin on the grunge genre.
I heard a live version of his Queensryche band and not only is it kinda hard to take listening to how far Geoff has fallen the band sucks even worse. They’ve got no substance whatsoever.
Geoff Tate was in my opinion the greatest male vocalist ever in his prime. So many aspects about his voice that really nobody else can claim to have or had.
Geoff, my friend, it’s over
Enjoy your life in retirement
Look at all the *famous musicians* in here commenting.
See, here’s the thing: You don’t have to be a musician to offer criticism. That’s the oldest shit in the book. You’re certainly entitled to disagree. But yeah, dude, if only musicians wrote about music, that would be boring as fuck. Thanks for reading though.
Don’t ruin yourself living up to other people’s expectations. You had a great almost unique voice in your youth. Be proud and happy with that. You rocked at the top of the mountain.
Just saw Tate live in Pawling NY and say him n 2020 in Fairfield CT. He still sounds great . The only thing creepy is your review. Cornball
Remember the Corn Baller from Arrested Development?
I say Geoff last night and 2 years ago and he actually sounds really good! The band he is playing with is very tight as well and I was standing right in front of him. Not sure who you were listening too but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
I also saw him live and he was heavily backing tracked. But everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Unreal….can’t have am opinion here? The fuck!
You posted the comment like a second ago. Settle down.
Tell your dad Geoff I said hi.
Wow! Wtf……..no one can have an opinion here! That’s crazy how you treat people…..all I’m saying is Geoff has a great voice…..you need to recognize that! Keep deleting me…,that’s cool…..but rude
Bro. All your comments are there. Relax. Have a beer. It’s not that bad. Also, this story is like a decade old.
That’s bullshit! All i wanna say….he’s an amazing singer…who has shown himself…time and time again!
His new band…yes..I agree..not as good as when he was in Queensryche…..but dude give the guy credit He’s amazing and always will be 🙂
I loved Tate’s work with Queensryche until his voice died. I take no pleasure in that. Keep in mind this story is like 9 years old. That solo record was really bad. When I saw him live, he was not hitting the high notes. He had a TON of backing tracks. If he’s gotten into better shape now, great. I’m happy for him.
Go fuck your self..he rocks
Geoff def rocks…..new and old…..yaaa old is definitely better….but can’t deny the skills
He’s one of my favorite singers ever. Which is why writing this (again, this is from 2012, and it’s not long after I saw him live where he sang almost entirely to backing tracks) pained me. I still think this record is really bad. But if he’s sounding better live now, that’s great. Also, I interviewed him and he was super nice and friendly. So, his work from here on out, I’ll check it out, and if it sounds better, I’ll say so.
He still sounds great. Lets see you do what he did at his age. I believe you’re talking about Vince Neil
Oh man. Vince Neil is sad. At least Geoff is trying.
I just saw Tate in concert last night in Clearwater, Florida and was blown away by how great his voice still is. I talked to others at the show who said the same thing. His singing was so great that it kinda freaked me out. The band were excellent as well.
I plan on going to see Tate tonight and tomorrow night. I was on the forth row last night. I know music and I’m telling you that Tate still has it.
I haven’t followed him closely over the years and I don’t know about any of things you wrote about, Brian. I doubt that you weren’t being honest. But the past is pretty much irrelevant because life moves forward. If you have a chance to see Geoff Tate on this tour than do yourself a favor and go see him.
And the crowd was amazing last night as well. It was obvious that the people in attendance loved Tate and his band’s performance.
I wasn’t crazy about the electronic drum kit. The drums sounded fine, but those cymbals can’t come close to matching real metal ones.
And a lot of the lyrics on the two albums that the band played are very fitting for the America we are living in today.
I was on my phone looking where the band are playing tonight and came across this story. I had to stand up for Geoff Tate. Again, his voice was so great that it freaked me out. The only non-live, pre-recorded vocal additions are very minimal, and only used when necessary.
I’m not a troll, nor do I work for the band. I know what I’m talking about and Geoff Tate sounds great live in 2021.
I saw Judas Priest live a couple of weeks ago. Rob Halford can’t do what he used to. He can still hit the high notes, but……..his health is failing and he can’t put his body into his vocals like he used to.
Geoff Tate is holding up much better (vocally) than Rob Halford. I realize that Halford is seventy years old. And considering his health issues he’s doing good. On the other hand Geoff Tate is doing outstanding.
Hmm people age..so crazy to judge him ..dont judge! I’m from redmond WA he was my neighbor ..willows road! / Apts / scarbrouugh..i saw him bike riding everyday..he always kept him self healthy and fit! Back then not a lot of people rode bikes! But in redmond we did! And still do and also Microsoft town..keep doing you geoff!!
You know what a review is, right?
I interviewed him before, and he’s a very nice, thoughtful guy. That guy still put out a horrible record. If he turns it around and makes a good record, I’ll write about it.
That’s great to hear. I don’t want Tate to be bad. If he got his shit together and recovered, that’s awesome. I will make ti a point to review whatever music he puts out next. Thanks for the comment.
You’re welcome!!! 🙂
I guess my comments from two days ago didn’t go through. Going to see Geoff Tate in Orlando tonight. Maybe I’ll make another post afterwards. I’ll be sure to copy/paste this time.
By the way, my comments will be pro Tate’s voice. I saw him live in Clearwater on Saturday night.
You’re welcome!!! 🙂
Saw Tate in New Bedford in September 2021. He sounded fine for a man of his age. Some people work all their lives and cant hold a pencil. Geoff is fine. I’m not a huge fan, but when I listened, I could tell it was geoff tate. He wasn’t a pile of porridge on the stage like this guy thinks. You want to hear horrible decline? Don Dokken.
I mean, there’s an entire intro explaining this story, but OK.
I’m glad Tate sounds good again.
Good article.
Totally agree with Mind Crime 2.
I have noticed that his once powerful voice that I still listen too , has for some extent faded on the highs.
But it’s our Geoffy and we love him.
Vintage Queensrÿche is always on my playlist.
Thank you for not masking your review.
I am going to brave his solo album now.
Wish me luck.