After tasting success from both their self-titled debut EP and The Warning, Queensrÿche lost their edge a bit on this release. The hair metal movement was fast approaching and this once-unique band now looked -- and for the most part, sounded -- like the average metal band of the day. The signature sound of Queensrÿche is still unmistakable, as Geoff Tate's voice sounds strong. The music here is simpler than on Warning; the lyrics are bit too heavy-handed and have not stood the test of time very well. "Walk in the Shadows" is a well-structured song with a good combination of Tate's howling and dramatic background vocals. "I Will Remember" was a precursor to "Silent Lucidity" and accentuated the power and emotion that Tate can evoke. The band was obviously trying to expand their approach to music with a heavy emphasis on theatrics, but the music suffered as a result. They succeeded with this approach to a certain extent on Operation: Mindcrime, but the band's musical limitations have always prevented them from moving beyond a classier version of Iron Maiden. [The 2003 reissue of Rage for Order included both 24-bit remastering and four bonus tracks.] ~ Robert Taylor, All Music Guide
Robert Taylor is dead wrong in his assessment of RfO. This album was the first in which QR first really experimented with different styles/tempos and lyrical content (def. not a "hair metal" cookie cutter album). While certainly an album of the 80s, both in content and delivery, it is nonetheless some of their finest work. In interviews 20 years on they have maintained that they are still very proud of this album. Many of the tracks still hold up today better than most later releases.
I would disagree. On this record, elements of the current Queensryche sound began to take shape. One could argue that there have been some stumbles since Chris DeGarmo's departure (Kelly Gray, anyone?). Mike Stone was an able replacement, but no one has quite succeeded DeGarmo. I'm eager to see what new guitarist Parker Lundgren brings to the table. That isn't showcased on the newest disc "American Soldier". Michael Wilton recorded all the guitar parts.
Now who knew Rage for order was going to be my personal prophesy? This album came out some time in 1985 or so. It was dubed one of the greatest Heavy Electronics ever made. Who Knew? As it turns out years later it is still a great album. Yet very close to my life which is never really that cool. Is everything programmed out there for Operation Mind Crime or what?
this is an excellent cd, far superior to some of the newer stuff, and a much more complete sound than Warning. If I had to rate them, Mindcrime first and Rage for Order second. And not a distant second either.
Seriously this guy is an idiot.
Rage For Order is far better than The Warning lyrically.
I can't even believe that slander was posted!
Does he think sales dictate musical quality!?
Tnis critic must work for Rolling Stone, the same group that has kept bands like Rush, Thin Lizzy, and Alice Cooper out of the Rock Hall of Fame ( Shame ! ) for years and years after they could be inducted !
Did this critic even listen to this album? Queensrÿche (Pandora should respect that umlaut!) did not lose their edge on this album nor did the pieces on this release even remotely resemble anything 'hair metal.' In fact, the songs on this album really stand out and are quite unique (create a 'Neue Regel' or 'Screaming in Digital' station and see how many songs pop up that actually sound like them).
Mindcrime was HUGE. 3 songs in the Top Ten before anything that heavy had made it in the US. IMHO Operation Mindcrime was one of the best metal albums EVER!
This critic is definitely wrong. Rage for Order is right up there with Operation Mindcrime in awesomeness. Saying "I Will Remember" is a Precursor to Silent Lucidity? Give me a break! I Will Remember is a thousand times better than the sellout sound of Silent Lucidity (S.L. is one of the few Ryche songs I don't like much. This album in fact may be better than Mindcrime in some ways...they experimented a ton!...it is still cutting edge stuff! EVERY Song is killer! this is a STRONG album. The musi
Did anyone else notice that the version of "walk in the shadows" that Pandora plays, and credits as being the version from "Rage for Order" is actualy the version that they play on "live evolution"? Just thought that was funny, i expected the album version and got something else entirely....pandora has alot of those slip ups....they need to step their pimp game up....
For ANYONE to say they lost their edge at all is preposterous, I hate critics,they think they're the voice for everyone. NOT! Queensryche has only ever grown and defined the edge. Also one of the ONLY bands that does not sound anything like someone else, they are unique and have even been influential for many musicians. And to say that they have "musical limitations" is just downright disrespectful. Wilton, DeGarmo=in every guitar mag, and not because they suck. And Tate? sheer talent.
I always dislike music critics. This was and still is my favorite 'Ryche album. Walk in the Shadows was the first video I ever saw of them, and I have loved and supported them ever since. I never miss the chance to see them live whenever they play within 3 hours of where I live.