Artist page · 05/07/2026
About
Over 20 million albums sold worldwide with 12 vinyl records on offer, including major releases like Empire and Operation Mindcrime.
Formed by guitarist Michael Wilton and friends in the early 1980s, Queensrÿche evolved from a band called The Mob to an internationally recognized name. Their name is a unique spelling inspired by the demo track "Queen of the Reich". Early successes included their 1983 EP released on independent 206 Records and a long-term deal with EMI America producing seven albums. Known for complex compositions and thematic albums, Queensrÿche achieved significant commercial success with 1988's Operation: Mindcrime and 1990's Empire, selling millions worldwide.
The band has a catalog spanning more than four decades, including influential albums like Promised Land (1994) and recent efforts like Digital Noise Alliance (2022).
Discography
Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.
Century Media · 2022
Sony Music Entertainment · 2019
Century Media Records · 2015
Century Media · 2013
Roadrunner Records · 2011
Rhino Records · 2009
Rhino Records · 2007
Rhino Records · 2007
Rhino Records · 2006
Sanctuary · 2004
Sanctuary · 2003
Sanctuary · 2001
Atlantic · 1999
EMI · 1997
EMI Records USA · 1994
EMI Records USA · 1991
EMI USA · 1990
EMI-Manhattan Records · 1988
EMI America · 1986
EMI America · 1984Playlist
The tracks that sum up Queensrÿche's career.
The essentials
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
Empire reached No. 7 on US charts and sold over 3 million copies, featuring the orchestral ballad "Silent Lucidity."
A concept album and critical success narrating a story of brainwashing and assassination, a milestone in progressive metal.
The latest studio album showcasing progressive touches with heavy metal influences, available in several vinyl editions including limited runs.
Go further
Artists who share part of Queensrÿche's musical DNA.
Collectors
The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.
For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.
Face B
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
"He wanted to do something else, feeling he had accomplished what he set out to do as a musician."— Scott Rockenfield on Chris DeGarmo's departure
Starting in 1981 in Bellevue, the band previously named The Mob changed to Queensrÿche after their demo "Queen of the Reich" to avoid controversial associations and added the umlaut 'ÿ' for distinction.
Released in 1990, Empire sold over 3 million copies in the US alone, hit number 7 on the charts, and included the hit ballad "Silent Lucidity", featuring an orchestral arrangement uncommon in metal at the time.
The Building Empires tour supporting Empire lasted 18 months, the longest for the band, where they played full sets of Operation: Mindcrime and Empire, followed by the release of the live album Operation: Livecrime recorded in May 1991.
Following internal tensions and legal disputes starting in 2012, Geoff Tate was replaced by Todd La Torre, with whom Queensrÿche recorded Condition Hüman (2015), a return to progressive and heavy roots.
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Guitarist Michael Wilton founded the band in 1981 in Bellevue, Washington, initially under the name The Mob before becoming Queensrÿche.
The band is known for progressive heavy metal, blending traditional heavy metal with progressive rock elements.
Essential records include Empire (1990), Operation Mindcrime (1988), and Digital Noise Alliance (2022), available in various vinyl formats and pressings.
Operation: Mindcrime is a concept album telling a story of brainwashing and assassination, often cited as a landmark in progressive metal history.
Europe hosts original pressings of albums like Digital Noise Alliance (2022) on Century Media, identifiable by catalog numbers such as 19658725971.
After Geoff Tate's departure in 2012, Todd La Torre became the lead vocalist, leading to renewed creative output including the album Condition Hüman.
Yes, some albums like The Verdict (2019) and Digital Noise Alliance (2022) have limited edition vinyl versions with distinct catalog numbers and packaging.
Originating near Seattle, Queensrÿche became a key progressive metal band from the area, influencing the larger rock and metal communities there.
Transparency
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
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