Artist page · 05/07/2026

Queensrÿche

BellevueFormed in 1981Hard Rock / Heavy Metal8 vinyl albums
Queensrÿche is an American progressive heavy metal band formed in Bellevue, Washington in 1981. Pioneers of the genre, they blend traditional heavy metal with progressive rock elements.
Explore the discography The 3 must-haves
8Albums on Vinyles.com
1437Discogs releases
564kLast.fm listeners

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

Queensrÿche discography

Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.

Digital Noise AllianceCentury Media · 2022
2022
Digital Noise Alliance
CD, Album, Limited Edition
Studio
The VerdictSony Music Entertainment · 2019
2019
The Verdict
CD, Album
Studio
Condition HümanCentury Media Records · 2015
2015
Condition Hüman
CD, Album
Studio
QueensrÿcheCentury Media · 2013
2013
Queensrÿche
CD, Album
Studio
Dedicated To ChaosRoadrunner Records · 2011
2011
Dedicated To Chaos
CD, Album
Studio
American SoldierRhino Records · 2009
2009
American Soldier
CD, Album
Studio
Mindcrime At The Moore (Operation: Mindcrime Parts I & II Recorded Live In Their Entirety)Rhino Records · 2007
2007
Mindcrime At The Moore (Operation: Mindcrime Parts I & II Recorded Live In Their Entirety)
CD, Album
Live
Take CoverRhino Records · 2007
2007
Take Cover
CD, Album
Studio
Operation: Mindcrime IIRhino Records · 2006
2006
Operation: Mindcrime II
CD, Album
Studio
The Art Of LiveSanctuary · 2004
2004
The Art Of Live
CD, Album
Studio
TribeSanctuary · 2003
2003
Tribe
CD, Album
Studio
Live EvolutionSanctuary · 2001
2001
Live Evolution
CD, Album
Studio
Q2kAtlantic · 1999
1999
Q2k
CD, Album
Studio
Hear In The Now FrontierEMI · 1997
1997
Hear In The Now Frontier
CD, Album, Stereo
Studio
Promised LandEMI Records USA · 1994
1994
Promised Land
CD, Album, Stereo
Studio
Operation: LivecrimeEMI Records USA · 1991
1991
Operation: Livecrime
Box Set, CD, Album, VHS
Studio
EmpireEMI USA · 1990
1990
Empire
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Operation: MindcrimeEMI-Manhattan Records · 1988
1988
Operation: Mindcrime
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Rage For OrderEMI America · 1986
1986
Rage For Order
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
The WarningEMI America · 1984
1984
The Warning
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Studio album Live / EP

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up Queensrÿche's career.

01
Silent Lucidity
Silent Lucidity
Empire · 1990
02
Eyes of a Stranger
·
03
I Don't Believe in Love
·
04
Revolution Calling
·
05
Silent Lucidity - Remastered 2003
·
06
Speak
·
07
Anarchy-X
·
08
I Don't Believe in Love - remastered 2003
·

The essentials

The 3 Queensrÿche albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 1990
Vinyl LP, Album
Empire

Empire reached No. 7 on US charts and sold over 3 million copies, featuring the orchestral ballad "Silent Lucidity."

11 tracksHard Rock / Progressive RockMultiple vinyl pressingsReleased by EMI USA
Discover the album
#2 · 1988
Vinyl LP, Album, Stereo
Operation Mindcrime

A concept album and critical success narrating a story of brainwashing and assassination, a milestone in progressive metal.

12+ tracksConcept albumProduced by EMI-Manhattan Records
Discover the album
#3 · 2022
LP, Album
Digital Noise Alliance

The latest studio album showcasing progressive touches with heavy metal influences, available in several vinyl editions including limited runs.

13 tracksCentury Media labelMultiple vinyl versionsReleased in Europe
Discover the album

Go further

Artists similar to Queensrÿche

Artists who share part of Queensrÿche's musical DNA.

Fates Warning
Fates Warning
Savatage
Savatage
Dokken
Dokken
Crimson Glory
Geoff Tate
Tesla
Metal Church
Metal Church
Judas Priest
Judas Priest

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of Queensrÿche

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
01Origin

Formation as The Mob and name change to Queensrÿche

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.

1981Bellevue, Washington
02Album Success

The release and impact of Empire

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.

1990United States
03Tour

Building Empires tour and live recording

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.

1991United States
04Lineup

Geoff Tate's departure and lineup changes

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.

2012Seattle, Washington

Records by Queensrÿche

See all
Condition Human - Front Cover

Condition Human

Queensrÿche
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
BACK ON BLACK
View details
The Verdict - Front Cover

The Verdict

Queensrÿche
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
ALONE RECORDS
View details
The Verdict - Front Cover

The Verdict

Queensrÿche
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
ALONE RECORDS
View details
Queensrÿche - Front Cover

Queensrÿche

Queensrÿche
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
ALONE RECORDS
From $40.12 1 offer
Queensrÿche - Front Cover

Queensrÿche

Queensrÿche
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
ALONE RECORDS
From $29.90 1 offer
Empire - Front Cover Empire - Back Cover

Empire

Queensrÿche
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
UNIVERSAL MUSIC
From $36.65 1 offer
Condition Human - Front Cover

Condition Human

Queensrÿche
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
Dark Descent Records
View details
Digital Noise Alliance - Front Cover

Digital Noise Alliance

Queensrÿche
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
Century Media
From $30.56 1 offer
Operation Mindcrime - Front Cover

Operation Mindcrime

Queensrÿche
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
UNIVERSAL MUSIC
From $25.56 2 offers
Live At The Civic Center - San Jose, CA - 30th October 1983 - Front Cover

Live At The Civic Center - San Jose, CA - 30th October 1983

Queensrÿche
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
OK
View details
Promised Land - Front Cover

Promised Land

Queensrÿche
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
BACK ON BLACK
From $34.32 1 offer
Empire - Front Cover

Empire

Queensrÿche
Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Metal
BACK ON BLACK
From $37.29 1 offer

Recommended accessories

To protect, store and clean your records.

All accessories

FAQ

FAQ

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

Who founded Queensrÿche and when?

Guitarist Michael Wilton founded the band in 1981 in Bellevue, Washington, initially under the name The Mob before becoming Queensrÿche.

What genre does Queensrÿche's music belong to?

The band is known for progressive heavy metal, blending traditional heavy metal with progressive rock elements.

What are some essential Queensrÿche vinyl records to collect?

Essential records include Empire (1990), Operation Mindcrime (1988), and Digital Noise Alliance (2022), available in various vinyl formats and pressings.

What is the significance of the album Operation: Mindcrime?

Operation: Mindcrime is a concept album telling a story of brainwashing and assassination, often cited as a landmark in progressive metal history.

Where can I find original vinyl pressings of Queensrÿche albums in Europe?

Europe hosts original pressings of albums like Digital Noise Alliance (2022) on Century Media, identifiable by catalog numbers such as 19658725971.

How has the band's lineup changed over time?

After Geoff Tate's departure in 2012, Todd La Torre became the lead vocalist, leading to renewed creative output including the album Condition Hüman.

Are there limited edition vinyl releases by Queensrÿche?

Yes, some albums like The Verdict (2019) and Digital Noise Alliance (2022) have limited edition vinyl versions with distinct catalog numbers and packaging.

What is Queensrÿche's connection to Seattle's music scene?

Originating near Seattle, Queensrÿche became a key progressive metal band from the area, influencing the larger rock and metal communities there.

Transparency

Sources & method

This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

  • WP
    Wikipedia
    Encyclopaedic data and biography
    ↗
  • MB
    MusicBrainz
    Artist metadata, dates, type
    ↗
  • DG
    Discogs
    Discography, pressings and market prices
    ↗
  • LF
    Last.fm
    Listeners, plays, similar artists
    ↗
  • VC
    Vinyles.com
    In-house catalog, prices and availability
    ↗

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 05/07/2026