Platinum Awarded Engineer Reacts to Queensrÿche - "Empire"

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  • Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
  • Dennis Ward is tutor at HOFA-College, the online academy for audio engineering & music production || hofa-college.com
    Song: "Empire" by Queensrÿche
    • Queensryche - Empire (...

КОМЕНТАРІ • 911

  • @jontiffinphoto
    @jontiffinphoto 3 роки тому +41

    Heartbroken this original lineup are no longer. Ridiculously talented group of fellas!

    • @haywoodyoudome
      @haywoodyoudome 3 роки тому +5

      They weren't the same when DeGarmo left. That was the end of them.

    • @gordonmccracken1209
      @gordonmccracken1209 Рік тому +3

      Digital Noise Alliance album released this year is impressive definitely give it a listen.

    • @Djfmdotcom
      @Djfmdotcom Рік тому

      @@gordonmccracken1209 I was going to say Digital Noise Alliance is the first Queensryche album I've bought in *years,* and it's great. They definitely went back to some of their previous production techniques, and the new vocalist Todd LaTorre - while not Geoff Tate - has a great range and is solid live.

  • @elimontoya2173
    @elimontoya2173 5 років тому +16

    DeGarmo one of my faves of all time in heavy music. So friggin underrated. Amazing guitar, vocals, songwriting, and production. Hope he's happy and healthy...

  • @Qyngali
    @Qyngali 5 років тому +290

    This was no mere reaction video! No, you analyzed it and explained why and how they did the different things in the song. Excellent, probably the most interesting video I've watched on YT in quite a while.

    • @SUET1967
      @SUET1967 5 років тому +6

      The way reaction videos should be.

    • @alexojeda9048
      @alexojeda9048 5 років тому +5

      But that's the thing. It's not a reaction video 'cause he's heard the song before. It's an analysis video showing us the tricks of the trade. A completely different beast in my opinion.

    • @andrewc0128
      @andrewc0128 5 років тому +1

      Thanks for the warning. I want to see reaction videos, not analyzations :)

    • @BetonBenni
      @BetonBenni 5 років тому +5

      @@alexojeda9048 I would bet that most of those reaction video guys have watched the stuff before they made the video anyway...

    • @tkalbfeld1
      @tkalbfeld1 2 роки тому

      I'm really liking this engineer's videos!

  • @goncalobaia1574
    @goncalobaia1574 5 років тому +162

    When I read "engineer" "reacts" and "queensryche" i knew immediatelly the snare was gonna be talked about
    Seriously these guys were the shit

    • @nathangillmore5064
      @nathangillmore5064 5 років тому +4

      gonçalo Baia Same! I knew it and sure enough. Amazing work.

    • @DennisWardsTrakShak
      @DennisWardsTrakShak 5 років тому +2

      Gotta luv that snare :)

    • @Fakename70
      @Fakename70 5 років тому +2

      gonçalo Baia
      There was a local Seattle music paper in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s named The Rocket that did an interview and profile on the band during the recording of either Empire or Promised Land (can’t recall which) that took place whilst Rockenfield was laying down his tracks playing in an aeroplane hangar.

    • @Assimilator702
      @Assimilator702 5 років тому +1

      Fakename70 Any mention if he used the Tama Bell Brass snare?

    • @Fakename70
      @Fakename70 5 років тому +1

      Joe Rico
      It was so long ago and doubt that a detail such as that would’ve been included. Maybe a Google search will turn up an online archive? I’ve never bothered to find out.

  • @rcrighter4319
    @rcrighter4319 3 роки тому +14

    Over 30 years later, I still think it's the best sounding album ever recorded and you said why repeatedly. EVERYTHING is there and audible and NOTHING is stepping on anything else and it's incredible how much space is needed for that to be true on THIS record. I love that YOU actually throw your arms a couple of times in amazement at what they created. I have said since I first bought this album within days of it being released that I couldn't imagine any record ever sounding better. Truly an engineering wonder!
    ... Though, one of the many remaster editions of 'Dark Side of the Moon' comes close in sound quality.

  • @MsCathy42
    @MsCathy42 5 років тому +132

    I had that in CD and played until it wouldn't play anymore. Love Queensryche and I am 62 yrs old.

    • @elimontoya2173
      @elimontoya2173 5 років тому +1

      Keep rockin, man!

    • @ibelieveicansoar
      @ibelieveicansoar 5 років тому +3

      I bought it on cassette at age 15 in mid-1992 mainly due to this song. The album was a great soundtrack to that particularly rainy New Orleans summer, especially since I had just gotten my driver's license. I could tell the album sounded different (more "3-D") than others I was into, but couldn't pinpoint why. Skid Row's Slave To The Grind, RHCP's Mother's 🍼, and Metallica's Ride The ⛈ were the only albums I listened to more that summer. Played in a 🏈 game against Peyton Manning that fall. Those were intense but fun days.

    • @czito
      @czito 4 роки тому

      So did my father:)

    • @stephenfiore9960
      @stephenfiore9960 4 роки тому +1

      ....CD’s where supposedly supposed to last forever if treated well....mine always ended up with tons of scratches

    • @karentroupe3523
      @karentroupe3523 4 роки тому +1

      Bless you

  • @jimmyvanzeno
    @jimmyvanzeno 3 роки тому +13

    YES! THAT SNARE! The snare on Mindcrime and Empire is the best snare sound I’ve ever heard. It’s perfect. Ive always wanted to know exactly how they got it but I also love that it’s a mystery that may never be revealed!

  • @carlgibbons5777
    @carlgibbons5777 5 років тому +154

    Scott Rockenfield one of most underrated drummers of all time. Nicko McBrain of Maiden once listed this record as drumming he listens to for inspiration. Rockenfield heavily influenced by Peart.

    • @johannjensson6190
      @johannjensson6190 5 років тому +14

      Wow, Rockenfield is one of my favorite drummers. I never heard anyone beside myself praise him, so kudos to you, brother! :)

    • @christschinwon
      @christschinwon 5 років тому +3

      @@johannjensson6190 I love Scott! His creativity is something else especially on this album. I remember learning the instrumental section in Della Brown & realized that it wasn't complex, just amazingly neat & so inventive. His fills on Jet City Woman too, simple but so perfectly placed. As for Mindcrime, everything he did was golden although I never digged that kind of snare sound!

    • @goncalobaia1574
      @goncalobaia1574 4 роки тому +3

      The tightest drummer I've heard, or at least top three, not many sound like this

    • @LanningKann
      @LanningKann 4 роки тому +2

      The best drummer in the room that day was the engineer lol. Scott is awesome no doubt, but he didn’t make it sound like that.

    • @qwert4560
      @qwert4560 4 роки тому +1

      Anybody is a heavenly influenced by Peart!

  • @johnnymoraes23
    @johnnymoraes23 3 роки тому +14

    Classic Queensryche rules. And the band was just "THE BAND" when they had Chris De Garmo with them. He's very missed by the heavy metal community.

  • @lifesabeach2597
    @lifesabeach2597 5 років тому +403

    Good album, but to me Queensryche will always be about Mindcrime

    • @Soulshit
      @Soulshit 5 років тому +14

      Mindcrime great record but I prefer the Warning that album is the sound that I love from Queensryche

    • @technewsfortechnoobs
      @technewsfortechnoobs 5 років тому +13

      What's interesting is that even according to Geoff Tate (d-bag that he is now), Mindcrime was a failure that only became successful BECAUSE of Empire.
      I totally disagree....I actually think Mindcrime was a much better written album than Empire. Don't get me wrong, there's some great songs on Empire, but most of them got overshadowed by Silent Lucidity.

    • @davidfreeman6798
      @davidfreeman6798 5 років тому +17

      Empire was their last good album ...

    • @DomSimpsonDrums
      @DomSimpsonDrums 5 років тому +3

      I 100& percent agree with you @lifesabeach but really interesting to see other peoples opinions in reply on your comment.

    • @DomSimpsonDrums
      @DomSimpsonDrums 5 років тому +9

      @@technewsfortechnoobs Whatever you think of Geoff Tate you can't deny how fucking amazing he was/is as a vocalist & performer. Plus, all we hear is second hand info so who knows how he is as a dude really. Everyone acts in ways that would make them look like a D-bag if thats all that you knew of them.

  • @bufferzone3247
    @bufferzone3247 5 років тому +51

    Yes. For me Empire is the Queensryche crowning jewel. One of few albums where I LOVE every song.

    • @theaterdreamer
      @theaterdreamer 5 років тому +2

      Yup! Il love every single song, too. Resistance and One and Only just kick ass, and Hand on Heart is a slower burner. Their “non hits” on Empire would be the best tracks on most other great rock albums.
      But for me Empire and Best I Can just knock me on my ass. The first time I heard Best I Can, I just lost it.

  • @othrerir_jussi
    @othrerir_jussi 5 років тому +67

    Definitely preferring this type of "reaction" video. Very educational. Also, Dennis rules.

    • @kentmains7763
      @kentmains7763 5 років тому +2

      If you like this check out Rick Beato's channel.

    • @DennisWardsTrakShak
      @DennisWardsTrakShak 5 років тому +3

      (blushing) :)

    • @needahandle
      @needahandle 2 роки тому +1

      Right, compared to all the "cutesy", ego based "look at me" ones by guy randoms, really who cares. I always click not interested when I get AI'd those

  • @apogeedata
    @apogeedata 3 роки тому +20

    “You can walk through the sound” is a brilliant analogy

    • @rick3747
      @rick3747 3 роки тому

      Spot on!
      My fav sonic sounding disc ever.....even better to me than Toto "The Seventh One", Pink Floyd DSOTM or Van Halen "1984."

    • @wordragon
      @wordragon 11 днів тому

      But my man says, "There were no digital effects or DAWs back then..." Then, proceeds to use a DAW and digital effects to recreate the sound of the snare drum. I get he is trying to replicate the physical in digital, but most people have no idea of that connection. Maybe, this isn't for the normie, but weird he wouldn't actually show that process in a comprehensive way if he was gonna go down that road.

  • @dagoelius
    @dagoelius 5 років тому +33

    Great pick Dennis. Empire is a masterclass in songwriting, musicianship and production skills.

  • @djjazzyjeff1232
    @djjazzyjeff1232 5 років тому +145

    Queensryche is a seriously underrated band.

    • @justaway6686
      @justaway6686 4 роки тому +7

      No they aren't. They are highly successful and influential band...

    • @jamesha175
      @jamesha175 4 роки тому +15

      the word "underrated" is overrated, overused & actually inappropriate in this case.

    • @SJ-ty5rw
      @SJ-ty5rw 4 роки тому +13

      They are indeed underrated ! just compare Tate as a singer to an Axl Rose . No question who is more talented . Yet bands like GNR or Bon Jovi are far more popular .

    • @jamiealder-martin9994
      @jamiealder-martin9994 4 роки тому

      MVia glad I’m not the only one that hates that song not even the best ballad on the empire album

    • @SJ-ty5rw
      @SJ-ty5rw 4 роки тому

      @Fangalatic Just what i said

  • @bleedinggreengold5646
    @bleedinggreengold5646 5 років тому +26

    Wasn't Queensryche something truly special in their day... I still listen to this stuff daily, in the car, at home in the headphones... still get chills over and again. Special music, a special time, it will NEVER be that good again for me. The kicker, they sounded as good live as any band I ever heard. Nice breakdown of the sound. I'm not a professional sound guy but was a vocalist in a metal band and I can hear every detail you mention. Do the song "Speak" off of Mindcrime. Also I thought Promised Land had some impressive sounds as well... while a very melancholy feeling record, the mix I always felt captured the 'feel' very well... LOVE Queensryche.

    • @billykelly1013
      @billykelly1013 5 років тому

      Steven M. I’ve got part of Promised Land as a tattoo. Absolutely brilliant band. Unfortunately with most bands,egos start to get in the way. Once Chris left, the band lost its sense of direction.

    • @bleedinggreengold5646
      @bleedinggreengold5646 5 років тому

      @@billykelly1013 Agreed, Chris DeGarmo and Geoff Tate were the driving writing force behind Queensryches most brilliant stuff and they quit being Queensryche when Chris left. After seeing the Mindcrime show in 40,000 seat arenas, it was painful to watch what was left of the band in a small hall back in 2011. Geoff Tates fall from grace was epic in its totality. I would love to see your tat, Promised Land got me through a very specific time in my life and I go right back there everytime I listen to it. An underrated record for sure.

    • @billykelly1013
      @billykelly1013 5 років тому

      Steven M. It’s just the head piece of the totem pole. Tattoo guy tried to get me to do the whole thing. Sometimes wish I did.
      I saw them twice. Outdoor was good, but the place has had sound issues since it opened 30 years ago. Small indoor was insane. Mindcrime start to finish
      Unfortunately they followed the pattern of so many bands. Lots of hard work, amazing collaboration, then one member feels more powerful.

    • @bleedinggreengold5646
      @bleedinggreengold5646 5 років тому +1

      @@billykelly1013 Yeah, the "tri-ryche" they call that, very cool. Saw like an 18yr old kid working in a gas station wearing a necklace with a cool, detailed, silver tri-ryche medallion on it... I asked the kid "do you know the significance of that?" he said "no idea, my grandma bought it for me in Hawaii." I offered him $50 for it and he declined, bummer, I had never seen anything like it. When I told him it was a Queensryche emblem, and showed him a cd case he was like "eh?" No idea. You or I should have that as we would appreciate the rarity. Guess he loves his grandma alot and that's cool. Anyway, interesting little antidote. Rock on man!

    • @Thegoatpervertor
      @Thegoatpervertor 5 років тому

      "Speak" is more than a mere song, it's a living thing my man

  • @gooney0
    @gooney0 5 років тому +64

    The bass tone is unreal.

    • @richarddial6403
      @richarddial6403 5 років тому +4

      But yet he didn't even bother to say a single word about it...

    • @dagoelius
      @dagoelius 5 років тому +10

      Definitely. The track Della Brown truly highlights it.

    • @M2Mil7er
      @M2Mil7er 5 років тому +4

      I clicked on this video because of the remarkable bass tone. Shame it's not covered here...

    • @stretchopotomus2385
      @stretchopotomus2385 5 років тому +6

      @@dagoelius One of my favorite songs. I always love Eddie's bass and the way it sits in the mix!

    • @stretchopotomus2385
      @stretchopotomus2385 5 років тому +1

      @@dagoelius although the best thing about it, IMO, is the writing.

  • @richarddoyle3420
    @richarddoyle3420 4 роки тому +3

    Production gets no respect. Great job pointing this out.

  • @adambrown8867
    @adambrown8867 5 років тому +49

    Rage For Order is my favorite Queensryche album. I've got it on vinyl actually as well as CD as well as down load on Amazon & iTunes.

    • @s.l.s.l.1405
      @s.l.s.l.1405 5 років тому +1

      Yeahh- rage for order -and- warning

    • @scottopiela7283
      @scottopiela7283 5 років тому

      adam brown with or without the “blue ring”?

    • @jasonpresti2501
      @jasonpresti2501 5 років тому +6

      Such an underrated album.

    • @adambrown8867
      @adambrown8867 5 років тому +3

      @@jasonpresti2501 Their best at their best imo.

    • @brettkeepin808
      @brettkeepin808 5 років тому +4

      Rage is my all time QR album, saw them supporting Bon Jovi in 87 in London doing the Rage and warning stuff, hated jovi we only went for Queensryche 😂

  • @fearthechin
    @fearthechin 5 років тому +55

    Very interesting! No mention of Eddie Jackson's bass tone???

    • @AleksP1987
      @AleksP1987 5 років тому +5

      I'll tell you a big secret: nobody gives a damn about bass players.

    • @hellsunicorn
      @hellsunicorn 5 років тому +7

      Nort Yakim Apparently you haven’t met many Iron Maiden or Manowar fans, or Primus fans for that matter.

    • @Progbassist
      @Progbassist 5 років тому +22

      @@AleksP1987 Here's another secret: All your favorite bands would sound like shit without bass players.

    • @AleksP1987
      @AleksP1987 5 років тому +3

      ​@@hellsunicorn But other bass players from the rest of the rock/metal bands are staying in the shadow. Bands like Iron Maiden, Manowar, Primus, RHCP are taking only tiny part of the whole rock scene where bass player is appreciated, the rest of bass players (from another 99,99% of rock bands) are not interested to the audience. I myself is a professional bass guitarist , I have played with many pop/jazz/rock performers and I know what Im talking about. When you are nailing the whole show, grooving like no tomorrow all the time - people don't give ship about that , but when cripple guitar or saxophone player plays one lame solo in a whole show and after it people are shaking his hand - it's unfair.

    • @andystokes8702
      @andystokes8702 5 років тому +8

      I've played in a few bands and they are basically all the same.
      You have a singer who thinks the entire universe revolves around them, all other band members are there merely to support what he is doing.
      You have a guitarist who for some unfathomable reason believes that he needs to be twice as loud as everybody else. He thinks that if he can play 375 notes where 26 would do that is amazing; what he doesn't realise is that nobody apart from other guitarists give a flying fig about how fast he can play.
      Then you have the drummer, undoubtedly the most hard working member of the band physically if nothing else and you have a bass player who generally stands at the back and together with the drummer hold the whole thing together. The drummer and the bass player just sit back doing their thing whilst thinking, OK, let the singer and the guitarist battle it out between them as to who is the most important, we'll just carry on in the certain knowledge that without us both of you would die.

  • @mitchettie1581
    @mitchettie1581 5 років тому +12

    Great album start to finish.
    Probably in my top 10 favs.
    Good analysis man A+

  • @itkojecockot
    @itkojecockot 5 років тому +33

    everything from "Queensryche EP" to "Promised Land" had genius production...... early Ryche was known for their brilliant production...... in combination with such phenomenal songwriting, it was just MAGIC

    • @masonb9788
      @masonb9788 5 років тому +4

      itkojecockot actually the band hates the production of The Warning. It was done by a producer that had no idea of what they should sound like. I’ve gotten used to it over the years but I’ve always wished they’d remix it.

    • @kwantoon
      @kwantoon 5 років тому

      Absolutely right. Even in my youth when I knew nothing I knew they were something very special. Operation Mindcrime was my first taste of Queensryche and I've been a huge fan ever since.

    • @itkojecockot
      @itkojecockot 5 років тому +3

      @@masonb9788 well yes, the mixing is kinda "dull", but the sound of the record in general is still pretty good, considering the fact it came out back in early 80's when most metal bands were still using production from 70's.... "The Warning" aleardy had that modern 80's production which sounded much cleaner and heavier...... if it had better mixing as you mentioned, it would sound amazing for a record from '84

    • @itkojecockot
      @itkojecockot 5 років тому +2

      @@kwantoon yeah, "Mindcrime" will always be their monolith and it is also probably the best metal record of that particular year, which says a lot..... but all those classic records are very close after Mindcrime..... no matter how many times you hear "Warning", "Rage" or even "Empire", they can never get old with all those progressive nuances written all over them...... plus vocals and lyrics were also top-notch

    • @hermanhelmich
      @hermanhelmich 5 років тому

      itkojecockot First album sounds completely outdated

  • @klowe498
    @klowe498 3 роки тому +6

    WOW! It’s always interesting to hear the ”real fans” explain the greatness of Queensryche...

  • @86AW11
    @86AW11 5 років тому +24

    No idea what this guy is talking about, but a pleasure to try an and comprehend.

    • @kisstagals
      @kisstagals 5 років тому +1

      Coz you and I are not audio engineer.

  • @wyattsexton7083
    @wyattsexton7083 5 років тому +21

    Why do many of the music today prefer weak drum sound/production? The drums of today mostly sounds like they're hitting cardboard boxes in a garage. The only drums that still sound heavy are like metal bands etc.

    • @DennisWardsTrakShak
      @DennisWardsTrakShak 5 років тому

      It might be because so many artists program using, say for example, Superior Drums and since they've had success with it the mass just lines up to follow.

    • @DennisWardsTrakShak
      @DennisWardsTrakShak 5 років тому

      @ Yes, I understand. The best way to do this is to simply be well prepared before entering the studio.

    • @sparkynm156
      @sparkynm156 4 роки тому +1

      It's called "Force Fed Music" . It can NOT make you think, believe in yourself, inspire educational pursuits, discuss politics in a way that reveals the truth and drops the veil, unifies people globally, etc..
      They want to push music to dumb you down and get you hating and shooting people or totally focused on being a victim, worrying about what others think of you, or just trying to get you focused on look pretty and get laid alot because that means your liked..
      Mock it all you want.. I should rewrite it but I'm listening to Pavarotti at the gas station and while I'm just killing time here, atleast four cars pulled in throwing bass hard enough to rattle my car while repeatedly saying the n word , talking about cappin da punk or in da club wit da bub ... or one just kept saying uh huh yeah yeah uh huhu uhuhhu yeah yeah .. with the same boom boom boomboom boom boom boomboom.. Just the same as 20 years ago..
      Oh then there was something that sounded like insane circus music..
      While I'm listening to Pavarotti, Iron Maiden When the Wild Wind Blows (Live), Queensryche Roads to Madness, Nevermore Insignificant and The Lotus Eaters , now this video..
      I'm gonna stop now.. I'm gonna enjoy myself... Hah!
      Damn , This is Soooo BaddAss !

    • @gr8guitarplayer
      @gr8guitarplayer 4 роки тому +1

      Oh dude! Muse's drums sound amAZing.

    • @ahiwalter9153
      @ahiwalter9153 4 роки тому +2

      most production people I’ve hung out with (around 30 years of age) have no experience recording a real kit or haven’t in years! mixing & recording drums is truly a difficult skill & takes a concerted effort & most studios don’t have the time or money when you can build a sample in like half an hour that frankly is “good enough” & it is till you heard the real deal. Sadly it’s not just in pop music all genres of music production have gone this route of the path of least resistance & time saving cost saving

  • @AxeRocker88
    @AxeRocker88 5 років тому +7

    Hey all,
    Dennis Ward isn't just a world class engineer. He's selling himself way short. Bassist for the mighty PC69 (and other projects), lead singer of the last three Khymera discs, etc. He's, simply, one of the best musicians in the last few decades. I LOVED this breakdown.
    Well done, sir.

  • @athlonen
    @athlonen 5 років тому +32

    Holy crap, this is some good stuff!! I'd love to see how you'd react and analyze Rocket and Gods of War from Def Leppard!

    • @JoePacheco
      @JoePacheco 5 років тому +1

      Those are 2 great songs from Hysteria.

    • @vinegarpisser2992
      @vinegarpisser2992 5 років тому

      Women

    • @enlightenedwarrior7119
      @enlightenedwarrior7119 4 роки тому

      Def Leppard lol they suk bad

    • @athlonen
      @athlonen 4 роки тому +3

      METAL HEAD spoken like someone who not only doesn’t know about the production that went into that album, but their 12 million records sold of that album and their RRHoF induction shuts up your opinion. They have the results; you have nothing.

  • @OptimusSatanas
    @OptimusSatanas 5 років тому +15

    Dude! This video has way more hits than any other video you guys have put out. Do more queensryche reactions.

  • @TomasTicciati
    @TomasTicciati 5 років тому +29

    more professional reaction video like this, less hip-hop first metal reaction!! great video

    • @Module79L
      @Module79L 5 років тому +3

      I agree but unfortunately those types of reaction channels are what the internet zombies like. Just look at their subs' numbers and the subs channels like this one have. : (

    • @TomasTicciati
      @TomasTicciati 5 років тому +3

      @@Module79L sad but true...

    • @robertwirkus
      @robertwirkus 5 років тому +1

      Agreed

  • @AJDOLDCHANNELARCHIVE
    @AJDOLDCHANNELARCHIVE 5 років тому +20

    Operation Mindcrime with this level of production would be amazing.

    • @BOKOLIS76
      @BOKOLIS76 5 років тому +1

      AJD OLD CHANNEL ARCHIVE not just amazing....which it is,but with this production....WOW!!

  • @screamingindigital1980
    @screamingindigital1980 5 років тому +7

    Can you PLEASE do a review of how Queensryche used background voices of people talking like the ones they used for anarchy x on operation mindcrime speed of light from operation mindcrime 2 or the song promised land .Is there a way to actually scale it down to hear what the words they are saying ?

  • @Squeeze_Cheez
    @Squeeze_Cheez 3 роки тому +5

    Great breakdown. I was just listening to Mindcrime today and Eyes of a Stranger has one of the coolest and most dramatic outros I’ve ever heard.

    • @hofa_en
      @hofa_en  3 роки тому

      That's great! Thanks for your feedback!
      Best wishes from Karlsdorf, Germany

  • @Neonbob
    @Neonbob 5 років тому +17

    Nice choice.But Operation Mindcrime is a Masterpiece.

  • @Bigstrat2
    @Bigstrat2 5 років тому +5

    and to add.. Peter Collins + Rush = Power Windows.. WOW.... !!!!!!

  • @Solitude54
    @Solitude54 5 років тому +23

    Well, I love the bass! 🎸

  • @palerider364
    @palerider364 5 років тому +71

    I would love to hear your analysis of songs on Rage for Order like "Neue Regal" and "Screaming in Digital."

    • @ch3nz3n
      @ch3nz3n 5 років тому +10

      Good lord... just reading those song titles threw me back to '87. I loved that album!

    • @theophany1770
      @theophany1770 5 років тому +4

      Pale Rider Masterpiece!

    • @davidruland5519
      @davidruland5519 5 років тому +5

      The Whisper !!!

    • @dapperdanman1956
      @dapperdanman1956 5 років тому +2

      True all that!

    • @jeffdemarcus2434
      @jeffdemarcus2434 5 років тому +4

      I agree. I saw the Rage tour in 1986...

  • @vincej9352
    @vincej9352 5 років тому +26

    Wow, thats is a reaction!! Very educational. Can you do Alice in Chains.

    • @jerseyjoe1677
      @jerseyjoe1677 5 років тому +1

      Vince J That’s not a reaction! It’s a review of a song he’s heard a million times! A true reaction video is when you watch someone react to something they never heard or saw ! It’s still good, very good. But it’s a review

    • @DennisWardsTrakShak
      @DennisWardsTrakShak 5 років тому +2

      Thanks, and I'll put AIC on my list!

    • @pjs777s.8
      @pjs777s.8 4 роки тому

      Just watch Dave Jerden’s breakdown of his recording Dirt. Incredible.

  • @justincase2271
    @justincase2271 5 років тому +26

    Not only the snare sound is exceptional. Listen to that bass drum, man.

    • @charlielemmel311
      @charlielemmel311 5 років тому +1

      get that hair off of my screen damn it :)

    • @nafu6328
      @nafu6328 5 років тому +1

      right , real sound and one take things

  • @jpizzleforizzle
    @jpizzleforizzle 5 років тому +6

    One of my favorite albums engineering-wise. I listen through it at least once a month.

  • @40deluxe
    @40deluxe 4 роки тому +6

    One of the break away bands that brought the huge room sound with incredible talent to push it- "Silent Lucidity" stands out as one of the most heartfelt productions of all time- thank you !

  • @anakina1
    @anakina1 5 років тому +8

    Great analysis video, not a reaction one. Very educational and enjoyed the breakdown, but not a first timer reaction. I would title it differently, but will watch others from you.

  • @reecelujan5911
    @reecelujan5911 5 років тому +47

    The snare drum sound on this album is perfect

    • @stevej.1428
      @stevej.1428 5 років тому +12

      Scott always had a great snare sound. Top 5 easily. He's like the anti-Lars. lol

    • @reecelujan5911
      @reecelujan5911 5 років тому +4

      @@stevej.1428 The pop they achieved on Empire and Tommy Lee's snare on Dr Feelgood I think are the two best ever

    • @prs149
      @prs149 5 років тому +2

      @@stevej.1428 I'm not a drummer but I've always respected Scott's work

    • @DannyGadish
      @DannyGadish 5 років тому +1

      @@reecelujan5911 uhh dudes. listen to the black album. produced by bob rock, same guy who produced feelgood.

    • @elimontoya2173
      @elimontoya2173 5 років тому +1

      SSL compression. Fantastic on drums.

  • @michaeldover
    @michaeldover 5 років тому +43

    I really wish that Mindcrime was musically produced with the rich-sounding quality that Empire was. It would sound much more amazing.

    • @DannyGadish
      @DannyGadish 5 років тому +6

      i like the production on Mindcrime and The Warning better actually

    • @tonykennedy8483
      @tonykennedy8483 5 років тому +13

      They deliberately had a slightly harsh production on Mindcrime, considering the topic of the songs.
      There's a few interviews I've read with Wilton and DeGarmo where they say that

    • @elimontoya2173
      @elimontoya2173 5 років тому +4

      I believe that Mindcrime was recorded on one of the first multitrack digital machines, the Sony 3324 or 3348. I read somewhere that the record execs were nervous about the medium, but loved the outcome. Cool machines at the time, but definitely lacked the analog "tape compression" sound. Ones and zeros have a tendency to be too exact, especially on digital tape. They did a fantastic job on an otherwise sterile sounding process.

  • @elijahsdad
    @elijahsdad 4 роки тому +2

    This video is great. I have no idea what Dennis is saying for 99% of it, but what a cool video! I love Queensryche's music. I am I!

  • @kalungarocker
    @kalungarocker 5 років тому +5

    I love the drum sound about this record.

  • @ryanmiller7867
    @ryanmiller7867 3 роки тому +5

    wow!!! i'm by no means an audio engineer, just a huge music fan and LOVE Queensryche...some of your talk was a little over my head but you summed everything up perfectly!! i've always said to people i thought this album was the best produced rock album for the time, like you said you can 'walk through it', i can hear every instrument crystal clear and man when i first heard the title track for the first time i was just blown away, the snare, the cymbols, the bass guitar and guitars so crisp clean and heavy it's a masterpiece of an album!!!!!!!!! What sucks imo is that today's rock and metal bands albums all sound the same, all bass and treble it's like the mid's dissappeared....i so love the rock albums of the 80's as they all sounded slightly different in terms of the production, now if you heard one Breaking Benjamin album you've heard them all...same guitar tone, same snare sound etc.......but thanks for the breakdown and sharing your point of view!!!!!! On a side note, Operation Mindcrime could be the polor opposit of Empire, it's one of my all-time favorite albums but i always wished the production was a little clearer/cleaner or closer to Empire, though i guess that's what gives an album it's unique sound. thanks again!!!!

    • @hofa_en
      @hofa_en  3 роки тому +1

      Hello Ryan,
      thanks for sharing your opinion - some true points here!
      Also very happy to hear you enjoyed the video. Stay tuned for more 🙂
      Best wishes from Karlsdorf, Germany

  • @white_wolf2112
    @white_wolf2112 5 років тому +8

    Very cool reaction!
    Actually, in 1988, Crimson Glory on their album "Transcendence" mixed drum sounds they sampled into a Synclavier, which were then triggered by the acoustic drums and the two mixed sounds is what appears on the album.
    And the cymbals were actually recorded separately from the drums also.

  • @Diggimman
    @Diggimman 4 роки тому +2

    the sound of "Empire" was so mind blowing when it came out, if you listen to it with headphones there is a 3D effect which allways I asked to my self "how the hell was it done" in those times. The sound came from up above or rear back, it is really amazing. Operation Mindcrime without a doubt was "The conceptual album" of the entire band history, but -at least for me- Empire was by far, the best produced sound of this amazing band. Thank you for the react video and your "how to's" at these days.

  • @ConspireToConspire
    @ConspireToConspire 5 років тому +7

    This has rekindled my amazement at this band. Huge moment in the early 90s when this album came out. Most cohesive and solid album they ever made.

  • @tdk903
    @tdk903 5 років тому +7

    I am not a technical person but I have always been a Queensryche fan. This was a fascinating video....great stuff! Please do more!

  • @joshouseymusic3645
    @joshouseymusic3645 5 років тому +9

    This is the best reaction video ive ever seen!!the fact you actually showed the production techniques in a daw is super helpful!Also love your work with Gus Gs new album.

  • @jarnolehtinen2269
    @jarnolehtinen2269 2 роки тому +3

    This was great! Always loved this song and the production but never knew just how much genius and work has been put into it.

  • @robcalder1744
    @robcalder1744 3 роки тому +2

    Way too underrated as a band song writers musicians phenomenal band

  • @Unotch
    @Unotch 5 років тому +5

    Hey ... you kinda skipped over them practically single handedly inventing the base drop with that "EMPIRE" effect.

  • @dayglo98
    @dayglo98 5 років тому +7

    Talking about snares, my ultimate favorite snare sound is that first snare hit in Pink Floyd's 'On the Turning Away'.
    Great vid ! I subscribed

  • @vinnykster
    @vinnykster 5 років тому +5

    Great song pic! You can never go wrong with anything produced/engineered by the Peter Collins/Jimbo Barton team! They did RUSH Power Windows and Hold Your Fire ( 2 of my favorites ) which to me are immaculate sounding studio albums to the point that they were ahead of the times! I'd love to hear this guy talk about songs from those records.

  • @marcsorensen1184
    @marcsorensen1184 5 років тому +8

    That ending is similar to Eyes of a stranger which gets pretty intense.

  • @TheJDog2112
    @TheJDog2112 3 роки тому +3

    I am a huge fan of Scott Rockenfield (drummer), he created his own sound/tone/style that was very recognizable to me. To the point, I am also a huge fan of David Lanz and Paul Speer who coincidentally used Scott Rockenfield on a couple of tracks (you can't deny it is indeed Scott on these tracks, I knew the first time I heard them!). Check out Out Of The Shadows on David Lanz's channel and you will again here that insane snare.

  • @Neilbear5820
    @Neilbear5820 5 років тому +7

    Dennis Ward from Pink Cream 69 ?

  • @ledzep20
    @ledzep20 5 років тому +6

    That reverse vocal reverb thing was awesome!

  • @ItsLoriK
    @ItsLoriK 5 років тому +7

    How did you guys not lose your minds having to do all those steps back then? Thanks for showing all of this with one of my fav bands & singers still to this day. They've great songs on every album.

    • @sz5876
      @sz5876 5 років тому +2

      Metal chicks are awesome

    • @ItsLoriK
      @ItsLoriK 5 років тому +1

      @@sz5876 Back at ya!

  • @LotsaFails
    @LotsaFails 5 років тому +6

    Really interested to hear you analyze Boston. That album is legendary for its engineering- especially for the decade and its minimal tech

  • @arnieslab
    @arnieslab 5 років тому +6

    Finally a person that talks about vocal effects!

  • @GuitarWithDofka
    @GuitarWithDofka 5 років тому +7

    Empire, where the drums and vocals are TOO LOUD...just the way I like it!

  • @theburkett67
    @theburkett67 5 років тому +4

    I'm from Tacoma, Wa, and remember the Willie Mak "10 dead in China town" shootings, in Seattle.

  • @brettkeepin808
    @brettkeepin808 5 років тому +4

    Talkin snare drum, Scott knows his shit🤟🏻

  • @kelpbeds
    @kelpbeds 5 років тому +6

    My God this is interesting. So much information given here.

  • @SupertGTR
    @SupertGTR 5 років тому +4

    Empire was mixing in Lake Geneva WI, on a very large SSL 4000e console. He is correct on the snare being part sample and real snare. The sample was fed into the playback speakers in the main recording room, and recorded back onto the tape, capturing the ambience of the main room.

  • @metalpractor5150
    @metalpractor5150 5 років тому +4

    Awesome. Would Like to hear a breakdown of NM156

  • @oldtimer1294
    @oldtimer1294 3 роки тому +1

    Wow, that was great!!! Thanks for those explanations. I was always wondering how it was done...
    For me best 3 Queenstrýche albums are:
    Rage, Operation and this one, Empire...
    Maybe some more examples from those...

  • @CavemanJesus4Life
    @CavemanJesus4Life 5 років тому +14

    I loved the sound mixing of Empire, all the little noises within the songs made it sound interesting.
    Best I Can
    Walk the Thin Line
    Della Brown
    Another Rainy Night
    Anybody Listening
    Jet City Woman
    and Silent Lucidity
    I am just trying to imagine all the nuances they did with Michael Kamen, doing Silent Lucidity

  • @qxflyer
    @qxflyer 3 роки тому +1

    So, this guy is speaking intelligencia and I am ignoramia, but I loved this video. Probably because I love Queensryche.

  • @philouze1815
    @philouze1815 5 років тому +5

    Mr Dennis Ward !!! I met him in 2004 when he was touring with one of my favorite bands, Pink Cream 69. I've waited 15 years to see them and it was a great day. Dennis was beyond cool. 15 years later, I'm still a fan. Rock on, Dennis !!! Cheers from France !!

  • @kimchi2780
    @kimchi2780 3 роки тому +2

    DENNIS WARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dude I love your stuff with Sunstorm!

    • @hofa_en
      @hofa_en  3 роки тому

      Hello Kim,
      thanks a lot! Very happy to hear that! Be sure to stay tuned on this channel for more 🙂
      Best wishes from Karlsdorf, Germany

  • @schleusnerr
    @schleusnerr 5 років тому +5

    You opened up my mind with your thoughts and this will carry through with all my favorite music, thank you!

  • @Mike75W
    @Mike75W 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you. This helped me so much with a track I'm working on. Awesome.

    • @hofa_en
      @hofa_en  3 роки тому

      Hello Michael,
      thanks a lot! Very happy to hear that!
      Have fun with whatever you're working on 😉
      Best wishes from Karlsdorf, Germany

  • @MauricioDiMase
    @MauricioDiMase 5 років тому +4

    Loved your video. I like to hear and learn this type of information. I hope you can do reacts to songs from 70’s when things were done with no synths, pro tools etc...Purelly musicians playing their instruments and the enginneer doing his magic. Led, Floyd, Queen would be my first suggestions. Great job!!! Cheers from Brasil 🇧🇷

    • @DennisWardsTrakShak
      @DennisWardsTrakShak 5 років тому +1

      Yes, this is my intention. We'll see what the future brings!

  • @PatonMacD
    @PatonMacD 3 роки тому +1

    reversed pitch echo could have also been accomplished by slowly speeding up the tape speed while still reversed and ping ponging... so when tapes flipped it would be speeding up just as you hear. It was actually an exercise I had to learn in engineering school based on an old Beatles song... cant think offhand which... There was an acronym for it like....STEED? I think? @HOFA maybe you can shed light?

  • @davemarshallmusic
    @davemarshallmusic 5 років тому +4

    Reaction? This was taking us to school! An in depth analysis of one of the best engineered songs of its time. Reminded me a bit of the Rick Beato What Makes This Song Great series. Very well done, and very educational. While it may not appeal to everyone, this is a fantastic resource for music nerds! You mentioned with Cubase you can’t loop a group back into itself, can you not do that with rewire? Also, love the guitar solo work here, every note you can hear, not a mashed up distorted mess. Again, great analysis of a great song, thanks!

    • @DennisWardsTrakShak
      @DennisWardsTrakShak 5 років тому

      Hi, I have no idea if I can do this with Rewire. I've never had an interest to try :) Until making this video I've always had an alternative solution.

  • @kingtrance6826
    @kingtrance6826 5 років тому +1

    Rockenfield isn’t even in Queensryche anymore. He quit the band. It’s now down to two original members, Ed and Whip. Just not the same band. Even the production on new Ryche records isn’t nearly as good as on recordings like Empire, Mindcrime and Promised Land. Even American Soldier has some very good engineering on it. Interesting that James Barton was involved in Queensrÿche’s self titled release back in 2013 and the production and engineering on that recording was horrendous. They brick walled the shit out of it. How in the world did that slip past Jimbo?
    Very good video here! 👍

  • @GonzoAmerican
    @GonzoAmerican 5 років тому +8

    Dennis, your work on the Krokus album "Hellraiser" is amazing. Love it!

  • @cynsini9211
    @cynsini9211 3 роки тому +1

    I used the govt statistics on law enforcement vs military spending in a college paper, crediting this song and the band /album in my bibliography, and it counted... A. obviously huge fan of the band, fav band of all time, Operation: Mindcrime the best single album I've got (though Empire blew me away when I first heard that song).

  • @scazxr
    @scazxr 5 років тому +4

    And I just attributed the perennially awesome Queensryche drum sound to Scott's skill - which was a large part. Thanks for explaining how it most likely became so eargasmic.

  • @powermedal3578
    @powermedal3578 3 роки тому +2

    Empire is a Metal Masterpiece

  • @fooser77
    @fooser77 5 років тому +3

    Can you do Nevermore, Dead Heart in a Dead World when Andy Sneap entered the picture?

  • @PaulSpeerMusic
    @PaulSpeerMusic 5 років тому +1

    I enjoyed your analysis and breakdown of Scott's snare. Having collaborated with SRock on two albums, most of
    what you hear is his individual technique. That is what he sounds like and what sets him apart from other drummers. If you would like to hear Scott's drums with no compression and minimal sauce, check out our album Hells Canyon.

    • @gerrykay1482
      @gerrykay1482 5 років тому +1

      You sent me signed copies of Hells Canyon!! Bloody fantastic album for so many reasons !!

    • @PaulSpeerMusic
      @PaulSpeerMusic 5 років тому

      @@gerrykay1482 Thanks, Gerry...much appreciated!

  • @EdBMetal
    @EdBMetal 5 років тому +4

    I already always loved this song and now appreciates it even more after watching your indepth analysis. Very educational. Thank you. Awesome!

  • @Lordestroyer
    @Lordestroyer 3 роки тому +2

    Would love you to do Rage for Order, track for track. There’s so much going on in that record. To think they did that bitd with no computers is amazing. Your thoughts?

    • @hofa_en
      @hofa_en  3 роки тому

      Hello,
      thanks for the suggestion! Not sure if we can do the whole album at once, but maybe one song 🙂 What's your favorite?
      Best wishes from Karlsdorf, Germany

    • @Lordestroyer
      @Lordestroyer 3 роки тому +3

      @@hofa_en Neue Regel is my favorite track.

  • @whackamole5893
    @whackamole5893 5 років тому +5

    Loved your breakdown and explination of the old way vs new daw approach... i grew up around stretched out reel tape and stands too! Awesome stuff!

  • @richardgivens9845
    @richardgivens9845 3 роки тому +1

    Not just a reaction video! Your explanation and how to on techniques is really interesting to watch and listen to, thank you!

  • @bloodysmurf
    @bloodysmurf 5 років тому +4

    Would love to hear thoughts on "Ayreon - Into the Electric Castle". The warmth of the sound and the way all the vocals and instruments sit together are just wonderful.

  • @mkii1964
    @mkii1964 3 роки тому +1

    Wow! One of my favorite albums and listened to it through new ears!!!

  • @conbotstudios
    @conbotstudios 5 років тому +4

    Do more of these! Awesome video. I would love to hear you break down something from Place Vendome (or another of your productions).

  • @RobKingRC
    @RobKingRC 5 років тому +4

    I remember hearing the crisp and tightness that album has, That's what got me into recording production..

  • @pensnut08
    @pensnut08 5 років тому +3

    Eddie Jackson's bass tone..... He is so underrated!! Snare.. Desert Plains by Priest

  • @drofonia
    @drofonia 5 років тому +5

    Great informative video Dennis! Good job! Please make more :)

  • @viniciuscavalcanti9217
    @viniciuscavalcanti9217 5 років тому +3

    Dennis, what about a new Unisonic album after Kiske has some spare time with Helloween? The two studio albums are amazing and we need more Unisonic songs!!! 😬

  • @RobsStang
    @RobsStang 5 років тому +1

    Really enjoyed this .... a break down like this for almost any song from Operation Mindcrime would be awesome .... I’d recommend “Eyes of a Stranger”

  • @paulwhite2533
    @paulwhite2533 5 років тому +8

    this video is brilliant