Todd La Torre, Queensrÿche’s lead singer, has addressed recent criticisms on X (formerly Twitter) about his comments regarding the band’s musical direction.
“When people ask in an interview what is a contribution I have brought to the band, I answer honestly,” La Torre stated. “Then some call me an a**hole lol. Maybe you didn’t hear… I don’t shine shoes anymore.”
La Torre shared his perspective on the band’s evolution in a recent interview with iRockCL. “I think that the band kind of got its sound back, more of the roots, the heavier kind of sound that Queensryche was known for early on,” he said. “There was a long period of time where the music got more adult contemporary and less hard rock and heavy metal and progressive and all of the different elements that Queensrÿche was kind of known for.”
“I think me being in the band — I mean, it could have been any other singer — has allowed these guys to completely write whatever they wanna write,” he added. “This happened because their heavier material was no longer being turned down.”
These recent comments highlight La Torre’s ongoing influence on the band’s musical direction since 2012.
Blabbermouth revealed La Torre’s role in preserving the band’s signature sound. He achieved this by performing songs in their original standard tunings, which contributed significantly to their musical resurgence.
The band’s evolution became evident in their 2022 album ‘Digital Noise Alliance.’ The Aquarian noted the album’s return to their classic sound. The record featured guitar harmonies reminiscent of their 1980s and 1990s work. La Torre credited the use of vintage equipment for achieving their desired warm sound.
Blabbermouth reported that Queensrÿche is developing demos for their next album under Century Media and Sony. La Torre has expressed interest in new sonic elements. He wants to incorporate more clean guitar and diverse percussion while maintaining the band’s historical sound.
The band has experienced significant changes over the years. Original drummer Scott Rockenfield departed in 2017. A lawsuit followed in 2021 but was later settled out of court. Despite these challenges, La Torre emphasized the strong chemistry within the current lineup both on and off stage.
