Redemption by Queensrÿche

Album: Queensrÿche (2013)

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This song about redeeming inner qualities and standing up to the man was the first song from Queensrÿche to be heard when it was premiered in February 2013 on Eddie Trunk Rocks.
Guitarist/songwriter Michael Wilton told Legendary Rock Interviews how the song was created: "I think that was the second song we approached on this new album and once Scott layed down the demo track of the drums it just flowed effortlessly," he said. "Through my eyes and my opinion, it's kind of like taking a song like 'Empire' with a hooky riff that kind of gets you to the chorus. That was kind of my map for 'Redemption.' I wanted a riff that was infectious, that kind of stays in your head for the verse and wanted to marry it with Scotty Rock on the drums and Eddie on bass. Then it was a matter of adding some Parker in there before having Todd bring the catchy chorus."
Founder member Geoff Tate left Queensrÿche in 2012, citing disagreements over merchandising. It's not a stretch to suggest this song finds the group airing their feelings about their former frontman's departure.
Todd La Torre explained to Metal Exiles how he approached the writing of Queensrÿche as a singer. "I live in Florida and they live in Seattle, so we were trading files of ideas, and as I added my parts, I would ask for opinions, and nine times out of ten it would be great," he explained. "Eddie worked closer with me when I recorded my vocals, but Michael had a lot of input on my vocal melodies, but nobody ever told me to rewrite a lyric. The majority of the lyrics are mine, with the exception of Parker writing the lyrics of 'Where Dreams Go To Die ' and Eddie wrote the lyrics for 'Fallout' as well as co-writing lyrics for 'In This Light' with myself."

"We started writing that way," La Torre continued, "but when we played shows, we would build on songs in the hotel room and I would also fly out for a few weeks to work on the material as well. It was a stress-free process. These guys were so gracious and accepting all ideas from everybody in the band and even going outside of their instrument."

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