QUEENSRŸCHE und RIVERS OF NIHIL

In the organizer's words:

Queensrÿche burst onto the music scene in 1982 with the release of their self-titled 4-song EP "Queensrÿche". They quickly gained international recognition and played to sold-out crowds all over the world. With their first album "The Warning" in 1984 and the groundbreaking album "Rage For Order" in 1986, Queensrÿche cemented their worldwide dominance as one of the most respected and creative bands of the 80s. In 1988, the band released another monumental album, "Operation: Mindcrime", which became one of the ten best-selling concept albums of all time and set the stage for more sold-out concerts around the world. With the release of the critically acclaimed and commercially successful album "Empire" in 1991, the band received several Grammy nominations and won the MTV "Viewers Choice Award" for the number 1 hit "Silent Lucidity". Over the next ten years, the band released more albums and toured the world to sold-out crowds. Queensrÿche have sold over 30 million albums worldwide and continue to break new ground and push their creative process.

The band's name is mentioned in the same breath as many of the groups they regarded as role models and others who emerged as kindred spirits. Queensrÿche built a loyal fan base by touring the world with other rock greats such as Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses, Metallica, Judas Priest and Def Leppard. In recent years, they have consistently delivered top-class live shows, combining the unbridled energy of a new band with the laid-back experience of showmen masters. Even with eleven gold and platinum awards and several top 10 hard rock anthems inextricably linked to the genre, Queensrÿche are not slowing down. In fact, they are currently enjoying a creative renaissance.

The 2022 North American tour with Judas Priest was not only a fiery return to the stage for Queensrÿche, but also a rejuvenation. The sound of a band that has found itself and is running at full speed. October 2022 saw the release of the 16th studio album "Digital Noise Alliance", another milestone in the career of the band from Bellevue, Washington.

After sixteen years and five albums in their career, the pioneers of progressive death metal, Rivers Of Nihil from Pennsylvania, are back with their self-titled album "Rivers Of Nihil". Traditionally, a self-titled album can signal a return to roots and/or a new beginning, and in the ten powerful songs it is clear that both factors play a role. Founding bassist Adam Biggs became the band's new lead singer/bassist in 2023; in the same year, additional guitarist Andy Thomas (ex-Black Crown Initiate) joined the band, whose vocals also play an important role on "Rivers Of Nihil". Despite the fresh approach on "Rivers Of Nihil", the album fits seamlessly into the band's discography. With "Where Owls Know My Name" (2018), Rivers Of Nihil overcame all the labels assigned to them, and with their 2021 follow-up "The Work", they have ventured further into new territory.