In a new interview with Chile’s iRock.cl, QUEENSRŸCHE frontman Todd La Torre reflected on how the band’s sound has evolved since he joined over a decade ago, stepping in for original vocalist Geoff Tate.

“I think that the band kind of got its sound back, more of the roots, the heavier kind of sound that QUEENSRŸCHE was known for early on,” La Torre said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET). “There was a long period of time where the music got more adult contemporary and less hard rock and heavy metal and progressive… So 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 without it being turned down as being too heavy, for example, ’cause that had happened.”

A Return to Classic QUEENSRŸCHE

La Torre emphasized his deep respect for the band’s early catalog, noting that live performances stay faithful to the original recordings.

“I love the old classic stuff. We perform all the songs in the standard tunings like they were recorded, so there’s nothing downtuned that changes the way they sound. I think that’s helped contribute to kind of the resurgence of the band.”

While QUEENSRŸCHE continues to write new material, La Torre said he sometimes draws inspiration from the band’s most iconic works.

“Sometimes I think, ‘Oh, I wanna write a masterpiece of a song like Roads To Madness’ or a great song like Take Hold Of The Flame… or songs off of [Operation:] Mindcrime, for example.”

But more than just vocals and songwriting, La Torre said he brings a wide range of creative energy to the group.

“I think that the contribution that I bring in is the jokes, the laughter, the creativity with music and art idea, artistic ideas with album covers and video concepts… I’m just one fifth of QUEENSRŸCHE. But the band is in a very healthy state.”

The Future: No Signs of Slowing Down

Asked about what lies ahead for the band, La Torre said fans should expect business as usual—meaning more shows, new music, and relentless touring.

“Oh, man. I kind of see the future as kind of what we’re doing still. A lot of bands have retired, and we’re still out there. There’s nothing in the future that I see of the band retiring.”

“We play about a hundred shows a year. So probably more of the same — just performing live shows, writing new songs and making new records and promoting our art that way.”

He concluded by underscoring the heart of QUEENSRŸCHE’s identity in 2025: live performance.

“It really boils down to the live concert. That’s really what we are now.”