"Hear in the Now Frontier" is the sixth studio album by the American rock band Queensrÿche, released on March 25, 1997. This album marked a change in the band's musical direction with a more stripped-down and straightforward sound, moving away from the progressive aspects of their earlier albums. Lyrics focus on themes of introspection, personal loss, and self-improvement.
Critically, the album received mixed reviews upon release, being praised for its introspective lyrics but criticized for the minimalist production style and departure from the band's progressive roots. Despite debuting at No. 19 on the Billboard 200, it quickly dropped down the charts, making it one of the band's lowest-selling albums to date.
Various incidents also occurred around the release of "Hear in the Now Frontier." The band's longtime label, EMI America Records, went under shortly after the album's release, losing the promotional support of its major label. Lead guitarist Chris DeGarmo, a principal songwriter in the band, announced his departure from Queensrÿche in early 1998.
Queensrÿche toured to support "Hear in the Now Frontier" from March to October 1997, with DeGarmo remaining with the band until the end of the tour. The touring lineup included the four remaining Queensrÿche members and Chris DeGarmo's replacement on lead guitar, Kelly Gray.
