"American Soldier" is the eleventh studio album by American progressive metal band Queensrÿche. Released on March 31, 2009, it is a concept album inspired by stories from military veterans. The band's lead singer and primary songwriter, Geoff Tate, conducted extensive interviews with veterans and used their stories as the basis for the song lyrics. The album is an homage to the sacrifices made by U.S. servicemen and women, their families, and the effects of war on society in general.
The album features a blend of narration, interviews, and performances, giving it a unique narrative structure. Each song on the album focuses on a different aspect of war, service, and sacrifice. The tracks include stories of loss, post-traumatic stress disorder, the reasons why some choose to serve, and the realities of war. The people who shared their stories range from World War II veterans to those who served in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Musically, the album reflects Queensrÿche's signature sound, a blend of hard rock and progressive metal, with melody-driven songs, complex harmonies, and Tate's distinctive operatic vocals. While "American Soldier" isn't an overtly political album, it offers a powerful commentary on the human cost of war. The album charted at number 25 on the Billboard 200, a strong showing for the band at that stage of their career.
Overall, "American Soldier" stands as a deeply personal, thought-provoking work from Queensrÿche, delivering an important message alongside their trademark musical prowess.
