Queensryche is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on its twelfth studio album, "American Soldier". The concept effort, due this spring from Rhino/Atco, finds the band once again tackling some heavy subject matter, this time focusing on telling the story of war from a firsthand perspective.

Singer and chief songwriter Geoff Tate has spent the last few years conducting extensive interviews with veterans and has crafted their thoughts into this epic tale. "American Soldier" examines American wars from World War II through Iraq from the viewpoint of those in the trenches and on the frontlines. Following the album's release, Queensryche plans to present tracks from the album live on an extensive spring tour of the U.S., with international dates to follow later in 2009. The first date of the tour will be a hometown gig at Seattle's Snoqualmie Casino on April 16.

"Queensryche has always had incredible support from members of the Armed Services," says Tate. "It seems like after every show, I'd end up speaking with a fan that was or had been involved with the military. The more and more I began to hear their accounts and feelings, the more I really felt a conviction to tell their story. Over the last two years, I've conducted dozens of one-on-one interviews with veterans of many different American wars. I listened to their amazing and moving recounts and did my best to examine war through their eyes."

Queensryche will help celebrate the music and legacy of Jimi Hendrix by performing on two dates of this year's Experience Hendrix 2008 tribute tour:

Nov. 05 - INB Performing Arts Center - Spokane, WA
Nov. 06 - The Paramount Theatre - Seattle, WA

Commented Queensryche frontman Geoff Tate: "Jimi Hendrix is not only a Seattle legend but a world legend. I feel it's such a privilege to be included on this tour and to have a chance to play his music with such a talented group of musicians."