Queensrÿche is often considered one of the "Big Three" pioneers of the progressive metal genre alongside Dream Theater and Fates Warning. After releasing two studio albums to moderate success, Queensrÿche made its big break in 1988 with the release of "Operation" Mindcrime," now widely considered one of the greatest concept albums of all time. It was followed by "Empire" (1990), which included the single "Silent Lucidity." It remains the band's only Top 10 single in the US while the band's fifth album "Promised Land" (1994) remains the highest-ranking album worldwide, ranking at 3 on the US Billboard 200 and 13 on the UK Albums Chart. The band's founding members included vocalist Geoff Tate, guitarists Michael Wilton and Chris DeGarmo (who was also the keyboardist), bassist Eddie Jackson, and drummer Scott Rockenfield. Only Wilton and Jackson remain with the band today. DeGarmo departed in 1997 due to burnout, Tate was fired in 2012, and Rockenfield left in 2017 to take care of his newborn son.