Todd La Torre
Todd La Torre (born February 19, 1974) is an American singer, drummer, and songwriter best known as the lead vocalist of the progressive metal band Queensrÿche since 2012.[1] Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, he was raised in a musical household influenced by jazz, R&B, Motown, and classic rock, beginning his musical journey with a classical guitar at age 10 before switching to drums at 13.[2][1] La Torre started his professional career as a drummer in local Florida bands, including Blackwell at age 15 and the melodic metal group Infrared, with which he recorded a demo around 1995 before it disbanded.[2] He transitioned to lead vocals later, joining Crimson Glory as their singer in 2010 and performing at events like ProgPower USA until leaving in 2013.[2] In June 2012, amid Queensrÿche's internal changes following the departure of longtime frontman Geoff Tate, La Torre formed the side project Rising West with band members Michael Wilton and Eddie Jackson, leading to his recruitment as Queensrÿche's permanent vocalist later that year.[2] Under his tenure, the band has released four studio albums: Queensrÿche (2013), Condition Hüman (2015), The Verdict (2019), and Digital Noise Alliance (2022), alongside extensive world tours and festival appearances; as of August 2025, the band is writing material for a fifth studio album.[3][4][5] Beyond Queensrÿche, La Torre has pursued solo endeavors, releasing his debut album Rejoice in the Suffering in February 2021 through Rat Pak Records, which features a mix of heavy metal tracks showcasing his vocal range and songwriting.[6] As of 2024, he is developing a follow-up solo album described as more expansive and musically ambitious than his first.[6] La Torre's versatile style, drawing from his drumming background and broad influences, has been praised for revitalizing Queensrÿche's sound while honoring its progressive metal legacy.[7]Biography
Early life
Todd La Torre was born on February 19, 1974, in St. Petersburg, Florida.[8] He was raised in the city by his father, William La Torre, a chiropractor, and his mother, Wendy La Torre.[9][10] La Torre grew up alongside his sister, Kristina.[10] His family maintained a musical household, where he was exposed to various genres from a young age.[2]Musical beginnings
La Torre's passion for music emerged during his adolescence in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he was raised in a household rich with diverse sounds including jazz, R&B, Motown, and classic rock.[2] At age 10, he received a classical guitar from his mother and took brief lessons, but his interest soon shifted toward percussion. By age 13, he acquired his first drum set, marking the beginning of his primary focus on drumming, which he pursued primarily through self-teaching by practicing along to records.[2] This period of self-education was influenced by the thriving local metal scene in the Tampa Bay area, where he absorbed the styles of hard rock and heavy metal bands such as Dokken and Iron Maiden, shaping his foundational skills in rhythm and performance.[11] Transitioning from solitary practice to group settings, La Torre joined his first band, Blackwell, as the drummer around age 15, performing at high school talent shows and local clubs in the Tampa Bay rock scene.[2] Throughout the 1990s, he played full-time with the band Infrared, contributing to a demo recording before its disbandment circa 1995, and immersed himself in Florida's vibrant metal community through garage and small-venue gigs.[2] In the 2000s, he continued honing his abilities in unnamed local cover bands, performing at nightclubs and beach bars, while also beginning to develop his self-taught vocal techniques by emulating powerful singers from his favorite albums.[2][12] These early, non-professional experiences solidified his multi-instrumental versatility and stage presence within the regional hard rock and metal circuits.[13]Professional career
Crimson Glory era
In late 2009, Todd La Torre was recommended to Crimson Glory guitarist Jon Drenning by mutual friend and guitarist Matt LaPorte for vocal rehearsals ahead of potential reunion shows. La Torre first appeared with the band as a guest vocalist at ProgPower USA X on September 11, 2009. La Torre auditioned and was announced as the band's new full-time lead singer on May 13, 2010, following a period without a dedicated lead vocalist since the death of original singer Midnight in 2003.[14] He made his first public appearance as the band's lead vocalist during their set at ProgPower USA XI in Atlanta on September 11, 2010. His full debut performance came at Pathfinder Metalfest II in Marietta, Georgia, on November 6, 2010, where the band delivered a set of classic tracks from their catalog.[15] La Torre's tenure saw Crimson Glory revive their live presence with a mix of U.S. festival appearances and international touring. The band performed select U.S. shows, including festival slots, before embarking on two European tours: the 2011 "Phoenix Rising" 25th anniversary tour across multiple countries and a follow-up run in 2012.[2] Their setlists emphasized staples from the band's 1980s era, such as "Lady of Winter," "Dragon Lady," "Angels of War," and "Azrael," which showcased La Torre's adaptation to the group's high-register progressive metal style.[16] These performances revitalized fan interest in Crimson Glory's legacy material. He also participated in pre-production for an unreleased concept album tentatively titled Garden of Shadows, which aimed to blend the band's signature melodic and atmospheric elements with new compositions but stalled due to internal delays.[17] La Torre departed Crimson Glory in early 2013 amid scheduling conflicts arising from his commitments with Queensrÿche, where he had joined as lead vocalist in June 2012. The split was amicable, with La Torre expressing gratitude for the opportunity to front the band and revive their sound, while wishing the members well in future endeavors.[2][18]Queensrÿche tenure
Todd La Torre joined Queensrÿche as lead vocalist in June 2012, following the band's dismissal of original singer Geoff Tate after a backstage altercation during a performance in São Paulo, Brazil.[19] The remaining members—guitarist Michael Wilton, bassist Eddie Jackson, drummer Scott Rockenfield, and guitarist Parker Lundgren—auditioned several candidates and selected La Torre, whose powerful vocal style from Crimson Glory aligned with the band's progressive metal roots, as confirmed by an official announcement on June 20, 2012.[20] La Torre's integration marked the start of a revitalized era for Queensrÿche, with the band emphasizing collaborative songwriting that drew on Wilton and Jackson's foundational riffs while incorporating La Torre's input on melodies and lyrics to recapture the group's early intensity.[21] The self-titled album Queensrÿche (2013), produced by James Barton, debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard 200, selling 13,659 copies in its first week, and received praise for its aggressive sound and La Torre's commanding presence, signaling a return to the band's progressive metal identity. Follow-up Condition Hüman (2015) entered the Billboard 200 at No. 27 with 14,000 units, lauded for its conceptual depth and intricate arrangements that blended modern production with classic influences.[22] Subsequent releases further solidified the lineup's creative momentum. The Verdict (2019) peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart, earning acclaim for its thematic exploration of judgment and societal issues through heavy, riff-driven tracks co-written by the core members. Digital Noise Alliance (2022), recorded with producer Joe Rickard, reached No. 11 on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart and No. 1 on Heatseekers, with critics highlighting its polished progressive elements and La Torre's versatile vocals as a high point in the band's post-Tate output. Throughout La Torre's tenure, Queensrÿche has maintained an active touring schedule, including world tours from 2013 onward that mix new material with staples from the Tate era, such as "Queen of the Reich" and "Operation: Mindcrime" suite tracks, performed faithfully to honor the catalog while showcasing La Torre's range.[23] In 2025, the band completed a South American leg, including the Masters of Rock festival in Buenos Aires on April 26, followed by European dates on The Origins Tour in January and February, focusing on early material.[24] The year culminated in the "Volume and Vengeance" U.S. tour with Accept, running from November 7 in Denver to December 20 in Temecula, blending high-energy sets of classics and recent songs.[25] The band's core lineup stabilized around La Torre, Wilton, and Jackson, with guitarist Mike Stone joining in 2018 and drummer Casey Grillo in 2024, fostering a tight dynamic that has produced consistent output.[26] Legal disputes with Tate, stemming from his 2012 dismissal and battles over the band name and assets, were resolved in April 2014 through an out-of-court settlement allowing Tate to use the name for farewell dates until August 31, after which Wilton, Jackson, and Rockenfield retained full rights.[27] As of November 2025, Queensrÿche is in the songwriting phase for an untitled sixth album with La Torre, with recording slated for spring 2026 and a potential fall release, as stated by Jackson; the material aims to build on their progressive metal foundation with fresh, riff-heavy compositions.[28]Solo endeavors
In 2019, Todd La Torre initiated his solo project, collaborating with longtime friend and guitarist Craig Blackwell to develop material that allowed for greater creative freedom beyond his Queensrÿche commitments. This effort culminated in his debut solo album, Rejoice in the Suffering, released in the United States on February 5, 2021, via Rat Pak Records. The album features ten tracks, including the title song "Rejoice in the Suffering," and was produced by La Torre and Blackwell, emphasizing raw heavy metal with aggressive riffs and intense vocal deliveries. A European release followed on April 21, 2023, through ROAR! Rock Of Angels Records under exclusive license from Rat Pak Records. The record explores themes of resilience amid adversity, drawing from La Torre's personal experiences, and showcases his multi-instrumental talents, including drumming on several tracks. Promotional efforts included music videos for singles such as "Darkened Majesty" (December 2020), "Crossroads to Insanity" (January 2021), "Hellbound and Down" (February 2021), and "Apology" (March 2023). Special editions comprised a deluxe limited-edition double white vinyl, a CD version with three bonus tracks, and limited cassettes, all bundled for pre-order through Rat Pak Records. Critics praised Rejoice in the Suffering for its heavier, more straightforward sound than Queensrÿche's progressive style, highlighting its thrash-influenced aggression, choppy riffs, and La Torre's versatile vocals ranging from soaring highs to gritty lows. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, live promotion was minimal, with no extensive solo tour but select U.S. appearances tied to album rollout in 2021. In 2024, La Torre announced development of his second solo album, describing it as "more musical and bigger sounding" than the debut, with elements like thrashy riffs, orchestral soundscapes, choirs, and layered guitars for added depth and breathing room. Progress continued through the year, including an August 2024 social media snippet of a previously lost song rediscovered from old hard drives. As of November 2025, recording was ongoing with no confirmed release date.Other collaborations
In 2012, prior to officially joining Queensrÿche, La Torre fronted the short-lived project Rising West alongside Queensrÿche members Michael Wilton on guitar, Eddie Jackson on bass, Scott Rockenfield on drums, and Parker Lundgren on guitar. The group performed a single show at the Rock of Ages festival in Seattle on June 8, 2012, covering Queensrÿche classics without any recordings released.[29] La Torre has made several guest vocal appearances on other artists' recordings. He provided vocals on multiple tracks for Dark Matter's 2016 album Encipher, including "Dark Matter," "Encipher," "The Seer," and "Ascension." In 2019, he contributed lead vocals and a duet on "Son of Man" from Michael Sweet's solo album Ten. Further collaborations include duet vocals on Methodica's 2020 single "A Dystopian Tale," vocals on "Duology" from Michael Angelo Batio's 2021 album Duology, lead vocals on "Running With The Devil" from Joel Hoekstra’s 51's 2021 EP, backing vocals on Armored Saint's 2020 track "Punching The Sky," guest vocals on Primitai's 2021 song "Rise," and vocals on Striker's 2021 track "The Alchemist."[3] Beyond music, La Torre debuted in stand-up comedy on April 30, 2023, aboard the Monsters of Rock Cruise, performing a set titled "Punchlines and Backlines." He shared clips of the performance in 2024, highlighting it as a creative outlet stemming from his childhood interest in comedy.[30] La Torre has also contributed drums to select projects, leveraging his early career experience as a drummer. In 2025, he recorded all drum parts for the single "Plastic" by horrorcore duo Twiztid, as part of a collaboration with friends in the music scene.[31] During his tenure with Crimson Glory from 2010 to 2013, La Torre participated in sessions for an unreleased concept album with bandmates Jon Drenning, Ben Jackson, and Dana Burnell, though the project was abandoned following his departure to join Queensrÿche. No further major collaborations with former Crimson Glory members have been released post-2013.[2]Artistic approach
Vocal technique
Todd La Torre possesses a tenor vocal range spanning approximately four octaves, enabling him to execute high screams, clean sustained tones, and falsetto flourishes with considerable power and precision. This versatility allows him to navigate the demanding melodic contours of progressive metal, from deep lows to piercing highs, as documented in analyses of his performances. While often compared to Geoff Tate for stylistic similarities, La Torre distinguishes himself with a grittier, more raw timbre that adds an edge to his interpretations, particularly in live settings where emotional delivery takes precedence over pristine clarity.[32][33][34] As a self-taught vocalist, La Torre's technique evolved from the aggressive, power metal delivery of his early career in bands like Crimson Glory, where he emphasized raw intensity and metal screams honed through trial and error. Transitioning to Queensrÿche required refinement, focusing on enhanced breath control and stamina to sustain complex phrasing over extended sets without vocal strain—a skill he attributes to practical experience rather than formal lessons. This progression has enabled him to maintain consistency across recordings and tours, adapting his gritty foundation to the band's intricate progressive demands while preserving vocal health. As of August 2024, at age 50, La Torre stated he can still perform all Queensrÿche material in standard tuning, demonstrating ongoing vocal capability.[12][34][35] La Torre's style reflects influences from metal legends including Ronnie James Dio, Bruce Dickinson, and Geoff Tate, whose operatic power, rhythmic precision, and acrobatic phrasing he emulates with his own rhythmic twists and emotional grit. He has highlighted Dickinson's commanding presence and Tate's melodic fluidity as pivotal in shaping his teenage listening habits and vocal aspirations. In Queensrÿche tours, this blend supports enduring live renditions of challenging material. Critics have lauded La Torre's authenticity since his 2013 Queensrÿche debut, praising his avoidance of Tate mimicry in favor of a genuine, invigorated approach that revives the band's vocal dynamism. Reviews from that period onward emphasize his robust delivery and ability to infuse classics with fresh energy, silencing initial doubts and earning acclaim for technical prowess and interpretive depth.[36][37][11]Multi-instrumentalism
Todd La Torre's primary instrument is the drums, which he began playing at age 13 after receiving his first drum set, fostering a deep passion for percussion that shaped his early musical development.[2] By age 15, he joined his first band, Blackwell, as the drummer, performing in high school talent shows and transitioning into the local club scene.[2] In the early 1990s, following high school graduation, La Torre established himself as a professional drummer, earning a living through full-time performances with various bands on the Tampa Bay club circuit.[38] His drumming proficiency extended into album production, notably on his 2021 solo debut Rejoice in the Suffering, where he recorded all drum tracks alongside handling vocals and production duties.[39] La Torre also demonstrates proficiency on guitar, beginning with a classical instrument gifted by his mother at age 10, followed by a brief period of formal lessons before pursuing rock styles independently.[2] He plays both rhythm and lead guitar, often contributing scratch tracks to demos for new material, as seen in recent online previews of songs for his second solo album.[40] His guitar work draws from progressive influences, including the intricate arrangements of bands like Queensrÿche, reflecting a blend of technical precision and dynamic phrasing honed through years of self-directed practice.[41] In songwriting, La Torre's multi-instrumental skills inform Queensrÿche's arrangements, where he co-writes tracks by integrating drum rhythms and guitar ideas to drive the band's progressive metal sound.[42] On the 2022 album Digital Noise Alliance, his contributions emphasized rhythmic foundations and guitar textures, enhancing the record's layered, high-energy compositions.[21] These elements allow him to shape songs holistically, bridging percussion grooves with melodic guitar lines during the creative process. Live, La Torre occasionally showcases his drumming in Queensrÿche performances, such as filling in on tracks like "Eyes of a Stranger" and delivering drum sections during select concerts, highlighting his versatility beyond vocals.[43] He has also performed guitar on solo-oriented tracks and covers in intimate settings, adding acoustic-flavored interpretations to his repertoire.[44]Personal life
La Torre maintains a private personal life. He is married to a woman from Greece.[7] In October 2014, his father, William LaTorre, a chiropractor, died by suicide at age 73.[9][45]Discography
Queensrÿche contributions
Todd La Torre has served as the lead vocalist on all Queensrÿche studio albums released since 2013, contributing his high-range, melodic style to the band's progressive heavy metal sound. He has also co-written lyrics and music on multiple tracks across these releases, often collaborating with founding members Michael Wilton and Eddie Jackson. The band's output during this period has maintained their tradition of conceptual and riff-driven compositions, with albums charting on Billboard lists and receiving critical recognition for revitalizing the group's legacy.Queensrÿche (2013)
Released on June 25, 2013, by Century Media Records, this self-titled album marked La Torre's debut as Queensrÿche's frontman and debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard 200, selling approximately 13,500 copies in its first week. La Torre provided lead vocals on all tracks and co-wrote lyrics for several songs in collaboration with guitarist Michael Wilton prior to officially joining the band.[46][47]- "X2" – 1:09
- "Where Dreams Go to Die" – 4:26
- "Spore" – 3:25
- "In This Light" – 3:24
- "Redemption" – 4:16
- "Vindication" – 3:26
- "Midnight Lullaby" – 0:56
- "A World Without" – 4:11
- "Don't Look Back" – 3:13
- "Fallout" – 2:46
- "Open Road" – 3:54
Condition Hüman (2015)
The follow-up album, released on October 2, 2015, by Century Media Records, debuted at No. 27 on the Billboard 200 and No. 5 on the Top Rock Albums chart, with first-week sales of about 14,000 units. La Torre handled lead vocals throughout and contributed to songwriting on tracks like "Arrow of Time" alongside Jackson and Wilton. Produced by Chris "Zeuss" Harris, it emphasized the band's technical prowess and thematic exploration of human condition.[22][48][49]- "Arrow of Time" – 3:59
- "Guardian" – 4:20
- "Hellfire" – 5:05
- "Toxic Remedy" – 4:09
- "Selfish Lives" – 4:57
- "Eye 9" – 3:20
- "Bulletproof" – 4:00
- "Hourglass" – 5:09
- "Just Us" – 5:58
- "All There Was" – 3:44
- "The Aftermath" – 0:56
- "Condition Hüman" – 7:45
The Verdict (2019)
Issued on March 1, 2019, by Century Media Records, this release peaked at No. 110 on the Billboard 200 and featured La Torre not only on lead vocals but also playing all the drum tracks due to the absence of drummer Scott Rockenfield. La Torre co-wrote the majority of the songs, including "Blood of the Levant" and "Man the Machine" with Wilton and Jackson, blending aggressive riffs with introspective lyrics. The album underscored the band's resilience amid lineup changes.[50][51]- "Blood of the Levant" – 3:27
- "Man the Machine" – 4:02
- "Light-Years" – 4:25
- "Eraser" – 3:48
- "Dark Reverie" – 4:09
- "Bent on Desire" – 4:06
- "Isolation" – 4:24
- "Closer" – 3:44
- "Premonitions" – 2:52
- "Entrance" – 1:55
- "The Verdict" – 4:27
Digital Noise Alliance (2022)
Queensrÿche's sixteenth studio album, released on October 7, 2022, by Century Media Records, peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart. La Torre delivered lead vocals and co-wrote key tracks such as "In Extremis" and "No Requiem" with Wilton and bassist Eddie Jackson, incorporating modern production elements while honoring the band's progressive roots. Recorded with producer Chris "Zeuss" Harris, it highlighted La Torre's multi-instrumental input on demos.[52]- "In Extremis" – 4:41
- "Chapters" – 3:43
- "Lost in Sorrow" – 3:51
- "Sicdorum" – 5:10
- "Mind of War" – 4:25
- "Merchandise Weavers" – 0:45
- "No Requiem" – 3:56
- "Tale of the Broken" – 3:59
- "The Shadow Within" – 4:13
- "Fear City Slide" – 6:43
- "Dive Into the Light" – 4:26
- "Digital Noise Alliance" – 3:24
Solo releases
Todd La Torre released his debut solo album, Rejoice in the Suffering, on February 5, 2021, through Rat Pak Records.[53] The album was co-produced by La Torre and longtime collaborator Craig Blackwell, with mixing handled by Zeuss.[54] Recorded during the 2020 pandemic shutdown, it features La Torre on vocals and drums, showcasing his multi-instrumental talents alongside Blackwell's contributions on guitars, bass, and keyboards.[55] Thematically, the record draws from personal experiences, including the title track's reference to La Torre's father's suicide in 2016, while exploring broader heavy metal motifs like perseverance, betrayal, and introspection through a blend of gritty riffs, melodic choruses, and progressive elements influenced by bands such as Judas Priest and Primal Fear.[56][55] The standard edition contains 13 tracks:- Dogmata
- Pretenders
- Hellbound and Down
- Darkened Majesty
- Crossroads to Insanity
- Critical Cynic
- Rejoice in the Suffering
- Vexed
- The Prodigal Son
- Voodoo
- Scream for Blood
- Final Curtain
- When the Walls Come Down [53]