They knew the aftermath of their breakdown of relations with the singer meant their self-titled record, featuring new man Todd La Torre, would have to something special.

The band fired Tate after a violent episode in Brazil last year, when he assaulted several members of the band. The resulting split of interests has meant both parties are operating under the Queensryche name.

Rockenfield tells Jam Magazine: "South America was the final straw � our determination that the band was no longer working correctly. Geoff didn't agree with Queensryche's direction, so Michael Wilton, Eddie Jackson and I moved on.