Plague on Humanity: The Contagion of Fear and Ignorance | Spreading The Disease | Queensrÿche

Queensrÿche is a legendary heavy metal band known for their technical skill, powerful vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics. One of their most popular songs is "Spreading The Disease," which was released on their 1985 album of the same name.

The song's lyrics are a commentary on the social and political climate of the time. Lead vocalist Geoff Tate sings about the spread of disease, both physical and emotional, that can occur when people are unaware or unwilling to confront the problems facing society. The lyrics are often metaphorical, using imagery from medicine and science to describe the way in which negative emotions and attitudes can infect others.

The song's chorus features the iconic line "Spreading the disease, a plague on humanity," which has become one of the band's most recognizable and enduring phrases. This line is meant to be taken literally, as well as figuratively - the spread of physical diseases like AIDS was a major concern in the 1980s, but Tate is also drawing parallels between the way in which disease spreads through human contact and the way in which negative emotions and attitudes can be transmitted from person to person.

Throughout the song, Queensrÿche's guitarist Chris Collins plays intricate, harmonized guitar parts that add depth and complexity to the music. The rhythm section of Eddie Jackson (bass) and Dave Harold (drums) provides a solid foundation for the song's aggressive riffs and pounding rhythms.

"Spreading The Disease" is often cited as one of the band's best songs, and it remains a fan favorite to this day. Its powerful lyrics and driving music have made it a staple of the heavy metal genre, and its themes of social commentary and personal responsibility continue to resonate with listeners around the world.