How It Started
A Dream In Infrared
EMPIRE: TQE was formed in August 2022 by lead vocalist JEN X, lead guitarists SCOTT HAGZ and JEFF LOY, bassist ROY FRANCIS, and drummer ERIC RYMERS. Taking as its focus the music of classic era QUEENSRŸCHE, the five musicians set out to capture the authentic sound and spirit of QUEENSRŸCHE during the band’s classic period (1983-1994).
Determined to produce the most exceptional QUEENSRŸCHE tribute experience yet realized, the band tackles many of the prog metal giant’s more challenging works in addition to popular fan favorites. EMPIRE: TQE performs the music of classic era QUEENSRŸCHE with precision, passion, and a deep respect for and commitment to celebrating the QUEENSRŸCHE legacy.
The Band
Jen X | Lead Vocals
JEN groomed her voice on the great hard rock and heavy metal voices of the 70’s and 80’s, though none more so than original QUEENSRŸCHE frontman GEOFF TATE. Citing TATE as her primary influence, JEN built a reputation for herself as a vocalist covering early QUEENSRŸCHE songs. Along with guitarist SCOTT HAGZ, she fronted progressive metal band MINDFRAME from 1999 to 2001 and has collaborated with many other artists since. Some of her musical influences include FATES WARNING, RUSH, TOOL, and KAMELOT. In addition to her work as a musician, JEN enjoys tabletop gaming, fine whisky, fireside chats, and all things Viking. The lady wears black, almost exclusively.
Scott Hagz | Lead Guitar & Keyboards
A veteran of the progressive metal scene, SCOTT’S other projects have included MINDFRAME (with band mate JEN X), ALCHEMY, MATT BIZILIA PROJECT (with ex-ICARUS WITCH vocalist MATT BIZILIA), ORDER OF NINE, and (currently) VERMITHRAX and PERVASIVE FORCE PROJECT. SCOTT plays guitar, bass, and keyboards. In addition to QUEENSRŸCHE, which factored strongly in his musical development, he cites DREAM THEATER, NEVERMORE, FORBIDDEN, and FATES WARNING, as well as guitarists AL DI MEOLA, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, and numerous others as influences. SCOTT enjoys fine dining, cooking, bike riding, martial arts, Tai Chi, electronics, and various sciences.
Jeff Loy | Lead Guitar
JEFF’s influences include heavy rock pioneers RAINBOW, DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH, URIAH HEEP, UFO, SAXON, and their contemporaries, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, MERCYFUL FATE, early German metal, progressive rock legends RUSH and, of course, QUEENSRŸCHE. He identifies QUEENSRŸCHE’S innovative approach to composition as having been key to his growth as a musician. JEFF plays guitar, bass, and piano. His other bands have included NECROTHERION, KLNZR, FATALITY RISEN, and (currently) HELIOS. JEFF enjoys whisky, ribeye steaks, pipe tobacco, the works of J.R.R. TOLKIEN, and the outdoors. He once survived a handshake with CHUCK NORRIS and lived to tell the tale.
Roy Francis | Bass
ROY’S journey as a musician started early. As a boy, he was influenced by the sound and showmanship of supergroup KISS and of GENE SIMMONS, in specific, who inspired ROY to pick up the bass. Drawn to the music of QUEENSRŸCHE and of EDDIE JACKSON’S remarkable bass tone, paying tribute to the band was a no brainer. In addition to his work in EMPIRE: TQE, ROY plays bass in WHITESNAKE/SCORPIONS tribute act LOVE & VENOM. ROY is a fan of progressive and symphonic metal, and, in addition to QUEENSRŸCHE, cites NIGHTWISH, SAVATAGE, and TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA as some of his favorite bands. He enjoys playing hockey, golf, and time spent with family.
Eric Rymers | Drums
Inspired by a long list of metal greats such as JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN, METALLICA, ANTHRAX, and PANTERA, and progressive acts such as RUSH, OPETH, DREAM THEATER, TOOL, and naturally QUEENSRŸCHE, ERIC took up the sticks. Made instantly a fan for life upon his first listen to the exceptional musicianship showcased on QUEENSRŸCHE’S debut EP, the band’s influence on ERIC only deepened with each successive album. ERIC has opened for numerous national acts and boasts an extensive resume of drumming for prior bands, including VILE CHILD, SHIVA STONE, and (currently with guitarist JEFF LOY) HELIOS. His interests include fantasy, science fiction, yoga, astronomy, and writing code.