the release of "empire" (1990) brought queensrÿche to the height of their commercial popularity. it peaked at no. 7 and sold more than three million copies in the united states, more than their previous four releases combined (it was also certified silver in the uk). the power ballad "silent lucidity", which featured an orchestra, became the band's first top 10 single. the arrangements on "empire" were more straightforward than the band's previous efforts.