Queensryche was our introduction to progressive rock. They weren't a typical prog band, trying to do impossible and weird things all the time. They were first and foremost a metal bands that wrote catchy and melodic songs, only with a progressive touch. But it was quite enough for us. We were extremely impressed. They wrote fantastic songs, and they were amazing musicians. The the high singing style of their singer, Geoff Tate, was simply unbelievable.
There was a mighty and mysterious side to Queensryche back then. Their music didn't sound like anybody else, and they had done some incredible things, like the concept album called "Operation: Mindcrime". So there was no telling what they would do next.
After the Empire record, however, they completely changed their style and went in a direction we weren't really able to enjoy. But the first 5 albums they released between 1983 and 1991 remain some of the best metal music ever written. Our main progressive influence comes from these guys.