Flashback CD Review #83 - Queensryche - Operation:mindcrime II

This review was written for the Rock Is Life.com website in 2006.

Queensryche
Operation:mindcrime II
Rhino Records - 2006
http://www.queensryche.com

What's The 4-1-1?

In 1988, Queensryche released their landmark masterpiece, Operation:mindcrime and put themselves on the hard rock / heavy metal map like never before.

The tale of revolution, love and betrayal brought in a gigantic following who clamored endlessly for more of the tale of Nikki, Sister Mary and Dr. X. After 18 years, Queensryche returns to the ":mindcrime" universe for a new tale that finds Nikki seeking revenge for all the wrongs done to him by Dr. X.

Hard Rock / Heavy Metal

The first thing you notice about this album is that while Geoff Tate's vocal style is dramatically different from 1988, this is the most interesting and INTERESTED he has sounded in years. He's delivering spitfire vocals on "I'm American" and unleasing metal fury in "Signs Say Go", "Re-Arrange You" and "The Chase". I was stunned, having given up hope of ever hearing "that" Geoff Tate ever again. The return to the ":mindcrime" universe has energized the group like I never thought would happen again.

Michael Wilton and Mike Stone are phenomenal on the guitars while Scott Rockenfield lines himself up for assault charge by beating the crap out of the drums. Eddie Jackson provides bass that helps build that rhythmic foundation to heighten the songs. THIS IS WHAT QUEENSRYCHE SHOULD BE!

What makes both Operation:mindcrime albums great is how theatrical they are and it is not hard to imagine them as movies.

The music and vocals are assisted by guest performances by the legendary Ronnie James Dio as Dr. X on "The Chase" and the return of Pamela Moore vocalizing the role of Sister Mary. She is simply perfect and my love of all things Dio should be well known. I wish they had gotten more use out of him, but the one song is a pure vocal battle between Tate and Dio.

There's even a nod to the first album when you can hear in the music, themes from the songs "I Don't Believe In Love" and "Eyes of A Stranger". The same company that did the art for the first Operation:mindcrime CD did the art chores on this album and once again they crafted an album art package that really stands out.

Jason Slater's production job brings back the Queensryche sound that's been absent from recent releases that sounded more like an attempt at being a grunge band.

The Bad

I thought the main thrust of the story ended far too soon for the number of the tracks on the album. It's not that it is necessarily bad, but the last portion of the album, save the song "An Intentional Confrontation" and perhaps "Fear City Slide" is a bit weaker than the "meat" of the album.

I am a big proponent of the album lyrics in the CD booklet matching the lyrics that are actually being sung on the music. When there is a difference it is a bit jarring. It's bad enough when that happens on a regular album. It's downright WRONG and disturbing when the lyrics don't match up for a concept album's booklet. The words of the story are very important here and greater care should've been given. Who knows when a dropped word or rearranged sentence could play a part in the understanding of the story.

The Verdict

In the interest of full disclosure, I should let you know that I'm not simply a fan of the first Operation:mindcrime album. I think it is the greatest album ever recorded by any artist at any time in any genre. Yes, I believe it is that good!

When I first learned that a sequel was going to be recorded, I was very concerned that the legacy of the first album would be perverted if the band turned out an album that sounded like their last three studio albums. Those were just awful.

The album can be divided up into three parts. You have the standard brief opening that sets up the plot. That leads to the second act where we get the main plot and then the closing third act, which while not as satisfying as the middle of the story is still pretty darn good. While the album stands a bit lower on the pantheon of Queensryche releases compared to the first CD, I'm very happy to report that all bias in favor of the band/CD aside, Operation:mindcrime II is a worthy successor to the band's legacy!

Did You Know?

Singer Geoff Tate was once rumored to be under consideration to become the new lead singer of Journey. The direction of this sequel reportedly came to Tate while he was working on a screenplay for the first Operation:mindcrime tale.

Various members of Queensryche have their own side projects outside of the band. Tate has released a self-titled solo album, Michael Wilton has a band called Soulbender and drummer Scott Rockenfield is a member of Slave To The System.

Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5

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Permalink Reply by RJhog (Admin) on June 24, 2012 at 8:27pm

Enjoyed that review TR. I have this one, but I have to say I haven't spent much time with it. I will say that I definitely like the song I'm American. I need to spin this again soon.

One question for you. I know these are older reviews for you. I don't think you are doing any current reviews, is that correct? I'm only asking because I'd be really interested in your opinion of the latest Queensryche album. And by the way, what do you think of Queensryche's current state?