This was Queensryche's ground breaking album that is still considered THE concept album of its decade. Released in 1988, Operation: Mindcrime is pretty much a little story with provoking themes such as manipulation, revolution, and drugs. The story (to my understanding) is about a man who becomes a hitt man for some revolutionary movement. The latter manipulates him with drugs and slowly brainwashes him into beleiving their ideas. In the process, he kills a nun or something like that. To embelish the whole story part of this album, there are several skitts with dialogue and sound effects. Now, putting the whole storyline and themes aside, the songs are all very well written. They are catchy, full of energy, and have interesting and comprehensive lyrics. They must of put a whole lot of effort to writte all these songs. I believe all the musicians are quite skilled, especially Geoff Tate, the lead singer. Therfore, this album can be listened to entirely as a different and entertaining kind of musical experience, or just the tracks that are actual songs for a good, "rockin' out" time.
Queensryche were (as is written in the Cd booklet):
Geoff Tate: Voices, keyboards, whistles, and blurbs.
Chris de Garmo: Electric 6 string, acoustic 12 and 6 string, lap steel and GK-1 synth guitars.
Michael Wilton: Electric 6 string, acoustic 12 and 6 string, and stereo ripley quitars.
Eddie Jackson: Bass guitars.
Scott Rockenfield: Drums and percussion.
Stand out tracks:
Anarchy-X/ Revolution Calling: Anarchy-X is instrumental and fades into Revolution Calling which I believe was a single. A very energetic song with cathcy lyrics and guitar parts. Exellent song, among the best on the album. 5/5
Spreading the disease: I think this song is about some chick in this whole story who becomes a hooker. And no, I don't think this song is about STDs. Geoffs vocals really shine in this song. Especially in the chorus. One of my personal favorites on this album. 5/5
The Needle Lies: A shorter song that starts with a drum intro. As you might have guessed, this song is about drugs. Again Mr. Tate really shows he's an astounding vocalist. This song sounded great when I saw them live. 4.5/5
Other standout tracks that I wont review: Speak, Eyes of a Stranger, I Don't Believe in Love. But every song that isn't a skitt is seriously at least a 4/5.
I have only recently gotten into Queensryche and only have 2 of their albums ( this one and Empire). But I saw them live cuz they are currently on tour with Judas Priest and I can tell you they sound terrific. A wondeful band.
This album seems to be better than Empire and is probably one of my best CDs. Always fun to listen to. I have had it for two months and it still sounds just as fresh and catchy as when I bought it. Defently worth buying. The only con I can think of is that some people might not like their style. Although I would consider them a heavy metal band, they have a very intriguing and unique sound that gives them a progressive edge. I like it alot but some people might find it boring, or repetetive, or whatever they think. I gave it 5/5 because all the songs are great, plus the story line and the themes add color to the experience.
RATING: 5/5
