OPERATION : MINDCRIME II

Most people seem to think that sequals are never as good as originals. Whether that is a true statement will always be debatable. What is not at issue here is that OMC II is not in any way as good as its predecessor. I would go so far as to say that if the music on OMC II had been the original contents of OMC, Queensryche's career would have faded out sometime very soon after 1988. There are no hooks here. No memorable melodies to recall, not even a good lead riff and don't get me started on the production. As for Tate's voice, maybe it's the mix, but when the highlight of an album is the cut that contains guest vocalist Ronnie Dio, that says something about the lead singer.

The success of OMC put Queensruche on the map. Its success gave them the opportunity to go into the studio and create Empire. I guess we should be glad that everything worked out in that way. Since Empire, this band has not put out a single decent album.

I first heard Queensryche in 1984 and I still follow them today hoping for a return to past glories. I thought OMC II would be a can't miss opportunity to continue the thread of that brilliant album. I was wrong. After several listens it still does nothing for me.

This album release came hot on the heels of the announcement of a US tour. I bought tickets. After hearing OMC II and realizing this material will probably be highlighted in the show, I am clicking over to Ebay after I submit this.