OPERATION: MINDCRIME

Operation: Mindcrime is, hands-down, my favorite album of all time. It is the sound of a band perfecting not only their own sound but the sound of concept albums in general. The songs flow together as one coherent piece of music, the lyrics are nothing short of political brilliance, and the players all play their instruments with a non-showy virtuosity that shows limitless talent but leaves the listener satisfied with their ability to write a good song as well.

Highlights include the upbeat diatribe "Revolution Calling", the epic duet "Suite Sister Mary", and the dramatic closer "Eyes of a Stranger". However, each and every song on the disc is a highlight in its own right.

Perhaps the only thing more amazing than this album at home is this album performed live, so if you don't have Operation: Mindcrime, go buy it, and if you haven't seen Queensryche perform it, do that too.

5/5