OPERATION: MINDCRIME

I have not been listening to this album for many years and I thought it was an excellent idea to give it some spins. Some regard it as one of the best prog metal albums of all time. I remember it being the main talking point among metal fans and other music fans on it's release. It was a massive success, if I remember correctly.

I have to agree with that sentiment. It was the first album where I became aware of the idea of "concept albums". Yes, I am a late bloomer. My mother always reminds me about this. I have just been properly housetrained.

Anyway, this album casts some long stares back the the likes of The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway and the concept albums from the 1970s. I cannot remember the storyline here. But I think it was one of these topical issues from the 1980s. The sound is very typical 1980s and that is my main gripe with it. Besides of that, the songs are very good. The best one is Suite Sister Mary. The music is a mix of metal and neo-prog. Add some Genesis to it and you got this magic album. The vocals are excellent too. The band knows what they are doing. They are not too heavy. Actually; they are more understated than heavy. This album has acted as a blueprint for many bands and was a major wakeup call for many. I think we all owe it our gratitude. I normally cannot stand progressive metal and power metal. But this album is great. A big thumbs up for the melodic guitar solos on this album. Oh yes, I will listen to this album on a more regular basis now. It is a gem.

4.25 stars