OPERATION : MINDCRIME II

Queensryche has done the unthinkable and released the sequel to Operation Mindcrime, the 80's metal-prog classic that made them legends. Operation Mindcrime II was a big chance to take. Regardless of the risk involved, they forged ahead anyway and it turned out very well. This release will help to add to the band's legacy and certainly stir up some interest in previous recordings. I love it when a band has enough balls to do something that everyone says will not work and then it works.

The storyline picks up where it left off and finalizes, well almost, everything some 20 years later. I have been following this band for a few years now and listened to the remastered back catalog and can say with certainty that they are rocking harder on this release than they ever have. With steady touring year after year and a consistent lineup with minimal changes, Queensryche has managed to stay on top of their game and release one of the best albums of their long and successful career.

There is tons of energy on this album along with the usual pounding rhythm section and heavy metal guitars ripping away on nearly every track. There are also some special guests; Ronnie James Dio provides his legendary vocals to "The Chase," helping Geoff Tate make it an instant Queensryche classic. There are two female voices in the mix as well, Pamela Moor and Tate's daughter Miranda. They both do an excellent job adding some taste and emotion to the storyline and music.

Progressive Metal does not get much better than this, Queensryche is hot as a pistol right now, and putting out an album like this will more than likely pull in an entirely new legion of fans, continually adding to their legacy and making their fan base one of the largest in the genre. These guys are the old masters now, not too many bands are as tight and have the following that they do. Is this where the story ends now? Will there be a number 3 someday? You just never know.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-www.muzikreviews.com

April 23, 2006