OPERATION : MINDCRIME II

Having only just introducing myself to progressive music not too long ago, I had originally heard Empire and Operation Mindcrime as well as parts of PL, HitNF, Q2K and Tribe before this, and admittedly, though it doesn't live up to the awesomeness of the first 2 said albums, it does sound like a step in the right direction from a band who has really lacked much inspiration for their music these past years.

O:M2 opens with the first 2 "songs" flashing by before getting right into the story. I'm American is a great fast paced piece which is followed on well throughout the rest of the album. Notable standouts are I'm American, The Hands, Re-Arrange You, Signs Say Go, The Chase, Fear City Slide and All The Promises.

Some songs can be forgettable at times (One Foot in Hell, Hostage, Circles) but the thought and dedication 'Rhyche have put in to create the best album they could has really paid off in my eyes. The theatrics allow you to close your eyes and let the story take you to its destination.

The best thing about this record is that it is always moving, always changing and most of all, always progressing. You can be about to close your eyes and sink into the melody of one song, then all of a sudden throwing your body around to the dramatic effect of another.

Seeing as how Queensryche is now a lot older and a lot more experienced than their more radical days of O:M1, to think they would recreate the mood of the prequal to O:M2 was laughable. However, this album is, as I said, a good album to sit down and allow to grow on you.

There's definately some old Queensryche left in the tank yet.