OPERATION: MINDCRIME

Operation: Mindcrime is perhaps Queensryche's Magnum Opus, their definitive sound and their definitive work. The inspiration for this conceptual album came initially from Geoff Tate, his Progressive tendencies were beautifully married with the metal elements from the rest of the band, notably Chris Degarmo, producing some of the finest music and most thought-provoking lyrics in all of the Progressive Metal genre. In short this album is a masterpiece.

As a story Operation Mindcrime is excellent and reflects many of the social and political ideology present at the time. I am not going to spoil what happens as it is rewarding to discover for yourself.

I Remember Now: Nikki is in prison and tries to recall events leading up to his present wherabouts.

Anarchy-X: sets the tone for what is to follow...a mixture of metal, melody and socio- political unrest. (9/10)

Revolution calling: Dual guitars, subtle melodies, powerful riffing, soaring vocals, progressive elements... a classic. (9.5/10)

Operation: Mindcrime: The pace subsides slightly for the title track and we are treated to a stellar vocal performance from Tate and more excellent guitar work. (9/10)

Speak: An excellent starting riff sets up this excellent track, very nice drum work from Rockenfield throughout. (9/10)

Spreading The Disease: Lyrically thought-provoking, musically brilliant another excellent Progressive Metal track. (9/10)

The Mission: A Progressive Metal masterpiece, one of Queensryche's finest songs. Lovely ambient string sounds beneath dual guitars. (10/10)

Suite Sister Mary: Arguably Queensryche's finest epic. This song has it all: choir arrangements, unbelievable vocal performances, progressive structure. Another Masterpiece. (10/10)

The Needle Lies: A little structurally basic but excellent lyrically and an excellent solo make this a great song. (8.5/10)

Electric Requiem: Inredible energy is unleashed with this transitional interlude (9/10)

Breaking the Silence: Another excellent song, Standout musician is Eddy Jackson on bass for dictating the rhythm and melody of this track (9/10)

I Don't Believe In Love: A classic Queensryche song with an excellent chorus and vocal performance (9.5/10)

Waiting for 22: Dark, sinister, emotive, beautiful (9/10)

Empty Room: Interlude track to the rhythm of a clock (8.5/10)

Eyes Of A Stranger: The Anthemic Masterpiece, probably my favourite track on the album, this is a work of genius (10/10)

Overall: 95/100

One of the greatest concept albums of all time. Operation Mindcrime is simply mind blowing in its entirety, however it is an album which grows on you with repeated listens, dont expect to fully appreciate this work until after at least 15 or so listens. The best listen I have ever had of this album was back to back with the recently release of Mindcrime 2 which compliments this album beautifully in my opinion. Two hours of Ryche Genius.