OPERATION: MINDCRIME

So, what can be said of this critical album in the history of progmetal? Well, a couple things. Firstly, in my humble opionion (or IMHO to all you internet oriented types out there) it isn't that progressive, at least in the light of what progmetal is considered today (and by old school prog standards). However, that much said, it is still some fine music indeed, and still proves to be a turning point in the foundation of progmetal (the other two in my opinion being Fates Warning's "No Exit" and Dream Theater's "Images and Words", as well as the protoprogmetallers themselves, Rush). Onto the music, shall we?

1. I Remember Now- more story than anything, sets up the rest of the album with a sense of supsense- N/R

2. Anarchy X- An instrumental with some rally type yelling over it, too incomprehensible to decipher. This continues the sense of suspense and acts as an overture of sorts (Think Overture 1928) A few cool riffs, but overall not terribly engrossing. 7/10

3. Revolution Calling- Christ, the chorus for this one'll be in your head for weeks, with its shoutalong catchiness. And the opening harmonized lead may seem very 80's, but I can't help but admire how cool it sounds. Tate's signature vocals come in, and the story starts off right off the bat, ranting and raving about the media and society and the flaws of both. Now, I won't divulge the story, because the lyrics seem to be narrative enough by themselves. 9/10

4. Operation Mindcrime: Great opening riff, but, one must notice with this and the previous tracks, it's almost 6 min into the album, and not a hint of anything other than thematic metal. The song in general reminds me of a machine for some reason, fitting enough for the lyrics. 8/10

5. Speak- another problem with this album is for some reason or another that all the choruses for each song start to sound veeeerry similar. That said, it's still a catchy and great metal tune, the only problem is its just that, nothing more. So far, there hasn't been much of any progression on this album 7/10

6. Spreading the Disease- um...didn't I just hear this song?After a while all these songs start to blend together. So, as such, about the same merits as the previous track 6.5/10

7.The Mission- FINALLY! a different song! A good one too. Dream Theater fans may notice the huge influence it had on their one (sorta) hit "Pull Me Under", although it isn't a ripoff, it is definitely recognizable as similar. Complete with a badass intro (bells and everything), this song is definitely a highlight of the album, possibly the best song on it. And it actually PROGRESSES from part to part! - 10/10

8. Suite Sister Mary- the epic of the album, sprawling over 10 minutes, is also the most progressive song on the album, not in the sense of technical skill or weird time signatures, more or less in the sense of being multiple parted. Starting off with a narrative, the beginning gives off an epic feel. The choir, the whole buildup througout the song is fantastic 9/10

9.The Needle Lies- where does one go after such a track as the previous? Only downhill, it seems....this is an uptempo track, but a little reminsicent of the previous shorter tracks on the album, although the speed of it makes it more interesting 8/10

10. Electric Requiem- a short little instrumental interlude, not an actual song per se, a little spoken part overtop, very melodramatic, but works well within the confines of the story N/R

11. Breaking the Silence- baaaack to the sameness of the first few tracks, actually sounds like a sped up Operation Mindcrime musically, whether this was intentional or not, I do not know. The vocals are a bit more soaring and emotional, however, so it stands out, albeit slightly 7.5/10

12. I Don't Believe in Love- Ironic, isn't it, that I'm becoming redundant in saying that this album is getting redundant. Sadly, however, this is true, as this song has the same exact feel to it, right down to almost interchangeable choruses. Gotta love the anthemic cries of Tate though, one of my favorites of the album, just points off for sameness 7/10

13. Waiting for 22- actually, only a guitar solo interlude, again, not technically a song, although quite an emotional solo it is N/R

14. My Empty Room- acts more as an intro for the next track, not a song in and of itself N/R

15. Eyes of a Stranger- this track is one hell of a closer, and one of the more progressive tracks on the album, nice intro recapping sound clips from previous parts on the album, More cool dual guitar action on lead, however 80's it may sound. The whole chorus and fadeout into the haunting recap of the beginning is just epic in feel, great way to close the album 10/10

Overall: Not very progressive, redundant at times, but still nonetheless a great metal album that set the stage for further progmetal albums and bands. On a nonprog based scale, it'd probably be more like a 4 star album.

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