OPERATION: MINDCRIME

After their last concert date for the "Rage For Order" tour in Montreal the band went their seperate ways while Tate decided to stay in Montreal for a while. It was there in a church where the ideas came for the concept that would be "Operation:Mindcrime". I was at the concert in Hamilton, Ontario where they opened for DEF LEPPARD, i remember a few friends (who were going to that concert) saying that once they saw QUEENSRYCHE they were going home. And how many times did I hear a DJ say back then that QUEENSRYCHE was "thinking man's metal" ? Another way of saying they were Prog-Metal I guess. The explaining of the concept has been talked about enough in other reviews so i'll concentrate on the music.

"I Remember You" opens the album up with samples and spoken words while "Anarchy-X" is like the short intro song to the concept. It's catchy with samples, great bass and some blistering guitar as it blends into "Revolution Calling". This is where we hear Tate's vocals for the first time. I love this track and the words "There's a revolution calling". This song cooks with riffs and solos after 3 minutes. "Operation:Mindcrime" opens with the phone ringing and then a heavy rhythm comes in and some screaming guitar, and check out the bass ! "Speak" opens with samples and then hold onto your hat because we're going for a ride ! This is an uptempo song except for the chorus with some smoldering guitar solos. "Spreading The Disease" opens with tribal-like drumming. This one has quite the rhythm.There is a blistering guitar solo 2 minutes in and a lot of bottom end to this track. "The Mission" opens with more samples and when the song really kicks in it sounds fantastic ! One of my favourites on this album. The background synths are a nice touch as well.

"Suite Sister Mary" opens with samples and the female vocals really add a lot to the song. You can hear it's raining and the sirens are wailing. This has some tempo and mood changes on it making it the proggiest song on the album. Thunder and rain close out the song. "The Needle Lies" has some killer drumming and guitar melodies. There is a nod to JUDAS PRIEST at one point with the guitar solo. "Electric Requiem" opens with samples again as heavy drums and theatrical vocals come in.The drummer actually plays some keys on this track. "Breaking The Silence" features grinding guitars and pounding drums as Tate lets it rip. This has a great sonic sound to it. Some shredding 3 minutes in. "I Don't Believe In Love" is another favourite of mine. The guitar intro is incredible as bass and drums throb away a minute in. It blends into "Waiting For 22" a similar sounding tune but less dynamic. "My Empty Room" opens with the clock ticking and guitar sounds,the vocals are almost spoken. "Eyes Of A Stranger" really reminds me of PINK FLOYD, especially "The Wall" in the beginning. We are back in the hospital like on the first track as it ends as it began. Tasteful guitars and a great chorus on this one.

It's been a long time since I heard this album and I really thought as I contemplated listening to it again that I would probably give it 4 stars. Well it's even better then I remember. The energy and heaviness is right up my alley, and the vocals are as good as Tate has done.This is a real listening experience that still sounds as fresh as it did in 1988.