OPERATION: MINDCRIME

This is the first complete masterpiece album from Queensrÿche and a real Progressive Metal classic!

Although this album's concept isn't coherent all the way it's actually the songwriting that makes Operation: Mindcrime a real treat for fans of the metal genre. It literally kick-starts with with the screaming guitars of Revolution Calling and doesn't slow down until Suite Sister Mary. After that the album shifts into a darker territory both thematically and musically. This second act is filled with highlights such as Breaking The Silence and finally Eyes Of A Stranger.

The metal scene of the '80s definitely needed some new and innovating ideas in order to maintain its popularity into the new decade and I personally consider Operation: Mindcrime to be one of those landmark albums that shaped the modern Progressive Metal genre into what it is today. Its well-written music and concept, slick production and original take on the genre really made it into the classic that is Operation: Mindcrime.

Although it might not be one of the absolute best concept albums ever made, from a Progressive Rock point of view, I still highly recommend this record to all fans of well-written metal albums.

***** star songs: Anarchy-X (1:27) Revolution Calling (4:42) The Mission (5:46) The Needle Lies (3:08) Eyes Of A Stranger (6:39)

**** star songs: I Remember Now (1:17) Operation: Mindcrime (4:43) Speak (3:42) Spreading The Disease (4:07) Suite Sister Mary (10:41) Breaking The Silence (4:34) I Don't Believe In Love (4:23) Waiting For 22 (1:05) My Empty Room (1:28)

*** star songs: Electric Requiem (1:22)

Total rating: 4,34