I would put this down as a humongous disappointment. While Queensryche have been coasting for many years riding on residual income from past triumphs, we, the people, have grown. I can only say weak, weak, weak!! Don't kid yourself. I have listened to many of the demos they submitted back in the day. The songs stood alone without any props, and then they were polished into something special!!!This material is not connected. I would say this, a modern studio (but still use a vintage Lexicon 224xl, PCM 42 and an Eventide clockworks and much less and better compression) An engineer that knows how to weave the mix with spatial dexterity, a producer that can help connect it, and a band and label that isn't afraid of spending some doe, ray and me.....bingo QUEENSRYCHE...it could have been, should have been, but isn't. Bob Rivers could spoof a better record.Read full review
I have to start out saying Queensryche is one of my favorite bands from the 80s along with Dio, Iron Maiden, Sabbath, etc. The hairbands were rarely metal but more of a rock - pop (See Poison). Then there were the speed metal and death metal bands that just tried to hard to be the fastest or the hardest and lost what made the best of the metal bands of the 80s so great - classy style with a hard edge combined with true musicianship. Early Queensryche nailed this so if you don't have the first three albums and the EP, your collection is missing something. While some groups focused on music with a message, Queensryche melded a true art in their poetic lyrics and extremely talented guitar and rhythm section into unparalleled rock masterpieces. All good things must come to an end, but I still had hope and took a chance on this reprised effort. But just like answering the iron when the phone rings, sometimes you get burned. It doesn't suck, but it's hard to follow because it sounds like they were either too gimmicky with the background sounds and side sound effects, or they were just trying too hard and it wasn't coming natural. I was quite intrigued by the presence of Dio on the credits, and while I feel this was the best song on the CD, there was way too much oversinging by Geoff to where it became very muddled at times. It pains me to say that this was really just a very average effort from one of my still favorite bands of all time. However, there may be magic in another man's treasure so try to at least listen for yourself. My favorite album is Rage For Order, but I'm sure for many others, 'it has a couple of good songs.' I think the album is genius, and 'The Warning' is no slouch either.Read full review
When I heard Queensryche were recording a sequel to Operation Mindcrime I was a bit nervous. Although I don't dislike their more recent albums, the don't even come close to ealier releases. I thought it was a risky move to put out a sequel to one of the greatest metal albums of all time, but my worries turned to excitement upon the first two notes of the album. Geoff Tate sings with a range I haven't heard since "Promised Land", I was totally blown away. Queensryche return to progressive metal on this album with a definite Dream Theater "Scenes from a Memory" influence here and there. My only complaint is the last song is a bit weak, but overall this is a great album. If you like old Queensryche and you're open to the fact that they will never record an album quite as good as the original Mindcrime, you'll love this record.Read full review
When I heard that Queensryche was doing a follow-up of the very successful "Operation Mindcrime", I was excited and couldn't wait to hear it. After hearing it I was sorely disappointed. Was I comparing it to it's predecessor alone? No, I compared it to several other Queensryche albums, including "Rage for Order" & "the Warning". Musically it is a decent album, but not a decent Queensryche album. Geoff Tate's vocals are not quite the powerhouse they once were. Plus the absence of Chris DeGarmo (guitarist) is very evident. The songs didn't have the same flow as did earlier efforts that had DeGarmo at the helm. There were a few tracks of note. "the Hands", "Signs say Go", and "the Chase" featuring guest vocals by Ronnie James Dio. But the album didn't have the same story telling as the original. The first half of the album was the build up to the confrontation with Dr. X (the Chase). Then it just became a self wallowing pity party (If I want that I'd listen to country music). To be honest the last few tracks from "Operation Mindcrime II" sounded as if it were scrounged from the garbage can of Meatloaf (of "Bat out of Hell" fame). This album may be worth a listen or two, and if you can find it for a decent price maybe buy just to have in your collection. But other than that go back and listen to the earlier albums and dream of better days. ....April 23rd 2K7...Upon futher reviews of the CD, in and of it's self this is not a bad album if you view it upon it's own merits.When viewing it as just a Queensryche disc it is fairly good, if comparing it to the original Mindcrime you will be disappointed.Read full review
For 18 long years, Queensryche fans have not only been asking the question "Who killed Mary" but many other questions. Wat happened to Nikki? What about Dr. X? They are all answered in "Operation:Mindcrime II. This is the album all of us have been waiting for. For those of you who didn't like post "Promised Land" albums, you will feel like you have ran into an old friend. I have not heard one negative statement about this album, and I don't think I will. Pamela Moore reprising her role as Sister Mary is beautiful. She will give you goosebumps. Ronnie James Dio is the PERFECT voice for Dr. X. Fans of some of the newer "prog" rock (Porcupine Tree, Coheed & Cambria,etc even Dream Theater) need to go buy this on April 4. Yo will be glad you did.
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