Open Web Player
![Operation: Mindcrime [2 LP]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81gtgjZoyPS._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
Eighteen years after their breakthrough 1988 album, OPERATION MINDCRIME, Queensryche decided to do a sequel, likely to drum up dwindling support (Even I bailed from the Ryche train after 1997's HEAR IN THE NOW FRONTIER).
The good news is that there are two or three songs on here that are as good as any on the original MINDCRIME; the problem, of course is that the original MINDCRIME didn't have just two or three great songs, it was dang near the entire album! I also like the fact that, with the exception of the opening of "The Hands", which is taken from the beginning of "Breaking the Silence," MINDCRIME II sounds nothing like the original MINDCRIME and is totally original. You gotta respect the Ryche boys for throwing caution to the wind and trying something different rather than rehashing stale ideas, not to mention eschewing conventional pop rock/metal hooks. The fact that MINDCRIME II is a very different album coincides with the fact that this is nigh 20 years later wherein both the band members have matured or changed (in the case of guitarist DeGarmo) and the story's character's have matured as well.
Here's a rundown of the songs:
THE GREAT (both rank with the best Ryche songs EVER):
1.) The Chase. This song features Ronnie James Dio as the voice of Dr. X and is as good as anything on the original, but totally different. Watch out for the killer chorus.
2.) Murderer? Some people might not like this one because it's schizophrenic, totally modern with a rehashed Ryche riff for the chorus, but it's really a great song with a heavy start/stop riff. It's also the heaviest song on the album.
THE GOOD:
1.) The Hands. I'm almost tempted to put this one in 'the great' category, but I hate the backing vocals on the chorus.
2.) Hostage. One of my favorites since first hearing the cd, but it's hard to say exactly why, other than that it has a nice atmospheric/melodic ambiance.
THE SOLID:
1.) An Intentional Confrontation. I'm almost tempted to put this one in 'The Good' slot. Simple, but highly unique and memorable.
2.) Re-Arrange You. Rousing and compelling with a nice flow, but mixed with a weird vibe that may turn some listeners off (see "The Bizarre" below).
3.) I'm American. I had to hear this one a dozen times before deciding it was pretty good. It's simple, but pretty heavy (for modern Ryche) and lively.
4.) Signs Say Go. Weird, off-kilter chorus, but it has a nice drive overall.
5.) One Foot in Hell. Solid, and it has actually become one of my favorits on the cd, but -- again -- those horrible backing vocals gotta go (they learned their lesson if you listen to the backing vocals on AMERICAN SOLDIER). The cool thing about this track is that it really cops an intense 'jam' factor come lead solo time with a simple-but-effective heavy background riff.
NOT BAD:
1.) If I Could Change it All. Pamela Moore returns as Mary's literal or figurative specter.
2.) All the Promises. Ditto.
3.) A Junkie's Blues.
4.) Fear City Slide. Interesting and original. It grew on me.
THE BIZARRE:
1.) Speed of Light. This one sort of has that 'mad scientist' vibe to it that's somehow reminiscent of the guy from "Back to the Future" or even "Young Frankenstein" and like the chorus of "Signs Say Go," as well as the verses of "Re-Arrange You." This is a vibe that recurrs on the album like a thread and is unlike any other Queensryce cd. Sometimes it works well, like on "The Chase," and others it just comes off weird and even faintly irksome. What I really like about this song is the unconventional ending, which is out of left field and creatively builds to the next song.
That covers all the proper songs on the CD. The opening overture is quite good, "Convict" is nothing but a brief theatrical intermission and "Circles" is more of an atmospheric soundtrack piece. Speaking of atmosphere, I like how the second half of the CD (after "Murderer?") cops an almost Pink Floyd-ish vibe with its pacing and atmospherics. At first I thought the second half was a little lackluster compared to the first, but I've come to appreciate it. For instance, the excellent choir coda of "If I Could Change it All" that suddenly morphs into "An Intentional Confrontation" is great.
BOTTOM LINE: Although I prefer Queensryche's style on their debut EP and THE WARNING, as well as stuff like "Neue Regal" from RAGE FOR ORDER, which is probably their greatest song ever, even I have to assent to the greatness of the original OPERATION MINDCRIME. That whole era in the 80s was Queensryche's heyday. Did anyone seriously think they could even rival that crowning achievement, let alone surpass it? If MINDCRIME scores an A+ MINDCRIME II scores about six tiers below that with a solid C+. I respect the fact that they refused to try to mimic their past success and instead opted for something fresh, mature and inventive (sometimes really weird), even sneering at typical hooks. The whole album's a decent listen and is enjoyable to revisit now and again, unless you're stuck in 1988 and don't believe bands should mature and experiment. Just give it the time it needs and you'll catch a grip.
- Sale: $18.99 — Discount Provided by Amazon. Here's how (restrictions apply)
- Amazon Business: Make the most of your Amazon Business account with exclusive tools and savings. Login now
