Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime II

Queensryche takes on the daunting task of following up a classic album, and the sequel is pretty good.

Operation Mindcrime was one of the most successful concept albums of all time. 18 years later, the current social and political climate led Geoff Tate and Queensryche to finish the story. Even though 1990's Empire had their huge hit single "Silent Lucidity," Mindcrime is their defining album, and doing a sequel to a classic is very risky.

When we last left the album's protagonist Nikki, he was in prison. The new album picks up with Nikki's release from jail and quest for revenge. The character Dr. X has a voice on this album, at least for one song, and he is played by the legendary Ronnie James Dio.

As a concept album this works very well. The songs flow perfectly into each other and the storyline is interesting. The songs are better than anything Queensryche has done in the past several years, but don't quite measure up to the original. Geoff Tate's voice still sounds great and the songs are meticulously constructed.

As a progressive metal album judged on its own merits, this is an excellent release. As a sequel compared to the near flawless original it isn't quite as good, but is still a solid and worthwhile album.