Operation: Mindcrime (Deluxe Edition/+DVD) [Digipak] - Queensryche

Advantages: Excellent score and lyrics, engrossing storyline
Disadvantages: can be difficult to follow, some of the track switchovers change pace a little too quickly

...lose the plotline ..... and by the time you have regained it, it bears no resemblance to the story you remember following. That is not the case with Mindcrime, except for the fact that the story begins and ends at the same point, with the main body of it being told in flashback form. The story itself is concerned with an American street kid named Nicky, angry and bitter at the hand that life has dealt him, he joins an underground subversive organisation fronted by the sinister Doctor X (Anthony Valentine) and is brainwashed into becoming a hitman for their 'order', used to kill and replace religious and political leaders in an attempt to bring their order into power and remove corruption from the highest levels of authority. Unfortunately Nicky meets a nun (Sister Mary) on one of his missions, and falls for her ....... giving him... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: superb album packed with great songs
Disadvantages: the band no longer exist with this lineup

...This album is by far the best thing Queensryche have ever done. It is a concept album and tells the story of a brainwashed hitman. Ok the idea sounds naff I admit but the songs are superb and it fits together like a jigsaw. The highlights are too many to mention but the final track eyes of a stranger will get in your brain and make you play it again and again. The music is hard rock but has a lot of quieter moments and it shows off a high standard of musicianship coupled with the ability to write good songs (A rare mix these days). The inluences are rush and ironmaidedn i suppose with various other things thrown in. If you buy 1 album this year get this. You won't regret it.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: hree great speed metal songs and a nice gloomy ballad.
Disadvantages: Surprisingly unoriginal, and too short.

...that have earned the band a place in metal history, but not until 1988's classic 'Operation: Mindcrime' would Queensrÿche achieve something as wholly enjoyable as this little piece of competently derivative heavy metal. This E.P. should reasonably be enjoyed by anyone fond of the bands mentioned earlier, and a certain degree of tolerance is advised when confronting Geoff Tate's womanly vocals, rivalling the most effeminate of modern power metal frontmen. Guitarists Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton, the latter of whom is still in the band today, really make this release stand strong with their excellent melodic breaks, solos and more restrained riffs in the verses. Meanwhile, other long-serving band members Eddie Jackson and Scott Rockenfield keep things grounded by providing bass guitar and drums, I guess. They don't make quite the lasting... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful