Operation: Mindcrime

This is Queensryche's third full length album "Operation: Mindcrime" which was released in 1988, and it is not only the band's absolute best album in their discography, but it is also one of the all time greatest concept albums to be ever released, and a true landmark in Progressive Rock/Metal as well. I got this CD five years ago, and I fell in love with it completely within an instant, believe me, it is absolutely amazing and brilliant beyond words. It truly shows that these guys can combine masterful and epic storytelling with genuinely amazing, and ever flowing music to make this album an incredibly mind-blowing work of art. The concept of "Operation: Mindcrime" focuses on the story following a recovering drug addict named Nikki who becomes disillusioned with the corruptive society of his time, so he escapes from the hospital, and reluctantly becomes involved with an underground revolutionary cult group lead by the mysterious Dr.X as an assassin of political leaders, and then he falls in love with a former prostitute turned nun named Sister Mary along the way. From a musical standpoint, "Operation: Mindcrime" is just incredibly noteworthy, it is fully loaded with amazing musicianship throughout. Everyone is definitely in top form here. Singer Geoff Tate shines on here with his awesome wailing, soaring and melodic sung vocals with such absolute perfection. The guitar work of Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton is very inventive as well, with great crunchy riffs and fantastic solos that'll put a smile on the listener's face. Eddie Jackson's bass lines are just incredibly unbelievable, they just rock your bones throughout, and drummer Scott Rockenfield does an amazing job anchoring the entire album with his rock solid drumming.The album's opening intro "I Remember Now" is a short mood-setting intro that immediately kicks into Anarchy-X" which is a nice yet short yet pumping instrumental track that serves as a prelude for the following track "Revolution Calling" (one of my many favorites here) which is highlighted by Geoff's amazing soaring vocal deliveries and lyrics, plus an awesome wailing sing a long chorus, along with some great rockin' riffs, wicked fiery soloing, and a straight up pounding rockin' beat throughout. The title track "Operation: Mindcrime" is also another huge highlight, and also my favorite song on the album which is highlighted by an awesomely catchy and crunching opening riff, along with awesome grumbling bass work and solid drumming, an awesomely melodic, wailing guitar solo, and amazing vocals, as well as another catchy sing a long chorus that will stay stuck in your head for days. The chorus in this song is just straight up addicting. "Speak" is another favorite of mine and a nice speedy number that features energetic riffing and drum beats, as well as a blazing solo, plus more of Geoff's amazing vocals, meanwhile "Spreading the Disease" is another awesome ripper that will rock your socks off and get the blood pumping like crazy as it boasts heavy, chunky, fiery riffs and heavy driving leads, rumbling bass lines, bouncy drum beats, plus more amazing vocal deliveries from Geoff as well as an awesome, ripping, shredding solo to boot. Moving forward, track seven "The Mission" features a very nice acoustic opening before morphing into a catchy power/glam metal-esque rocker, and it also features yet more amazingly mind-blowing vocals, plus more awesome riffs, solid bass lines and drumming, plus some more awesome, shredding soloing to top it off.Next up, we have the 10 minute and 40 second epic "Suite Sister Mary" which is a classic filled with moody guitars, and chanting choirs, and an amazingly epic vocal duet between and Geoff and Pamela Moore. Trust me, this song doesn't get more epic than that. Elsewhere, we have "The Needle Lies" which is a real fiery and intense fist pumper that boasts a fast thumping drum beat, along with blistering riffs and blazing soloing, plus more of Geoff's soaring vocals as well. Following that, we have the short and haunting interlude track, "Electric Requiem" which leads into the next tack and another one of my favorites, "Breaking the Silence" which is highlighted by a driving straight forward and fist pumping drum beat that is backed up by driving, energetic riffs, ear pounding basslines, plus more awesome soloing and amazing vocals as well. Meanwhile "I Don't Believe in Love" is another catchy heavy rockin' classic that is highlighted by more great melodic yet energetic riffing and pumping drums, plus great grumbling bass work, as well as another awesomely infectious and addicting sing a long chorus, and some more strong soloing as well, and then after two short yet melodic interludes in "Waiting For 22" and "My Empty Room" there's the epic and masterful album closer "Eyes of a Stranger" which closes out the album in a very epic and masterful way of course. This song is very catchy, powerful, contagious and yes it's also even danceable as well. The guitar riffs and the solo in this song are just amazing, as well as Geoff's vocals, Eddie's bass and Scott's drumming, plus the chorus here is just pure absolute bliss. Such an amazing song from start to finish, and a great album closer as well.Also, this 24-Bit Remastered version of the album here also includes two bonus live version of "The Mission" (which was recorded live at The Hammersmith Odeon in London, UK on November 15, 1990), and "My Empty Room" (which was recorded live at The Astoria Theatre in London, UK on October 20, 1994) for an extra treat.To put it simply, "Operation: Mindcrime" is without a shadow of a doubt the absolute best album that Queensryche has ever released hands down, and it continues to be a true landmark in Progressive music. It is definitely right up there with other Progressive classics such as "2112" by Rush, and "Images and Words" and "Metropolis Pt 2. Scenes From a Memory" both by Dream Theater, and so many others. The masterful quality music, the intelligently written lyrics, and overall concept truly make this album a true masterpiece. I strongly recommend this album to anybody who loves Progressive music. It is worth every penny, trust me, you won't be disappointed, buy it now!!! \m/ \m/Jeremy

This is one of the greatest albums ever

Most people agree this is their best album. This 2 CD set came with 1 studio disc., and 1 live album. Highly recommended concept album.

So I've heard a few songs off of this album before, but for some reason I never bought it yet. Now I have a used copy of the original BMG edition from the 80's, and it sounds superb (Qualiy-wise and music-wise)! ON TO THE REVIEW: Queensrÿche's 1988 concept album, Operation: Mindcrime, is the band's major breakthrough into critical and commercial success (not counting their following album Empire). This album contains an extremely strong and powerful story/concept, which will easily please progressive music fans (like myself), along with some very catchy hit singles for the mainstream rock fans, such as "I Don't Believe in Love". The concept involves a drug "junkie" named Nikki, who is disillusioned with Ronald Reagen era society and is coerced into serving as Dr. X's pawn in eliminating corrupt political leaders. This album explores such topics as prostitution, greed, and drugs and how it has impacted 1980's American society. There is also a tragic love story between Nikki and a prostitute-turned nun, who he is forced to kill by Dr. X. After his lover's death, Nikki goes into a psychotic frenzy on the streets, until he is committed to a mental hospital. This is where the story originally began, as the protagonist remembers the events that have previously occurred. This album is extremely ambitious, but accessible in its approach, and for that, it has rightfully earned the respect of many hard rock and heavy metal fans worldwide (including me). There is a sequel, simply called Operation: Mindcrime II, which is about Nikki exacting his revenge towards Dr. X. However, I DO NOT recommend it. It is basically rehashing what made the original classic so brilliant, the music and lyrics are extremely forgettable, and uninspired, and it fails to explore outside of its creative boundaries enough for it to be the slightest bit "interesting". Just stick with the original classic, you'll be better off that way. Operation: Mindcrime I is an essential album for any hard rock/heavy metal fan before death, and it will live on as one of the greatest concept albums in music history.

Mindcrime was one of my favorite albums during my college days and because I only had the cassette version it fell out of rotation over the years. What astounds me listening to it again is how relevant this album still is. Possibly more so now than it was during it's original release. Queensryche pulled together a collection of songs wrapped in a theme that was both topical and prescient."Fighting fire with empty words. While the banks get fat, the rich get rich and the cops get paid to look away as the one percent rule America"The strengths and weaknesses of this album are largely unchanged and time hasn't diminished the quality of Mindcrime very much at all. The concept, the story, the arrangement and scope and some really fine songs with punchy choruses and Tate giving it all and the band creating a great soundscape are the strengths. The weaknesses are still the production (even remastered) on occasion; Tracks like Needle sound pretty thin on record and are much better live. The lyrics are occasionally too obvious as well but they detract little from the package.One thing to note about this package is that it is not the Livecrime release. The DVD here is a collection of the video segments you may have seen for the singles and the live album is a later recording and in my opinion not as strong as Livecrime. If you really want the full Mindcrime experience then you need to purchase the Operation Livecrime DVD separately. Mindcrime is a really visual album even in audio form so when you can actually see the album come together on stage before an audience with animation and video sequences, combined with the performances, it really brings Mindcrime to life.

Best concept album ever made.

This was one of my favorite albums when I was a teenager. I am always going to YouTube or some streaming service to listen to the songs and the last time I thought to myself, this is nonsense, just buy the CD. So I did!Had to order from a marketplace seller overseas so was a little worried about how long it would take being held up in Customs but it did arrive within the expected delivery dates so very happy. This is a great CD and if you only own one Queensryche CD this is the one it should be. Amazing concept album. Outstanding and is just as relevant now as it was back in the day.

Llego en perfecto estado, es muy buen disco de la banda Queensryche.

Jeden z najlepszych concept albumów rockowych!

„Operation: Mindcrime“ heißt das dritte Album der US-amerikanischen Band Queensrÿche aus dem Bundesstaat Washington, welches 1988 veröffentlicht wurde. Die Platte stellt ein Konzeptalbum dar und daher hier zunächst mal die Geschichte zu „Operation: Mindcrime“ in Kurzfassung:Das Album beginnt mit dem Protagonisten, Nikki, der in einem Krankenhaus liegt. Er erinnert sich zunächst nur an kurze Ausschnitte aus seiner Vergangenheit, die sich mit der Zeit jedoch verfestigen und klarer werden. Er war heroinsüchtig und von der heutigen Gesellschaft aufgrund der wirtschaftlichen Ungleichheit, Korruption und Heuchelei um ihn herum frustriert. In diesem Zustand schloss er sich einer angeblichen Geheimorganisation an, deren Ziel die Revolution ist. An der Spitze dieser Organisation steht der geheimnisvolle politische und religiöse Demagoge Dr. X, der Nikki durch eine Kombination seiner Heroinsucht und Gehirnwäsche manipuliert, um ihn als Killer einzusetzen.Immer, wenn Dr. X nun das Wort „Mindcrime" verwendet, wird Nikki seine gelehrige Marionette, ein Zustand, den Dr. X dazu verwendet, Nikki verschiedene Morde aufzutragen. Ein Verbündeter des Dr. X ist der korrupte Priester namens Vater William, der Nikki die Dienste einer zur Prostituierten gewordenen Nonne namens Mary anbietet. Nikki entwickelt eine Freundschaft und wachsende Zuneigung zu Mary und beginnt sein Handeln in Frage zu stellen. Dr. X bemerkt dies und sieht in Mary eine potenzielle Bedrohung und gibt Nikki schließlich den Auftrag, den Priester und Mary umzubringen. Nikki geht daraufhin wieder programmiert in Kirche und tötet den Priester, aber als er auf Mary trifft, kann er den Befehl, sie ebenfalls zu beseitigen, nicht mehr umsetzen. Er und Mary beschließen, gemeinsam die Organisation zu verlassen und Nikki geht zu Dr. X. Dieser erinnert ihn während des Gesprächs daran, dass er ein Süchtiger sei und nur er ihm die tägliche Dosis Heroin zur Verfügung stellen könne. Nikki verlässt unsicher und verwirrt Dr. X, kehrt zu Mary zurück und findet sie ermordet vor.Nikki verzweifelt an diesem Verlust und da für ihn auch noch die Möglichkeit besteht, dass er es selbst sein könnte, der Hand an Mary gelegt hat, ohne es zu wissen, gleitet er langsam in den Wahnsinn ab. Er läuft durch die Straßen und ruft ihren Namen, bis die Polizei kommt und ihn überwältigt. Eine Pistole wird bei Nikki gefunden und er wird in Gewahrsam genommen unter dem Verdacht, Mary ermordet, sowie zahlreiche andere Morde für Dr. X ausgeführt zu haben. Nikki verliert schließlich immer mehr sein Gedächtnis und wird in eine psychiatrische Klinik eingewiesen. Im Bett liegend laufen nebenbei irgendwo gerade die Nachrichten, in denen über die jüngsten politischen Morde berichtet wird. Diese News lassen ihn fast schlagartig wieder klarer werden, sein Gehirn fängt an zu arbeiten, er erinnert sich und fängt an seine Geschichte zu erzählen… und wir befinden uns wieder am Anfang des Albums.Nun aber zur Musik, denn die ist wahrlich hörenswert. Queensrÿche brennen auf „Operation: Mindcrime“ ein wahres Feuerwerk an tollen Ideen ab. Das Album ist angefüllt mit mitreißenden Songs, wunderschönen Harmonien und Melodien, packenden Soli und groovenden Rhythmen. Meist sind diese Zutaten in die Überbegriffe Hard Rock und Metal verpackt, allerdings gibt es auch immer wieder ruhigere und nachdenklichere Abschnitte.Bei den treibenderen Abschnitten steht ebenfalls immer die Melodiösität des Liedes im Vordergrund. Es gibt perfekt gesetzte Breaks und häufige Richtungswechsel, selbst in den einzelnen Liedern, wobei bestimmte Passagen dann immer wieder aufgegriffen werden. So entwickelt sich eine sehr spannende Scheibe, die man am besten in einem Guss durchhört. Ist man des Englischen einigermaßen mächtig, so kann man oben angegebene Inhaltsangabe auch ganz gut mitverfolgen. Der Schwerpunkt der Platte liegt jedoch – bei aller vorhandenen Melodiösität –ganz klar im Genre Hard Rock und ist so gestaltet, dass die einzelnen Titel häufig durch kleine Einspielungen wie Gesprächsausschnitte oder bestimmte, zur Story passende Geräusche miteinander verbunden werden. Somit ergibt sich ein Gesamtwerk, bei dem es sich, entgegen anderen Platten, kaum lohnt, einzelne Titel herauszuheben beziehungsweise unabhängig vom Rest der Platte anzuhören. Alles passt in einen Kontext, der auf seine Weise rund und vollständig zu sein scheint.Fazit: Hörer, die auf Hard Rock mit leichten Metal-Einflüssen stehen, die werden mit dieser Scheibe viel Spaß haben. Ein Album aus einem Guss, welches viele Bands beeinflusste durch seine Machart und Konsequenz, wie hier eine Idee umgesetzt wurde. Ob dies nun progressiver Metal ist, wie man immer wieder nachlesen kann, das sei mal so dahingestellt und ist auch nicht immer ganz nachvollziehbar. „Operation: Mindcrime“ ist allerdings auf jeden Fall eine sehr gelungene Hard Rock Platte, die im Gewand des Konzeptalbums daherkommt und dabei überaus vielschichtig ist.

Maravilhoso