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.
The new CD hits the stores and is now available for purchase! The long awaited continuance to the most shocking story of a rock song! Nicky is now free after 20 years in prison for murder. Given a drug that allowed controlling of the mind, Dr. X had his killer and there was nothing Nicky could do except act out the commands. Falling in love with an ex-prostitute who had become a nun and the strong attraction between the two had come to an end for the death of a priest too. Now, with Nicky free again, whose to say where he ends up when he walks out those prison doors??? What we have all been waiting for and what only the show will tell.. OCTOBER 2nd IN ARIZONA.......Then I'll know too. Until then, Geoff Tate says we just have to keep guessing and imagine every scenario possible. But we are all going to be wrong.... But Shocked!!! Catch you up after the show!!!!Read full review
Over the years so many have said Queensryche music won't grab you on the first listen, but it will blow you away by the third! This cd is another delicious example of that. It does not sound like the first Mindcrime, but it IS Mindcrime! The layers of each movement are so thick you can't wait to listen over and over! You'll find yourself one minute saying I'm not sure if I like this track, then the next minute it will be your favorite. Die hard fans, rejoice! The story is complete! New listeners, get a set of headphones, grab Operation Mindcrime (I & II) and get ready for a conceptual rock opera masterpiece! Queensryche is back!!!
Simply put, this is a sales ploy for a band looking to capitalize on their past success. If you were a fan of hard rock during the eighties, then you more than likely got a taste of Mindcrime I. To my ears, it was the best hard rock album of the eighties. There wasn't just one or two songs that stood out above the rest like most albums. There actually wasn't a song that really stood out. What it did was told a story and sucked you into the "vibe" where you couldn't just listen to one or two songs. You would just keep listening to it from start to finish time and time again. If you could ever compare a album to Floyds the Wall, this would be the hard rock 80's version. Both the music and the vocals was crisp and lively (thanks Jeff and Chris...where's Chris now?). And the production was first rate. Which brings me to Mindcrime II. I was even more disappointed with this effort than I was when they came out with Promised Land after the great Empire release. The vocals sound dead as if Jeff just smoked a couple packs of cigs before he went into the studio. The music is boring and missing the edge that Mindcrime I had. I would have to say both the vocals and the music sound dull and boring. I am very disappointed with this effort. Unless you have heard several songs off this new release, I wouldn't purchase it. I hadn't heard a track off of it beforehand and now regret my purchase and definately would not have made this purchase if given a chance to listen to it before hand. If your a fan of their early work I would avoid listening to this at all costs. You have been warned.Read full review
This is such an awesome cd! If you are a fan of Operation Mindcrime I guarantee that you're going to really like OP2. They did an amazing job of really capturing the sound and feel of the OP1 which is not an easy thing to do. To be honest I was kinda surprised and really impressed with the entire cd. I really love this cd! 🤘😎🤘
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Do not review this album until you have listened to it 3-5 times. Once you've given it due diligence, you won't be able to take it out of your CD player or off your IPOD. It's not OMI, nor should it be (and nothing will probably ever again equal that album's brilliance). Tate's voice is more sultry, but it's still at a top level. At first glance, OMII seems choppy and 'disconnected', but further expression reveals complex layers -- and the great songs (Tracks 6, 9, 10, 15, and 16) raise the acceptance of lesser ones (I'm American, One Foot in Hell, Murderer). If you're disappointed still, go see them in concert, it will change your perception.
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