The most anticipated conceptual metal album in years rises to the occasion.... Back in 1988, progressive metallers QUEENSRYCHE brought the rock world to its knees with the classic Operation Mindcrime. In the way of sonic hooks and the lyrical plot itself, Mindcrime remains the bona fide concept album benchmark - so how fascinating then, that the band have taken the massive task upon themselves of unleashing a follow up...
Track by track :
Freiheit Overture - Instrumental opener, classically orchestrated. Sets the scene respectably, but neither striking or melodic as Anarchy X (intro on Operation Mindcrime).
I'm An American - A rousing rocker, it's a fitting number to open the plot with. Marking his release from prison, I'm An American also features a shout-y, ANTHRAX style middle section.
One Foot In Hell - Awe inspiring harmonised intro is a dazzling reference to the original ...Mindcrime, although the rest of the track firmly pins down the bands intentions of making a modern sounding record
Hostage - Delicious acoustic guitar work, wonderful harmonies and an alternative-esque chorus make Hostage a firm highlight. Also Recalls Electric Requiem with Geoff Tate's concluding scream.
The Hands - The first single is one of the few compositions present that could have sat comfortably on Operation Mindcrime album, both in terms of musical likeness and quality control itself.
Speed Of Light - LED ZEPPELIN's Kashmir riff springs to mind, but unfortunately there's no seventh heaven here. Indeed, the track only really gets going when it ends, courtesy of guest female vocals and the 'Don't worry, I'll kill the bastard' line, referring to Dr X.
Signs Say Go - While verses genuinely rock courtesy of fine melodies, the shout-y chorus disappoints.
Rearrange You - A mysteriously haunting vibe coupled with a grand chorus brings things back upon a high note - and with Geoff Tate finally hitting a few himself, he almost sounds like a shadow of his former self.
The Chase - Featuring the legendary Ronnie James Dio on lead vocals (starring as Doctor X), this is a highly theatrical number gets double thumbs up.
A Murderer - Probably the heaviest song on the album, Geoff 'the black hand of death' Tate's vocals and rip roaring solos make this sinister number an absolute killer, (as victim Dr X would only too well know...)
Circles - A little effort made up mostly of instrumental noise, The Sound Of Silence or Silence Is Golden may have been a more appropriate title.
If I Could Change It All - Minimalist verses impress, female vocals purr like a Cheshire Cat and Geoff Tate even gets round to sounding like his old self in places, although the operatic conclusion ends the song lifelessly.
An International Confrontation - Makes up for the lost momentum at the end of If I Could Change It All, but really this should have remained as part of the song rather than a separate number. Loaded with drama, thunderous guitars and gripping female vocals make this an inspired choice of listening.
A Junkies Blues - Spoken dialogue makes way for bluesy verses and an orchestrated Anarchy X esque conclusion. Filling the time, ultimately, it lacks magic.
Fear City Slide - Featuring a mammoth chorus with some of the finest riffage present, this is a strong number with predictable but effective solos.
All The Promises - An unconventional QUEENSRYCHE ballad, this acoustic driven duet is, as Bernard Matthews might say, beautiful. A sharp reminder of the hostage's love for Mary, it's his longest lasting - and harshest - memory.
Despite its subtle reminders of the original, Operation Mindcrime II is a modern sounding concept album, and one that will please QUEENSRYCHE fans.
It impresses with its flow, and does deliver some magic moments (Hostage, The Hands, The Chase, Fear City Slide) but on the flip side it lacks heavyweight material and begs for more vocal power. Geoff Tate can still offer excellent melodic output, but his trademark range has all but disappeared - when he goes up a little, it still sounds effective, but just not as powerful as the Tate of old.A solid plot assures Mindcrime II's lyrical ability, and while not instantly accessible, this is an album that, after repeated listens, is cetainly a worthy cause.
