Queensryche: Geoff Tate (vocals, keyboards); Chris DeGarmo (acoustic 6- & 12-string acoustic guitars, electric guitar, lap steel guitar, guitar synthesizer); Michael Wilton (acoustic 6- & 12-string acoustic guitars, electric guitar); Eddie Jackson (bass); Scott Rockenfield (drums, percussion).
Additional personnel: Pamela Moore (vocals).
Recorded at Kajem/Victory Studios, Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. Includes liner notes by Paul Suter.
The album that preceded this release, RAGE FOR ORDER, came as a surprise to some fans because of the group's appropriation of electronic sound-generating techniques. Undeterred, the band composed its most challenging work yet, the epic concept album OPERATION: MINDCRIME. Originally issued in 1988, the hard-edged album slowly worked its way up the charts and became the band's first gold-certified release (an opening slot on Def Leppard's sold-out HYSTERIA tour certainly didn't hurt, either). The story-line centers on a drug addict who falls in love with a former prostitute turned nun. Together, they uncover a dangerous underground movement and try to stop it before it's too late.
OPERATION: MINDCRIME remains Queensryche's best and most consistent release--most of the tracks can be enjoyed out of the context of the storyline on the strength of their songwriting and instrumental performances. Individual standouts include the two popular MTV hits "I Don't Believe in Love" and "Eyes of a Stranger," as well as the lesser-known "Anarchy X," "Revolution Calling," the title track, "Speak," "Spreading the Disease," and the more than 10-minute long epic "Suite Sister Mary." For fans of metal with a prog-rock edge, OPERATION: MINDCRIME is definitely one of the '80's best.
- Format: Vinyl
- Released: 10/28/2008
- Genre: Rock
