Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime

I’m looking for some honest, unfiltered critiques from the people who actually sat through his set. To be specific, I’d much rather hear from listeners who aren't necessarily obsessed with metal or any particular niche genre, but just appreciate good music on its own merits, regardless of the label.

Of course, all feedback is welcome...

👋

If nothing else—my conscience is my law. 😁

Absolute masterpiece from an incredible band.
One of the heavy hitters when it comes to conceptual prog rock albums.👍

This stands out as one of the last—perhaps even the absolute last—metal albums that truly resonated with me... although I have to admit, the whole "concept" feels a bit like a subpar imitation of a Fincher film... yet, all things considered, it’s quite lovely. If I were to hear those opening notes today, specifically that line "Don't turn your back on my disgrace," I know I'd get chills all over again.🙏

Definitely one of my all-time favorites.

An album for the soul, live --->

Queensryche - Operation : Livecrime

Do you think there's any real crossover between them and Dream Theater, considering they both fall under that progressive rock umbrella?

Is that album actually heavy metal intense, or does it lean more toward a rock or hard rock vibe—something a bit more mellow?

I'm really hoping it leans more toward rock than metal.

quietpuma3 said:Do they have anything in common with Dream Theater since they're both prog rock?

Is the album actually heavy metal, or is it more on the rock/hard rock side—you know, a bit milder?

I'm hoping it leans more toward rock than metal.

Yeah, they have similarities with DT—well, DT has similarities with them since they were one of their inspirations, and they actually just toured together.

Personally, I think Geoff Tate has one of the most beautiful vocals out there—if you're looking at complexity.
And the storytelling is killer...👍 👍
Have you heard Empire ???

P.S. they are prog rock😎

Justin Taylor said:Well, they definitely share some DNA with DT—or rather, DT shares it with them since they’ve always looked up to him. They actually just finished touring together.

Personally, I think Geoff Tate possesses one of the most beautiful vocals out there, at least if you value sheer complexity.
And the storytelling? It's damn good...👍 👍
Have you ever listened to Empire ???

P.S. they're prog rock😎

So they lean more toward a heavier sound. Honestly, I'm not entirely sure if it's exactly what I'm hunting for, but I'm going to pick it up regardless.

Empire? Never heard it.

👋

quietpuma3, you actually gave me this one... and honestly, it's not bad at all. 🙂

quietpuma3 said:So they're leaning more towards a heavier sound after all—honestly, I'm not even sure if it's what I'm looking for, but whatever, I'll grab it anyway.

Empire? Never heard of it.

👋

Nah, they aren't "leaning" toward anything... they just sound exactly like they've always sounded. Nothing changes.

feralstag11 said:man, you actually gave me this one... and honestly? It's not bad. 🙂

😎 😎 look, everything I hand out is gold.😎

ughhh, am I really some kind of King?😎

Justin Taylor said:Personally, I think Geoff Tate has one of the most stunning vocals out there, especially when you look at how complex his range actually is.

I'm right there with you, 🙏 truly beautiful stuff—honestly, it almost rivals Michael Jackson in its impact.

I haven't actually sat down with Operation : Mindcrime yet, but they've always sounded solid to me, so 😎

Justin Taylor said:Well, they definitely share some DNA with DT—or rather, DT shares it with them since they’ve clearly drawn inspiration from his work, especially considering they were just sharing a stage on tour.

Personally, I think Geoff Tate possesses one of the most stunning vocals out there, at least if you're looking at sheer complexity.
And man, the storytelling is just killer...👍 👍
Have you ever actually sat down and listened to Empire???

P.S. they are pure prog rock.😎

Someone somewhere mentioned that their technicians might not be quite "good enough" for a band claiming the progressive label, 🤔 but judging by the style, the arrangements, and the sheer conceptual depth, they absolutely belong. Tate is undoubtedly among the elite vocalists. Plus, unlike about 99% of metal singers, he doesn't feel the need to scream every single vowel unless it actually serves the song.😁

Alexander Parker69 said:I saw someone somewhere say they might not be "technical" enough for someone claiming to be a prog fan 🤔 But based on the style, the arrangements, and the sheer vision? They definitely are. And Geoff Tate is easily one of the best vocalists out there. Plus—unlike 99% of metalheads—he doesn't just scream every single vowel unless he actually needs to. 😁

Yeah, that constant screaming gets so irritating sometimes...

That album is legendary—I highly recommend checking it out. Though, if I’m being honest, I think Empire might actually be a slightly better record personally...

Well, they’re solid... Vocals are great, the music is right there too... honestly, I think everyone should listen to that album (Operation Mindcrime) at least once—if not at least 100 times.😁
👍 🙏

This album is killer—it could easily slide into the top ten of any rock or metal list out there. For a record dropped back in '88, it’s incredibly progressive.

The system WE learn says we're equal under law
But the streets ara reality , The weak and poor will fall Let's tip The Power balance and tear down their crown Educate The masses
Let's tip The Power balance and tear down their crown Educate The masses
We'll burn The White house down

(I wonder how these lyrics would fly with Mr. Bush today 😁 )

So, I finally bit the bullet and decided to write something about this album. It was one of the first ones that really pulled me into the world of prog, though honestly, I don't think it belongs strictly in that genre. This thing is a CLASSIC. Everything said above? Yeah, I'm right there with you...
Beyond the fact that the concept is incredible, there isn't a single skip on here. No weak tracks, no filler. Just pure gold.
After spinning this enough times and actually paying attention to the lyrics, I found myself subconsciously singing along to the choruses, and eventually, the whole damn thing. Almost everything they touch has such a catchy hook:
REVOLUTION CALLING, REVOLUTION CALLING
OPERATION: MINDCRIMEEEEEE...
SPEAK THE WORD, THE WORD IS ALL OF US
EVERYBODY NEEEEEEEDS, SPREADING THE DISEEEEEEASE...
MY MISSION, CHANGED The World...
Then you get to that epic suita Sister Mary, and once again, I'm just beltng it out:
DOOOON'T EVER TRUST, DON'T EVER TRUST THE NEEEEDLE, IT LIES
BREAKING THE SILENCE OF THE NIGHT
I DON'T BELIEVE IN LOVE, I NEVER HAVE, I never will
And then, as a closer, maybe even their best track of all time:
INTO The EYES of The Stranger

On top of all that, there's also the live version—Operation : Livecrime—which might just be one of the greatest live albums ever recorded.
(If you guys aren't familiar with Queensryche's stuff, you're probably sitting there wondering what the hell is happening?! Well, welcome to Operation : Mindcrime. MOOOOOOOOOREEEEEEEEEE???!!) 😁

Megan Reed said:I'm signing off on this 🙏 beautiful (almost like Michael Jackson)

I think Michael Jackson is great too! 👍

I haven't actually heard this specific album yet, but it piqued my interest back in '96 when I first heard people raving about it in heroin. Honestly, if heroin told me to jump into a well, I'd probably do it... 😳

np die Kreuzen - Conditioned