On Rhino Records

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By the time this review is displayed, it is likely that “Operation: Mindcrime, II” will have debuted in the Billboard Top 20 if not higher. So- the question remains- how good is it really?

For starters, the artwork is similar to the first “Operation: Mindcrime” and that notwithstanding, the opening makes one terribly excited about what is to come…

However, to understand MC2 one must also understand MC1. There was this kid Nikki who was duped into performing assassinations for a certain “Doctor X.” This scheme led him to commit crimes among which may or may not have included the love/lust of his life, “Sister Mary.” (Mary, was an ex-whore who became a nun.) And then Nikki was put away in jail for some time, it seems, for killing Mary. Now its 18 years later, and Nikki is out of jail…

The differences on MC2 are many and it is argumentative as to whether it ought to be compared to its predecessor, but such comparisons are inevitable, if unfortunate. For starters, the first record was song-driven, with the story a secondary aspect of the music. Songs on MC1 could be taken out of context and enjoyed without benefit of following the backstory. MC2 is story-driven… and features only one or two songs which might be taken out of context.

As such, “I’m American” is the new “Revolution Calling” and for anyone who waited two decades for this thing… “I’m American” is everything they wanted. “Revolution Calling” offered this one magnificent line: “Who do you trust when everyone’s a crook?” which offered the listener an opportunity to view the world through Nikki’s eyes, but stood alone as an incredibly powerful song. The frustration of the Nikki character is felt on a relatively low level. “I’m American” is as close to “Revolution Calling” as this sequel gets on any level; and that is the key. Where many fans might expect the out-of-the-box singles there is now a greater concentration on the plot. The music takes a back seat…. and that’s where “Operation: Mindcrime II” fails.

“I’m American” is an amazing song, however; and if it was the only good thing about this disc, it would still be worth buying. The lyrics, “I’m a man of the people in the home of the brave… and I deserve everything I can get – I’m American, I’m American!” are easily the best lyrics Geoff Tate has written in years and he should be sainted for this song alone. It clocks in at a brisk three minutes – you could boil an egg to this song. But no sequel can stand on any three minutes.

And the disc goes on… and on. And therein lies the problem. Certainly Geoff Tate has never sounded better, no question; the band sounds like it was ripped out of some time-capsule. The rhythm section is perfection; the guitars, notably on “Fear City Slide,” are impeccable. It’s just that the record gets bogged down in the story. “One Foot In Hell” is an excellent song, but it requires that the listener know the story; for those who aren’t following the tale, the song is meaningless. Referencing Mary and Dr. X is fine, but it doesn’t hold up because the everyman quality is obfuscated with Nikki’s agenda. On MC1 the song “I Don’t Believe In Love” translated well from the story because of the vagueness of the lyrics, rather than the specifics, which made it accessible to anyone. This is the fundamental problem with MC2.

There is one impeccable, noteworthy standout, and that is: “The Chase” which features Ronnie James Dio as “Dr. X.” If it was anyone else, it would be easily overlooked, no doubt. But because it is Ronnie James Dio it is noteworthy. Dio is the absolute perfect singer to portray this character because there are so few who could match Geoff Tate vocally. (This is metal history.) However, if it wasn’t Dio it would be lackluster. This character, “Dr. X” demands a larger-than-life personna to embody the voice and Dio is it.

Regarding the story: Nikki is out and looking to take revenge on Dr. X. That’s pretty much it. There are diversions, of course; and some of them are interesting but not interesting enough to entertain the casual listener. The standouts here are few: "An International Confrontation" is entertaining, and the Pink Floyd "Thin Ice" grandeur is exciting, but lyrically the song stalls. “Murderer?” is the last best song on the record, truly.

This band is still quite amazing, though it will take the enlightened listener to appreciate this and the die-hards to foment a rebellion. Does “Operation: Mindcrime II” live up to the hype? Not really. Mostly, this is the record with which the band can go out on a high note. Something the die-hards can tell their grand-kids about because, ultimately, this record’s success depends on the ones who believe in the Ryche.

* * *

holy_nick - 4/15/2006 7:56:39 PM
I hate these guys they insulted Dream Theater...sons of bitches

Darth_Revan - 4/15/2006 9:19:20 AM
Not all sequels fall short, The Empire Strikes Back is far better than A New Hope. . .I'm not saying that MCII is better than MCI, it's just different. I like it, growing on me more with each listen. R-

Mummyman - 4/14/2006 9:56:23 PM
This review is as schizophrenic as they come...First off I don't understand the complaint that "MCII is story driven and the music takes a back seat and that's where Operation:Mindcrime II fails" Huh? But, Mick..You go on to write that the lyrics in I'm American are "easily the best Geoff has wrote in years"...... This is all completely asinine in my estimation as this is a CONCEPT ALBUM!!, it's supposed to be about the story! Not to mention that after the aforementioned complaint ,he goes on to write "Tate never sounded better" "The band sounds like it was ripped out of a time capsule" "the rhythm section is perfection". Ok, so which is it? Too much story or poor musicality? I really think that too many people are trying to view this release for something other than what it is....A companion piece to OMC

Hard__Rocker - 4/14/2006 6:18:00 PM
I have listened to this a couple of times and still haven't completely made up my mind. Musically it definitely rocks, they do some unusual things with scales and stuff that is definitely as interesting as anything since Promised Land. I agree with the reviewer that "I'm American" rocks - if that song would have been on the last CD when QR still had major label distribution it probably would have gotten some serious airplay at rock radio. The thing that really jumps out at me though are the vocal harmonies on several of the songs. My first impression is that they are unnecessary and frankly remind me of HITNF, probably not a good thing from most people's perspective. Anyway, I'll definitely be checking it out many more times before I pass judgment on it . . . . .

metaldominator - 4/14/2006 4:36:05 PM
if it is a post from you, I ain't missing anything except more lies and delusions

tbirdbass - 4/14/2006 2:11:45 PM
mentaldorkinator - 4/13/2006 3:35:23 PM ok birdass, what do you think of the album ?<---btw, what i did hear, i liked. i'm sure you don't, retard. it sounds nothing like enuff z nuff.

tbirdbass - 4/14/2006 2:07:11 PM
mentaldorkinator - 4/14/2006 12:48:41 PM I can read birdass, but I missed that post. Paying attention ?<-----you should be asking yourself that question, retard. you are the one missing posts.

KittieFan - 4/14/2006 1:19:43 PM
I was 13 when the original came out and I liked it but never was crazy about it. This one is much better. \m/

metaldominator - 4/14/2006 12:48:41 PM
I can read birdass, but I missed that post. Paying attention ?

TheGarmo - 4/14/2006 12:17:39 PM
Alright, I'm tired of flying airplanes and reading about how my old band has turned out some shitty concept album to follow up my OMC1 masterpiece. I guess I'll come back to the band now. We can be like Maiden and have a half dozen guitarists!

tbirdbass - 4/14/2006 11:32:53 AM
mentaldorkinator - 4/13/2006 3:35:23 PM ok birdass, what do you think of the album ?<----as previously stated(can't you read?), my disc snapped in 1/2 after only two listenings. that's not enough time to give it my full opinion. when i do, i'm sure you'll be paying attention.

MindcrimeII - 4/14/2006 11:32:46 AM
Tour selling out already...........Sept 27 Dallas is going to Ryche and Roll!!!!

Blobber - 4/14/2006 8:21:08 AM
Let us pray the band folows in Mary's footsteps.

ozonekiss - 4/14/2006 7:59:56 AM
its a good record, i only wish the critics were saying "They said it couldnt be done" like the Godfather II...it dosent warrant that tagline but its still a good CD and QR's best since Empire.. PS Mary killed herself, that gave that secret away during the Mindcrime tour in 2004...its not clear on the CD so if you didnt see it live your probably confused..

4givininhell - 4/14/2006 12:14:32 AM
UH.......hate to break it to you, but Queensryche is not Metal, maybe hard rock at best. Tate does outshine almost all metal vocalists though..........

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