Mindcrime at the Moore Video, 2007

""Operation: Mindcrime" was, and still is, a legendary release in the world of metal, and it was appreciated not only within the sphere of progressive metal, but by fans of all sorts of different types of metal. And listening to the album, one quickly realizes why - it's simply amazing.

"Operation: Mindcrime II" is the sequel to "Operation: Mindcrime", but it was never as successful, and some people don't even like it. Personally, I like "Mindcrime II", although not as much as the original "Mindcrime", for having a more updated sound and not just being a repetition of first one.

Anyway, this live DVD gives you both albums performed live in their entirety at The Moore Theater in the band's hometown Seattle, and whether you like "Mindcrime II" or not, you are in for a treat with the performance of both albums. This show has everything that the thinking man, or person to be non-sexist, of metal should love about Queensrÿche: rock 'n' roll, drama, political messages, social commentary, special effects and artistic visual stage props. This is theatrical heavy metal at its best: accessible yet thought provoking. And it holds up all the way through, so even if you don't "Mindcrime II" as much as the first one, you are certain to be entertained by its performance on this DVD.

The concert itself is great, but considering myself a thinking man pf metal, I like informative bonus material, too, and I think the quality of the bonus material is a bit so-so... with one exception. The bonus material includes a version of "The Chase" which was recorded live in L.A. featuring Ronnie James Dio, performing live as Dr. X; in the light of his recent tragic passing, this particular bit of bonus material becomes additionally valuable, I think. And it's a great performance in itself, too.

Recommended to fans of Queensrÿche, progressive metal and traditional heavy metal and hard rock.

(review originally posted on metalmusicarchives.com)"