Operation: Mindcrime II

"I think that this release has received more criticism than deserved. A lot of people dislike it simply because it is a sequel to a masterpiece. "Operation: Mindcrime II" may not be a masterpiece like "Operation: Mindcrime" (or "Empire" for that matter), but I think it is a pretty good album, and probably Queensrüche's best release of the 2000s.

"Operation: Mindcrime II" has a more modern sound than Queensrÿche's masterpieces of the 80s, but still recognizable as a Queensryche release. I mean it has all the drame and social commentary, and almost the same level of sophistication, as "Operation: Mindcrime", and a lot of the tracks are very solid rockers with Geoff Tate returning to form vocals-wise. There is also a guest appearance by Ronnie James Dio, who provides the voice of the villain Dr. X.

This is an underrated heavy metal album and, for my money, a more that worthy sequel to "Operation: Mindcrime".

(review originally posted on metalmusicarchives.com)"