OPERATION: MINDCRIME II - QUEENSRYCHE
Instead of the powerful, linear sound that infused Queensryche’s 1988 concept album “Operation: Mindcrime,†it’s follow-up uses different textures. “Mindcrime II†continues the story of Nikki, an addict manipulated by anarchist leader Dr. X into murdering dozens of people. As exciting as the 17-song record can be, some tracks are puzzling. When Nikki swears vengeance against his nemesis (â€One Foot in Hellâ€), the slinky beat undercuts his conviction. Conversely, there is killer rock afoot: the incredible deep grooves of “Hostage,†fresh, snappy hooks on “The Hands†and a duet between singer Geoff Tate and rock icon Ronnie James Dio. Some will scream bloody murder over the album’s deviation from the original. But most fans should appreciate the sad, gorgeous finale, “All the Promises,†which caps the band’s best album since 1994’s “Promised Land.†–Billboard
