Queensrÿche
Operation Mindcrime

THE REVIEW

In a hospital room, a young man is waking up. His mind seems emptied, but suddenly everything violently resurfaces, memories and remorse. Thus begins a long flashback, a violent story of manipulation and deceit, of power and murders.

In 1988, Queensryche had reached full artistic and compositional maturity, creating their masterpiece, an intense and at times unsettling album through its lyrics forming an incredible story in terms of drama and emotions of every kind, from anger to despair, love to remorse. These sensations are vividly rendered by the extraordinary and intelligent lyrics sung passionately and wholeheartedly by an inspired Geoff Tate.

This concept album is a diamond that shines with its own light and, along with W.A.S.P.'s "The Crimson Idol" and Savatage's "Streets," is among the best ever conceived. Musically, the album unfolds on majestic and resounding metal sounds, with interludes spoken by the protagonists of the story, brief keyboard inserts, a pounding rhythmic groundwork, and the imaginative and spectacular guitar work of De Garmo and Wilton. Every song exudes pathos and an incredible energy, with Tate's divine voice branding each track, one of the best voices in the history of metal. Each song showcases the band's technique and inventiveness, in a whirlwind of power and emotions with a progressive and theatrical taste. "The Mission", "Breaking The Silence", "Eyes Of a Stranger", "Speak", "I Don't Believe in Love", the long and sinister "Suite Sister Mary" are absolute masterpieces from a band in a state of grace, not to mention the piece that, in my opinion, best represents the spirit of the concept: "Spreading The Disease" with its heartbreaking lyrics, phenomenal chorus, and one of the most touching and intelligent lyrics ever, discussing drugs, politics, and sexual violence, all narrated by the story’s protagonist describing his encounter with Sister Mary.

A masterful and unique album, unrepeatable in its grandeur and sonic completeness, a journey that slowly transforms into a nightmare and swallows forms and atmospheres of every kind until twisting them into music, true music.

She's Sister Mary now, eyes as cold as ice, he takes her once a week on the altar like a sacrifice, spreading the disease everybody needs but no one wants to see... "I REMEMBER NOW".